I can't change the schedule for Windows update

[David Sherman]

I want windows to automatically download the updates for me. For some
reason, the Windows update was corrupted so I had to go to
C:\windows\Download Program Files to update the damage files.
Right now, Windows downloads the files and lets me decide when to
install them. I want Windows to download and install automatically.

But I can't figure how to change this setting.

thanks

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

I want windows to automatically download the updates for me. For some
reason, the Windows update was corrupted so I had to go to
C:\windows\Download Program Files to update the damage files.
Right now, Windows downloads the files and lets me decide when to
install them. I want Windows to download and install automatically.

But I can't figure how to change this setting.

thanks

Go to Control Panel / Automatic Updates. Select the first option and set the schedule you wish to use.

 

[David Sherman]

I can't. That item is greyed out- The second item is defaut item. I
can't even chage it.

 

[WTC]

I can't. That item is greyed out- The second item is defaut item. I
can't even chage it.

Navigate to this location in the registry,

HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU

You can safely delete everything in the right-hand pane. But if you are
unsure (make a back-up), export the reg entries. Right-click on AU and
select export. If you need to restore the keys, simply double-click the
exported files.

 

[David Sherman]

Thanks for the help.

Just prior to receiving your message, I found a site:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/aupolicy.htm.

I deleted the 2 keys for AUOptions and NoAutoAutoUpdate from
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \Micosoft \ Windows \
WindowsUpdate \ AU.

I also noticed and also forgot the I used this machine to test WSUS.
So I also deleted any references to my WSUS testing.

I also open gpedit.msc and set to Not Configure per the URL above.

thanks again for the post.

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

I can't. That item is greyed out- The second item is defaut item. I
can't even chage it.

David

Make sure that the "Automatic Update" service is configured and set to automatic.
Go to Start / Run and type Services.msc and click OK.
In the services window, scroll down to the Automatic Update service and double click it.
In the Startup Type menu, select Automatic and click the Start button to start the service.
Check the results in Control panel

 

[WTC]

Thanks for the help.

Just prior to receiving your message, I found a site:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/aupolicy.htm.

I deleted the 2 keys for AUOptions and NoAutoAutoUpdate from
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \Micosoft \ Windows \
WindowsUpdate \ AU.

I also noticed and also forgot the I used this machine to test WSUS.
So I also deleted any references to my WSUS testing.

I also open gpedit.msc and set to Not Configure per the URL above.

thanks again for the post.

You're welcome David.

 

[JD]

I have a "variation" on the same theme. Mine is set to Automatic, yet I
always get the notice in the notification area that updates are ready to be
installed. I then click and OK and the installation begins. This sounds like
the second option.
Last night when this happened, what was installed was an update to one of my
non-Microsoft programs. I'd like to prevent this from happening. Am I best
advised to just visit the Windows Update site regularly and authorize
download and install manually?

I want windows to automatically download the updates for me. For some
reason, the Windows update was corrupted so I had to go to
C:\windows\Download Program Files to update the damage files.
Right now, Windows downloads the files and lets me decide when to
install them. I want Windows to download and install automatically.

But I can't figure how to change this setting.

thanks

Go to Control Panel / Automatic Updates. Select the first option and set the
schedule you wish to use.