Windows Update

plumbarius · 25 Mar 2015

hello Everybody, My question Is it better to have Windows update automatically, or to do it manually.
Alex.

wingcoax · 25 Mar 2015

If done automatically then your computer will need to be on all the time, and will re-boot itself. Really it is just personal choice.

mattylad · 25 Mar 2015

NO it wont - "have to be on all the time".

It will download the updates when it is on, there is no need for it to be on all the time, you just leave it on for long enough to download updates. (usually Tue|Wed).

JBR · 25 Mar 2015

I have mine set to inform me of updates, but to download and update only when I choose.

I have learnt through bitter experience that, if left on fully automatic, the computer can re-start at some very inconvenient times, for example when I am doing something important online.

CylonRaider · 27 Mar 2015

It''ll start to update the moment you switch off and absolutely HAVe to go out immediately.

½ hour later it will shut down !!

SwitchTheElectricsOff · 29 Mar 2015

I'd set it to automatically download (with recommendations) and you choose what/when to install, that way you are in total control

mattylad · 30 Mar 2015

MS have configured it to detect when you need to shut down and leave in a hurry so will always only update laptops at that time, and it will take it's longest when you next need to boot for an important meeting.

Just the way it is I'm afraid.

JBR · 30 Mar 2015

mattylad said:
MS have configured it to detect when you need to shut down and leave in a hurry so will always only update laptops at that time, and it will take it's longest when you next need to boot for an important meeting.

How on Earth does it know when I want to go out?!

What CylonRaider said earlier:

"It''ll start to update the moment you switch off and absolutely HAVE to go out immediately.
½ hour later it will shut down !!"

is exactly what happened to me once when I had Windows Update set to fully automatic.