You can choose to let your Microsoft Windows operating system scan for updates automatically. This helps to make sure your computer stays up to date and secure.

You can set the automatic download time for any time of the day or night. To avoid interrupting your work or slowing down your PC's performance, you may wish to specify a time when you won't be using the computer - just make sure your computer is left on for it.

Windows 7 users

To turn on automatic updates for Windows 7, follow these steps:

1. Click Start and select Control Panel.
2. Select Large icons in the View by drop-down list on the right-hand side.
3. Click Windows Update.
4. Under Important updates select Install updates automatically (recommended).
5. Tick the box labelled Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates.
6. Click OK.


Windows Vista users

To turn on automatic updates for Windows Vista, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Windows Update icon.
3. Click the Change Settings link.
4. Select the Install updates automatically (recommended) option by clicking it.
5. Click the Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates box to place a tick in it.
6. Click OK.


Windows XP users

To turn on automatic updates for Windows XP, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, then click Control Panel.
2. If necessary, click the Performance and Maintenance icon.
3. Double-click the System icon.
4. Click the Automatic Updates tab.
5. Tick the Keep my computer up to date box.
6. Choose the Automatic (Recommended) option by clicking it.
7. Click OK.


Windows 2000 and Me users

To turn on automatic updates for Windows 2000 or Windows Me, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, select Settings, then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Automatic Updates icon.
3. Choose the Automatically download the updates and notify me when they are ready to be installed option by clicking it.
4. Click OK.


Windows 98 users

To turn on automatic updates for Windows 98, follow these steps:

1. Go to: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
2. Next to Windows Critical Update Notification, click the Add button.
3. Click Review and Install Updates.
4. Click Install Now.