Set my Windows operating system to automatically scan for updates

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.

Information you need
You will need to know what version of the Microsoft Windows operating system is installed on your computer. If you do not know how to find this information, follow the instructions in the online help article entitled How to determine which version of Windows I have.

Turn on automatic updates

You can set the automatic download time for any time of the day or night. Just be sure your computer is on at that time. To avoid slow-downs in your PC's performance, AOL recommends that you specify a time when you will not be using the computer yourself.

To turn on Automatic Updates for Windows XP:

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

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 the OK button.

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 the Review and Install Updates button.
4. Click the Install Now button.