How Windows Update Keeps Itself Up-to-Date

Article
09/13/2007

There have been some questions raised about how we service the Windows Update components and concerns expressed about software installing silently. I want to clarify the issue so that everyone can better understand why the self-updating of Windows Update acts the way it does.

So first some background: Windows Update is designed to help our consumer and small business customers (customers without an IT staff) keep their systems up-to-date. To do this, Windows Update provides different updating options: 1) Install updates automatically, 2) Download updates but let me choose whether to install them, 3) Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them, and 4) Never check for updates. Our goal is to automate the process wherever possible so that we can increase the likelihood of a system being secure and up-to-date, while giving customers the flexibility to control how and whether updates are installed. The reasons for this are both philosophical and practical. Philosophically, Microsoft believes that users should remain in control of their computer experience. Practically, customers have told us that they want to have time to evaluate our updates before they install them. That said, and to the benefit of both customers and the IT ecosystem, most customers choose to automate the updating experience.

So what is happening here? Windows Update is a service that primarily delivers updates to Windows. To ensure on-going service reliability and operation, we must also update and enhance the Windows Update service itself, including its client side software. These upgrades are important if we are to maintain the quality of the service.

Of course, for enterprise customers who use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Systems Management Server (SMS), all updating (including the WU client) is controlled by the network administrator, who has authority over the download and install experience.

One question we have been asked is why do we update the client code for Windows Update automatically if the customer did not opt into automatically installing updates without further notice? The answer is simple: any user who chooses to use Windows Update either expected updates to be installed or to at least be notified that updates were available. Had we failed to update the service automatically, users would not have been able to successfully check for updates and, in turn, users would not have had updates installed automatically or received expected notifications. That result would not only fail to meet customer expectations but even worse, that result would lead users to believe that they were secure even though there was no installation and/or notification of upgrades. To avoid creating such a false impression, the Windows Update client is configured to automatically check for updates anytime a system uses the WU service, independent of the selected settings for handling updates (for example, “check for updates but let me choose whether to download or install them”). This has been the case since we introduced the automatic update feature in Windows XP. In fact, WU has auto-updated itself many times in the past.

The point of this explanation is not to suggest that we were as transparent as we could have been; to the contrary, people have told us that we should have been clearer on how Windows Update behaves when it updates itself. This is helpful and important feedback, and we are now looking at the best way to clarify WU’s behavior to customers so that they can more clearly understand how WU works. At the same time, however, we wanted to explain the rationale for the product’s behavior so our customers know what the service is doing: WU updates itself to make sure it continues to work properly. We are also confident that the choice to use Automatic Updating continues to be the right choice.

Before closing, I would like to address another misconception that I have seen publically reported. WU does not automatically update itself when Automatic Updates is turned off, this only happens when the customer is using WU to automatically install upgrades or to be notified of updates.

Providing and maintaining the WU service is important to enable us to service our customers and help them maintain safe, more secure and reliable computers. We take this responsibility very seriously and we are proud of the impact that Windows Update has had to help users with safety security and reliability over the years. Updating the client has been and remains a critical piece to this approach.

We appreciate the feedback and I hope that this post helps you to understand the situation and our strategy.

Nate Clinton

Program Manager

Windows Update

Comments

Anonymous
January 01, 2003
There's been some discussion in the community regarding Windows Update "updating" itself
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Microsoft updates Windows without users' consent: http://windowssecrets.com/comp/070913/ » Confirmation
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Editorial coming next week, but so far this is amazing to me. Microsoft's stealth updates of their client...
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January 01, 2003
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January 01, 2003
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January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003

"Risk of no automatic updates detection occuring and being left vulnerable cause ya just didnt know V.S bad WUA patch being applied." That's a false argument. There will be a notification, saying that a necessary update to Windows Update is available. I don't see how that's any different or more dangerous than a notification that a given security patch is available.
It doesn't have to be a false Microsoft patch (although all it takes is one stolen certificate for that to be a possibility), Microsoft has proven that it's not infallible when it comes to patch distribution. Again, I point you to KB937061, available RIGHT NOW on Windows Update. If I didn't have "inform me" turned on, it would be constantly reinstalling on my system. Do you really think it's impossible for Microsoft to send out a Windows Update update that completely breaks Windows Update on a small percentage of systems? I think such a scenario is completely possible.
Explaining it away AFTER the subterfuge is detected, and acting like they did nothing wrong when they explicitly didn't follow user requests, is not an acceptable answer. Microsoft is trying to do the easy thing in terms of disclosure from their point of view, not the right thing for their users. The right thing is to FIX THE BUG that prevents the "notify me before installing updates" feature from working as expected. Failing that, I at least expect an accurate description for the behavior in the next service pack.

Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
My point is that system files were changed without my authorization or notification. That is hacking, which I believe is illegal. The PR story above isn't good enough explanation of why Microsoft had to do it behind EVERYONE'S back, deceitfully. Obviously it is deceitful since even the event log entry doesn't list any kb article. I work for a Gov't agency and the elected officials I have to manage networks for are fearful about everything that might possibly compromise their security. Now the story is out that Microsoft changed files on their systems even when I have update servers running and didn't approve the updates. I then have to explain that Microsoft did it without notifying anyone. Yes, this one I don't forsee going away easily.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
I promised you more information about this brouhaha. So, I've been on the horn with some of my contacts at Microsoft. Specifically those that are authoritative on this recent issue about Microsoft updating files on your systems even if you've opted out
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Nate Clinton a program manager for Windows Update has posted the details on the " Silent" update
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
If JonDewar's arguments were valid I would have already switched the rest of my systems to Linux. I borrow books from the library; does that give the librarian a right to enter my home at will and rearrange the books I've borrowed - or remove the next six pages I'm about to read? If I borrow a concrete mixer from the local "rent-a-center", does that give the mixer's true owner the right to interrupt a concrete pour I'm doing for several hours in order to perform routine maintenance, putting me to the expensive of tearing up the and replacing the half-poured floor? I believe that when you purchase the usage rights to any product any court in the land would uphold the argument that the buyer should reasonably be able to expect that the company that owns the property rights to that product will notify you of any changes it wishes to make and at a minimum give you the option to stop using that product if you do not wish the modification to take place. If they don't, you could reasonably expect various and sundry lawsuits to award various and sundry true and punitive damages if the customer should suffer harm resulting from the uninvited actions.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
It was quite interesting to know how Windows Update funnction. I have always prefered to keep them off for my PC.
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January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
and in this case it really seems to me that some folks are up in arms over this issue with little cause.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Why did you shutdown Autopatcher ??? Why don't you buy them out or maybe begin something like it out of your own stable???? Put yourself in the client/users shoes and realize that not everyone in the world has Broadband or fast internet to connect to Windows Update site. Some actually needs the offline update facility it's their only way of updating. Please work something out!!!!!
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
My main problem with this automatic update behavior is that it reboots automatically, causing loss of state. Note that other updates let me decide when to reboot, while this one rebooted itself after a few minutes. I suggest that MS change the behavior of these forced updates such that they wait for user input before rebooting. (Of course the more general problem to be fixed is that these updates shouldn't require a reboot in the first place.)
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
hi i'm lucky it didnt affect my vista computers except by installing every update since march 07 for me. I contacted MS 1-800-642-7676 and letting them now my concerns about how illegal this is .its my computer not theirs and if mine crashes whos going to pay for it repairs(not MS), so dont wast your time. but i did learn how to shut auto updates off further. go to start, in search type "services" scroll down to "windows update" and double click on it go down to startup type and change to disabled. goto apply then ok, and this further disables updates totally.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
everybody is spying on us nowdays. we are a bunch of idiots with money to spend. we are target groups. so they will not stop. $$$. Thats it. in addition to this Vista is c-r-a-p. Out of curiosity why it takes 30+ seconds to Cancel a file copy over wifi? Canceling, Canceling, Canceling..... Its a new dual core machine with a fresh copy of windows. Productivity is taken 50 years back.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Hello, thank you for the post. I actually want to mention something that nobody has before. I have the WU set to "check for updates but let me choose whether to download or install them" for two reasons: First, it is cool to see new updates are available and without being notified, the fun is gone. But what's far more important - the internet connection. I'm not on 8Mbps all the time. I do use GPRS connection, I do travel abroad and pay data roaming byte by byte. So when I choose to not download the updates, it's because I don't want to download (and pay) anything than absolute minimum required to complete my task. I don't say the way you update WU is bad or good, just think of it. No trust loss here. Keep up the great work. Jan
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
I think the WU service is a good service and should be able to update your system IF you have allowed this service. What I do NOT agree with is WU secretly updated your system when you have specifically blocked this service. That is Illegal. Firstly regarding the argument that WU had no choice but to update itself without the users consent because otherwise users could not use the update service in the future is an absolute load of rubbish. To give readers an insight here, I just recently installed Vista for a friend. I went to the update service to look for available updates and the first and only one available to me claimed it was needed to update the WU service so that future updates could be installed. Now tell me this, if WU has asked for permission to update itself in this instance; then why was it not possible at the above mentioned instances? I will tell you why, because MS thought they could get away with it. Well MS got caught with its pants down this time…and should be prosecuted!
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Microsoft has announced it will upgrade Windows' update mechanism later this month, a warning that
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Hi YourAllStupid: ( I guess that includes you, and maybe me ) I CHOOSE what I use and when I want to use it. If I choose to use windows I will. If I choose to use linux I will. There is no law forcing one or the other on me. Just like I have a car, a truck, a camper, and soon to come a boat. They each serve MY needs. I CHOOSE to use them if/and when I want. When Windows serves my needs I will use it, Period. When Linux serves my needs I will use it. Period. It so happens that I trust my truck more than my car for certain tasks and vice versa. The OS is no different, and I am not married to either. I just trust linux for more things than I trust windows. Can you live with that??? I have a CHOICE!! I like it. I know about wine( that's how you meant to spell it, right) and a few others. Currently most interested in vmware and KVM/qemu, but always looking for new things to try and learn about. That is how my "wheel of life" turns. Hope, yours finds a more peaceful and happy one as well. Signing out Joey
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Op verschillende sites kwam ik vandaag verhalen tegen over Windows Update. Het Update team geeft uitleg...
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
I wonder what happens in the case of industrial espionage? How can a company know that Microsoft or a "partner" is not stealling sensitive information? If it can change files at will then it can probably do anything? Correct me if Im making a wrong assumption.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Thanks for the attempt at clearing things up, yet still you seem to miss the crucial aspect of this issue. you cite the reason "Had we failed to update the service automatically, users would not have been able to successfully check for updates and, in turn, users would not have had updates ... That result would not only [FAIL] to meet customer expectations but even worse, that result would lead users to believe that they were secure even though there was no installation and/or notification of upgrades" So you are telling me that there is no possible way to notify people before the update, maybe in the form of a pre-update stating that windows update will be updated automatically. The point is not what you fixed or why you updated, the point is the method in which you went about doing it. You believe that sneakily updating your system is meeting customer expectations?? " In fact, WU has auto-updated itself many times in the past." Thanks for that, just curious how many other windows files have been secretly updated in the past? A letter of apology is required on this issue I believe, not only have you lost the trust of everyone using your OS, but you still have not apologized only justified. Intrusion into MY computer in an unacceptable practice. You have lost my trust and my respect, I am off to check what's new in the world of Linux.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Quote: "One question we have been asked is why do we update the client code for Windows Update automatically if the customer did not opt into automatically installing updates without further notice? The answer is simple: any user who chooses to use Windows Update either expected updates to be installed or to at least be notified that updates were available." Sorry, but by your own words, the user asked to be notified about updates, this should and does included updates to the Windows Update Services. When I visit the update website I am prompted to update them if out of date... Why do you think this is any different?
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Hey guys, "WU does not automatically update itself when Automatic Updates is turned off, this only happens when the customer is using WU to automatically install upgrades or to be notified of updates." Why you just don't turn the automatic updates off if it bothers you?
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
A real and big Thank You for setting "Microsoft knows better than I what I want" into perspective! Why don't you respect my private sphera and ask me ??
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Did you read any of the product documentation? Did you ever ask the question of what each of those options meant? Perhaps you blame the credit card company for your 19% interest rate when you applied for the card yourself. Other software is updating itself on your computer (Adobe, A/V software), but not sure you'd spend 5 mins whining about their updates...
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
The smart guys over at Windows Secrets have as usual been doing some spelunking and they discovered this week that Windows Update in Windows XP and Vista recently updated some files without telling the user. Of course, the files are executables used b..
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
I have two related problems with Windows Update. If either one were solved, it would be a big help.

