Why should I update my operating system?
Updates help to protect your computer from viruses, worms, and other threats as they are discovered.
If you are using Microsoft Windows® 2000 Service Pack 3 (SP3) or later, you can use the Automatic Updates feature to automatically download current and future Windows security updates when your computer is on and connected to the Internet.
In this step, we'll tell you how to turn on Automatic Updates.
Note: Microsoft recommends installing the latest service pack to ensure that you have the most recent updates for your version of Windows. To download the latest service pack for Windows 2000, visit Windows 2000 Service Packs.
Turn on the Automatic Updates feature
- Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click Automatic Updates.
- Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then select Keep my computer up to date.
- Select a setting. Microsoft recommends selecting Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify and setting a daily update time.
You can schedule Automatic Updates for any time of day. Remember, your computer must be on at the scheduled time for updates to be installed. (We recommend choosing a time when you will not be using the computer for other tasks.)
Your computer is now set up to receive critical and security updates automatically.
Important: If you set up Automatic Updates to notify you, or if you forget to leave your computer on, you will see a notification balloon when updates are available. Click the notification balloon to review and install the updates.
Tip: If you're not using Automatic Updates or to get updates in addition to critical and security updates, visit the Windows Update site. If you use Microsoft Office, visit the Office Update site to install the latest security releases.
Your next step toward a more secure PC
Completing the following task will better protect your PC.
