Configuring Windows Update in Windows 8
Aside from protection offered by well-known anti-virus and anti-malware systems. The Microsoft Windows Update has its own way of making sure their users get the latest security for their PC and operating system.
Windows Update keeps computers up-to-date and running smoothly with performance improvements. This update keeps computers safe from any attempts to break into them. It is recommended to activate the notifications settings for your Windows Update.
Most of the times, Microsoft discovers bugs in their operating system. They deliver fixes to these errors through Windows Update.
Sometimes Microsoft adds new features as part of the fix and acts as an agent for some driver software and then, they deliver updates on behalf of the software manufacturers.
To access Windows 8 settings, bring up the default charms by pointing your cursor to the upper right corner of the screen.
Go to Settings. Click on Change PC Settings at the bottom of the panel. Select Windows Update. By default, Windows Update automatically installs and set up for you.
However, it does rely on having an internet connection since it goes to the Microsoft website to check for updates. You can also find the Check for updates now button to manually look for updates.
If you need to make any changes to how Windows Update is set-up on your device, these can be made in the Control Panel.
On the Start Screen, find the search box. Sometimes it looks like a magnifier and the type the word Control Panel. When you find it in the result, click on it.
Look for Windows Update under System and Security.
Basically, there are 2 types of updates: important updates and optional updates. Even if you are set to automatically install updates, only the most important updates will automatically be installed.
You can choose to manually install the optional updates if there are any.
There is an Installed Updates link once you look at the bottom left corner of the Windows Update’s main screen. From there, you will find the installed updates history. If you need to uninstall an update, select the update from the list and click Uninstall.
Still in the Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update. At the top left-hand corner is the Change Setting link.
This is where you can reconfigure the Windows Update setting of your computer. You are recommended to install updates automatically.
However, you have other options wherein updates will be downloaded. Choose which ones to install. Users are also allowed to check for Windows Updates. Also, it letting you decide whether to download and install them.
You are not recommended to select never to check for updates, but this might be an option for those with a limited internet connection and who want to control what’s being installed on their computer.
For a finer level of control over Windows Updates, you can define a maintenance window for your computer and set scheduled maintenance. You can also enable or disable receiving recommended updates as well as updates for other Microsoft products.
Simon Calder
Chris “Simon” Calder was working as a Project Manager in IT for one of Los Angeles’ most prestigious cultural institutions, LACMA. He taught himself to use Microsoft Project from a giant textbook and hated every moment of it. Online learning was in its infancy then, but he spotted an opportunity and made an online MS Project course - the rest, as they say, is history!