How Should I Deal with Microsoft Windows Updates?
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Windows Updates
It is essential that Windows Updates are run, preferably on a weekly basis. Updates ensure your PC is protected from security flaws which may occur. Microsoft often tends to release a new update patch at the beginning of every month on a Tuesday. However, if any new infection or attack is discovered then Microsoft will immediately release a patch to fix this.
Windows updates for PC usage
It is recommended that once a Windows Update has started to install that it is left to run its course. This is because any interruption made to the installation process may affect the stability of the PC, or even worse cause long term damage.
Windows updates for Servers usage
Unlike Windows updates on a conventional PC, we would suggest that automatic updates are disabled, but that a member of staff is assigned to check for and run updates on a regular basis.
This will allow you to deal with any inputs that may be demanded and control any restarts that may be needed after updates have been installed and prevent the server shutting down on its own during the day, as not only may the server take longer than normal to boot back up, but it may restart itself at a very inconvenient time without much warning! Instructions on how to check and install updates can be found out at the bottom of this page. These updates must be installed to ensure that the server is protected from security flaws and keeps the machine running at optimum performance.
Instructions to disable automatic Windows Updates
- Hold down the Windows logo key and letter 'R' on the keyboard and type in 'services.msc' in the " Run" command box.
- Go to the Windows Update service, General tab, Start-up Type. Use the dropdown box to select Manual - by default this will be set to Automatic.
Manual Installation of Windows Updates
- To install Windows Updates manually, use the following options depending on your operating system.
- On Windows 10 = Hold down the Windows logo key and letter 'I' on the keyboard, Updates Security and click [Download]
- On Windows 7 = " Start All Programs Windows Update Check for Updates Install Updates".
- To allow manual installation of Windows on a server, you will need to point your mouse cursor to the lower-right corner of the screen and click Search. Enter Windows Update in the Details box and click [Check for Updates] ensuring that the checkbox has 'Important' or 'Optional' selected, then click [Install Updates].
