![Add The Quick Launch Bar To Windows 7 [How-To]](http://assets.groovypost.com/images/2009/AddTheQuickLaunchBarToWindows7HowTo_9957/image_thumb.png "Add The Quick Launch Bar To Windows 7 [How-To]")
One of the most important ways to protect your computer from malicious software is by regularly installing official Windows updates each month. Unlike Windows XP which uses an external webpage for updates, Windows Vista and Windows 7 both use a Windows Update Application built right into the OS.
The new interface adds a few features and also changes things around a little. Let’s take a look at how to make sure you’re getting all of the updates from Microsoft needed to keep your computer secure.
(Note – For corporate enterprise systems being managed by your corporate IT department with WSUS, SCCM and GPO, some or all of the options below may be grayed out or unavailable per your corporate standard / AD Group Policy).
In Windows 7, the Windows Update tool can be found by opening the Windows Start Orb (Hotkey: Win Key Or CTRL+ESC) on the Toolbar and Type windows update. You can then Press Enter or Click the Program link to open it up.
Once your in the Windows Update tool, you may need to Check for Updates but after that’s done you’ll get a summary of the total number of updates available that you haven’t installed yet. For more information on these updates Click the important updates are available link or the optional updates are available link. They both take you to the same place.
If you Click an individual update you can read a brief description of the update or even More information. Under optional updates, you may notice several language packs depending on your version of Windows 7. Since I don’t speak all of those languages, my preference is to Right-Click the ones I didn’t want and Hide the update.
Once you’ve finished selecting which updates you want to install / hide, the next step is the Change Settings window.
You really only need to visit this menu for new systems you’ve not configured yet. Personally I recommend you Select Install updates automatically as this will ensure the highest level of protection for your Windows 7 System. You can optionally change the time you want the updates applied (I normally choose 2am since I never turn off my machines… yeah yeah I know…).
Once configured using the settings above, your box will proactively reach out and check with Microsoft each day at the time specified (12pm above) to see if new security and software updates are available for your computer.
Normally Microsoft only releases or updates Security updates the 2nd Tuesday of every month (Super Tuesday) however software updates/hotfixes or patches which fix more general bugs for your OS and other Microsoft titles like Office can be released at anytime during the month which is why I recommend configuring your Auto-Update to check daily for updates and security patches.
Questions about Windows Update or a particular setting? Drop a comment below or in our groovy Community Forum!
Dont forget if you set it up to accept important updates you should also get Office updates which is important since that's where emails come in etc…
Yup, that should be covered by checking the “Microsoft Update” checkbox in the last screenshot above.
OK… anyone who doesn't have auto updates running should just be shot… end of discussion.
yeah well… our admin at work turned off Windows Update then he forgets to update WSUS… so now who's the idiot!!!!
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