How to turn on Windows Updates

These three versions of Windows (Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8) have very similar Windows Update settings but I’ll call out any differences as we walk through the process.

  1. Open Control Panel. In Windows 8, the WIN+X Menu is the quickest way, and in Windows 7 & Vista, check the Start menu for the link.
  2. Tap or click on the System and Security link, or just Security in Windows Vista.

    Note: If you’re viewing the Classic View, Large icons, or Small icons view of Control Panel, choose Windows Update instead and then skip to Step 4.

  3. From the System and Security window, choose the Windows Update link.
  4. Once Windows Update opens, click or tap the Change settings link on the left.
  5. The settings you see on the screen right now control how Windows Update will look for, receive, and install updates from Microsoft.

    Tip: I recommend that you choose Install updates automatically (recommended) from the drop-down and then check all the other items on the page. This will make sure your computer receives and installs all the updates it needs.

    Note: You can also customize the time that downloaded updates are installed. In Windows 8, this is behind the Updates will be automatically installed during the maintenance window link and in Windows 7 & Vista, it’s right there on the Windows Update screen.

  6. Tap or click OK to save the changes. Feel free to close the Windows Update window you were returned to.

Windows 10

  1. Tap or click on the Start button, followed by Settings. You’ll need to be on the Windows 10 Desktop to do this.
  2. From Settings, tap or click on Update & security.
  3. Choose Windows Update from the menu on the left, assuming it’s not already selected.
  4. Tap or click on the Advanced options link on the right, which will open a window headlined Choose how updates are installed.
  1. The various settings on this page control how Windows 10 will download and install updates for the operating system, and perhaps other software, from Microsoft.

    Tip: I highly recommend that you do the following: select Automatic (recommended) from the drop-down, check Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows., and do not check the Defer upgrades option. All things considered, this is the safest way to go.