Windows Update is the best way to keep Windows 8 updated with the latest patches and service packs. However, you have several options when it comes to configuring how updates are downloaded and installed.
Right after installing Windows 8, or when first turning on a new Windows 8 computer, you are asked some questions about how you would like Windows Update to work. Those answers configure Windows Update in a certain way. You can change those settings at anytime.
Choose Install updates automatically (recommended) from the drop-down box under Important updates to fully enable automatic updates. Click or tap the Updates will be automatically installed during the maintenance window. link and make sure the Automatic Maintenance time is one when your computer is on or sleeping, but isn't in use.
Microsoft recommends this option because you don't have to remember to do anything. Specifically, enabling automatic updates ensures that the Windows 8 operating system is always kept fully updated with the latest security patches .
Choose Never check for updates (not recommended) from the drop-down box under Important updates to completely disable automatic downloads, installations, and even checks for updates.
Choose Download updates but let me choose whether to install them to force Windows Update to check for, and download, available updates. However, no downloaded update will install automatically. You have to explicitly choose to install the updates either from Windows Update or during the next shutdown process.
If you're looking for a little more control over updating Windows 8, this is a good option.
Choose Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them to stop Windows Update from downloading and installing updates. You'll still get notifications about new Windows 8 updates but that's all they'll be - notifications.
This option gives you complete control over downloads and installations but still keeps you informed of new Windows 8 patches. This is probably a better choice than disabling automatic updates completely.
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