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.

To turn on automatic updates for Windows Vista:

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.

To turn on automatic updates for Windows XP:

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.

To turn on automatic updates for Windows 2000 or Windows Me:

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.

To turn on automatic updates for Windows 98:

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.