how do i turn on automatic updates in windows xp

if you have WindowsXP SP2 (service pack 2) installed, then follow these directions:

click start button –> control panel –> security center

then click on the button that says “turn on automatic updates.” this will enable a fully automatic update feature that handles downloading and installing the latest critical updates released by microsoft.

if you wish to further configure the updates (i.e. when you would like to download updates or to do manual install), click on the link for automatic updates at the bottom of the page below the heading “manage security settings for:”

tip: visit the the windows update site to check for non-critical updates and updates to microsoft office products. these updates are not autmatically installed by the automatic update system.