Because Windows isn't perfect when you purchase it, Microsoft helps customers improve the operating system as they use it.

The company does this by sending your computer software updates that it can install automatically. When you configure Automatic Updates, you have the option to choose options you'd like to install. While some updates are essential, others are optional and you don't need to install those if you don't need them. The Windows Update feature built into your operating system saves you time by eliminating the need to search the Web for system updates and install them manually.

As soon as Microsoft makes important software updates available, your computer can install them.

You don't have to worry about Windows adding software to your computer without your knowledge. A history feature keeps a list of all updates you've installed and lets you view them.

You don't have to turn automatic updates on to get them to work. Windows does that when you install the operating system unless you tell it not to during setup.

How do I determine if I should install optional updates? | Windows Secrets Lounge

If you're not getting updates, you can open the Search Charm, type "Turn Automatic Updating On or Off" and click that icon when you see it to open the Change Settings window.

There you can click the "Important Updates" drop-down menu and tell Windows how you'd like it to handle updates. The Windows Update window provides important information about the update process, telling you when Windows last checked for available updates, when it installed them and the type of updates it checks for. If important or optional updates are available, you'll binary options trading hack 1 hour strategy links that show you the number of available updates.

While optional updates may not fix security issues, they could correct minor problems, update system drivers or upgrade a Windows application. After you click the link that says you have optional updates, you can view them in a list. Click an update and you'll see details that describe the update. For instance, you may see one for Microsoft Silverlight, a browser plug-in similar to Flash. If you'd like to install that or any other update, put a check mark next to the update.

After you click "Install," Windows installs windows update optional updates update. If you don't allow Windows Update to update your computer, Microsoft suggests that you check for updates weekly.

Although the company says that it releases important updates about once a month, it could make them available any time. Although Microsoft sends updates for free, it still could cost you money if your Internet Service Provider charges you according to the amount of data that you download from the Web. After majoring in physics, Kevin Lee began writing professionally in when, as a software developer, he also created technical articles for the Johnson Space Center.

Today this urban Texas cowboy continues to crank out high-quality software as well as non-technical articles covering a multitude of diverse topics ranging from gaming to current affairs. Skip to main content.

Windows Update Benefits The Windows Update feature built into your operating system saves you time by eliminating the need to search the Web for system updates and install them manually. Configuration You don't have to turn automatic updates on to get them to work. Optional Updates The Windows Update window provides important information about the update process, telling you when Windows last checked for available updates, when it installed them and the type of updates it checks for.

Tips If you don't allow Windows Update to update your computer, Microsoft suggests that you check for updates weekly.

References 3 Microsoft Windows Keep Your PC Up to Date Microsoft Windows: Windows Automatic Updating- Frequently Asked Questions Windows 8 Bible; Jim Boyce, Bob Tidrow. Computer and Internet Security. About the Author After majoring in physics, Kevin Lee began writing professionally in when, as a software developer, he also created technical articles for the Johnson Space Center.

How do I determine whether an optional update should be installed or - Microsoft Community

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