Automatic updates are crucial for maintaining the security and performance of your Windows operating system. They ensure that your system receives the latest security patches, bug fixes, and feature updates. In this article, we will explore how to manage automatic updates in Windows using various methods, including the Settings app, Group Policy Editor, and Command Prompt (CMD).

Using the Settings App

The simplest way to manage automatic updates is through the Windows Settings app. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Settings App:

   • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

2. Navigate to Update & Security:

   • Click on "Update & Security".

3. Manage Windows Update Settings:

   • Click on "Windows Update" in the left pane.
   • Here, you can check for updates, pause updates for a specific period, and change active hours to avoid updates during your working hours.

Using Group Policy Editor

For more advanced control, you can use the Group Policy Editor. This method is available in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

1. Open Group Policy Editor:

   • Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to Windows Update Settings:

   • Go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update.

3. Configure Automatic Updates:

   • Double-click on "Configure Automatic Updates".
   • Select "Enabled" and choose one of the available options (e.g., notify for download and auto install, auto download and notify for install, etc.).
   • Click "Apply" and then "OK".

Using Command Prompt (CMD)

You can also manage automatic updates via the Command Prompt using the wuauclt and sconfig commands.

1. Check for Updates:

   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Type wuauclt /detectnow and press Enter. This command forces Windows to check for updates immediately.

2. Configure Updates Using sconfig:

   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Type sconfig and press Enter.
   • Select option 5 (Windows Update Settings).
   • Choose the desired option (e.g., manual, download only, etc.).

Examples

Example 1: Using CMD to Check for Updates

wuauclt /detectnow

Example 2: Using Group Policy Editor to Configure Automatic Updates

1. Open gpedit.msc.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update.
3. Double-click on "Configure Automatic Updates".
4. Select "Enabled" and choose your preferred setting.
5. Click "Apply" and then "OK".

Example 3: Using sconfig to Configure Updates

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sconfig and press Enter.
3. Select option 5 (Windows Update Settings).
4. Choose the desired option.