How to Use Automatic Updates

The Windows XP Automatic Updates feature provides high-priority updates, such as security and other critical updates, that can help protect your computer.

By turning on Automatic Updates, the latest critical and security updates can be automatically downloaded and installed on your computer.
To turn on Automatic Updates, you’ll need to be logged in as an administrator.

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Security Center.
   
   
2. Under Manage security settings for, click Automatic Updates.
   
   
3. In the Automatic Updates box, click Automatic (recommended).
   
   
4. Under Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them, select the day and time you want Windows to download and install updates. If you shut your computer off every night, you might want to set Automatic Updates to update at noon every day.
   
   
5. Click Apply, and then click OK.
6. Close the Security Center, and close Control Panel.

You can also visit the Windows Update Web site to download optional updates, such as recommended software and hardware updates, which can help improve your computer's performance.

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Internet Explorer.
2. From the Tools menu, click Windows Update.
   
   

Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a list of recommended updates that you can download and install.