Windows Updates

How Can I Determine if my System is Configured for Automatic Updates?

1. Navigate to the Start Menu → All Programs → Windows Update → Change Settings (on the right panel)

2. You should see that Automatic (Recommended) is selected.

   • It is normal for all of the choices to be grayed out: Olin's domain policy forces Automatic Updates to be on and prevents users from changing it.

3. If Automatic (Recommended) is not currently selected, you should change your settings to ensure that your computer stays up-to-date.

An Easy Check to Determine Whether or Not Your System is Updating Properly

• Navigate to the Start Menu → All Programs → Windows Update → View update history

• Your system is not updating properly if you find either of the following:

  • Your last updates are not recent (within the last week or so). Microsoft released patches mid-week, every week which should be applied to your system.

  • You have various patches whose status is listed as failed.

How Can I Run Windows Updates?

Windows updates are automatically configured to run every day on systems configured for our Olin domain. You can also run them manually at any time.

1. Navigate to the Start Menu → All Programs → Windows Update → Check for Updates

2. If any important updates are available, select Install Updates

   • Otherwise, you may be able to select optional updates

What if Windows Updates Aren't Working?

If Windows Updates aren't working, it's likely due to a problem with the BITS service not running on system startup. If you're having a problem with BITS, refer to this article.

If that doesn't work, feel free to contact the IT Help Desk.