Install Important Windows Updates

Microsoft releases important updates on the second Tuesday of each month (e.g. Patch Tuesday). Ag IT recommends that you install these updates as soon as you see the alert.

Penn State computers have been configured to automatically receive important updates. You may be prompted to install these automatic updates in two ways.

  1. Automatic Updates message
    If Windows updates were downloaded and applied overnight, you may see this message displayed on your computer. You should leave this message as is for the moment. If you have any open applications (Outlook, Word, etc.), switch to their windows. Save any open documents. Then click Restart Now.

    Windows updates

  2. System Tray alert
    You may see a Windows Update icon in your system tray (lower right corner of screen).
    Updates Available.png
     

    If you have any open applications (Outlook, Word, etc.), switch to their windows. Save any open documents. Click on the Windows Update icon to apply the updates. If asked, restart the computer.

How to Verify that Windows Updates have been applied

You can easily check to see if updates have been applied successfully.

  1. Click on the Start menu and type Update.
    • Check for Updates.png
  2. Select Check for Updates and then select View Update History.
    • View Update History.png
  3. This will display the list of updates and the date applied.

How to Install Windows Updates Manually

  1. Click on the Start menu and type Update.
    • Check for Updates.png
  2. Select Check for Updates and then click the Check for updates button.
    • Check for Updates Button.png
  3. If items are found, click the Install Updates button.
  4. If you are asked to Restart the computer, please do so.

    Note: If you were asked to restart the computer, repeat Steps 1 - 4 until all the Windows updates are applied.

updated 2/4/2022 ehs13