How to Change Auto Update Settings in XP
Microsoft introduced the Windows Update feature with its launch of the XP operating system in 2001. This program periodically checks with the Windows website and downloads any needed patches or bug fixes to keep XP running smoothly. Normally this is done in the background, while you're working on other tasks. But if you're the type of user who likes to have total control over his system, it's possible to change the auto update settings in XP.
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Instructions
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Click the "Start" button in XP and select "Control Panel."
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In the Control Panel, select "Automatic Updates."
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Pick the update option out of the four available that best suits your needs:
1) "Install updates automatically" will download your updates and install them for you automatically. It is the recommended option, but it might prove cumbersome if you like to control every aspect of your system.
2) "Download updates but you choose when to install them" will download the updates and then remind you periodically that they need to be installed.
3) "Check for updates but don't download or install" will let you know when you have updates available, but will not download or install them.
4) "Turn off automatic updates" will completely shut off your updates. This is not recommended. -
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Click "OK" when you are happy with your choices and exit the update program. The changes will take effect immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are using Windows Firewall, it should be automatically configured to allow updates for your computer. You don't have to adjust any of the program settings.
Be sure to exit out of any programs you are running and save your data when running an update, as this could interfere with any system patches. You may also have to restart your system when the update completes.
It's not a good idea to turn off the automatic updates, as this could leave your system vulnerable to exploitation attacks and malware that the updates are intended to fix.
