Windows Update (Windows 7) 

Overview

With the continuing increase in computer exploits, viruses, and other malicious software ("malware"), the IT Department strives to keep on top of all of the known computer security issues that affect our school. When a software patch comes out that allows us to further secure our systems, we try to deploy it to your computers as soon as we can. In addition, many times we come across software patches that fix bugs in the software that you use and want to install those as well.

In the past, we patched computers when they were in for maintenance or repair. While this approach worked, it was not ideal due to the lengthy period between patching & the inconsistency between users' computers that was inherent with that method. Our new servers now allow us to adopt a better method for updating the computers on campus: Windows Update. How this works is outlined below.

Note: You will still receive an email prior to the IT Department approving and pushing out most updates.

How Updates are Deployed to Your Computer

Updates Usually Install Automatically

• After the IT Department approves the installation of a particular software update, it will automatically download onto your computer in the background during idle time.
• Once that completes, the update will automatically install itself in the background, either
  • at night if your computer is on, or
  • about 10 minutes after you turn your computer on.
• If the update requires your computer to reboot to complete the installation, it will notify you and give you the option to restart either now or later.
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  • If you would like to postpone the restart, choose an amount of time before the next reminder will pop up by using the drop down menu. Click the Postpone button to postpone the notification and restart until the selected time.
  • When you are ready to restart, close out of all open applications and click the Restart now button. 
  • Note: Many updates require you to restart before they become effective. If you don't, your computer may still be at risk. Also, if you are not logged on and an update installs, it may automatically initiate a restart.

Manually Install Downloaded Updates

• If an update has finished downloading to your computer, but has not yet installed automatically, you can manually perform the installation if you so choose.
• You will want to click on the Windows Update Icon in your Notification Area (this will only appear if an update is ready to install).
  • Click the Windows Update icon as seen below:
     
     
• A window will appear and show you how many updates are ready to install. Click Install Updates to install the updates immediately.
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• Updates will then install automatically and will ask you to restart if required.