The Automatic Update feature allows you to easily keep your computer up-to-date with the latest patches, hot fixes, and service packs. You can configure Automatic Update settings using the System applet in the Control Panel. Or, you can use the local Computer Policy.

To use this method, you must open the Group Policy Editor. Click Start and click Run. Type gpedit.msc and Click OK. Within the Group Policy Editor, expand Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components. Select the Windows Update container and the configurable settings will be displayed in the details pane.

To enable Automatic Updates, double click the Configure Automatic Updates Properties option. From the Setting tab shown in Figure D, select Enabled. Use the drop down arrows to choose one of the following options:

• 3 - Auto download and notify for install

• 2 - Notify for download and notify for install
• 4 - Auto download and schedule the install
• 5 - Allow local admin to choose setting

If you select 4 - Auto download and schedule the install, you can then use the Scheduled install day and Scheduled install time to configure when updates are installed.

[tags]gpedit.msc,automatic update,diana huggins,computer policy,administrative templates[/tags]