I want Windows Defender updates installed automatically. These are sometimes very frequent and there is nothing to decide.
I do not want the risk that my PC might reboot itself in the middle of the night while automatically installing updates. I have had to switch off automatic updates because of this, but now have to install Defender updates manually. The best answer would be another update option: "install updates automatically but prompt me to reboot". The next best would be "install Defender updates automatically but prompt me for everything else".

Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Was anyone else disturbed by the phrase "Windows Update is a service that primarily delivers ...". If that is Windows Update's primary focus, what secondary focus does it have (maybe the file traffic isn't one-way)? I would've felt much better if the phrase had been "Windows Update is a service that exclusively delivers ..."
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Thanks for the explanation. I am as quick as anyone to question the motives of any company (or individual for that matter) and in this case it really seems to me that some folks are up in arms over this issue with little cause.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
So che ne sentivate la mancanza: eccovi un'altra puntata della mia rubrica Anti-FUD . E' una puntata
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
The WU update client automatically updates itself automatically when using WU for a good reason according to Microsoft, but they won't tell you why. The reason is to check the system for reportedly pirated keys and then disallowing you to update your system.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
sigh if you me to reactivate updates, please issue a proper appology and state that you will Never do this again -imma
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
That's exactly the type of service a hacker would like to compromise. Talk about wrecking havoc. You would think that a company with $21B in the bank could hire a competent security consultant to explain why stealth updates are a very dangerous practice. Now I get to spend my evening configuring firewalls to block all outbound IP traffic to Microsoft. You really know how to endear yourselves to your customers.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
I don't know whether to be angry or frustrated, and whether the target should be journalists who make
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Thanks for the explanation. I am as quick as anyone to question the motives of any company (or individual for that matter) and in this case it really seems to me that some folks are up in arms over this issue with little cause. No software is perfect but I have been very impressed with XP and auto updates. I appreciate the ability to keep my system updated with little effort on my part and take advantage of most automatic update style features for XP, and also for other OSes and applications. In my opinion the small risk of getting a bad update is vastly outweighed by the risk of being behind the curve, since most updates improve stability or security. Anyways, just one man's opinion. Thanks for the info.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Try to justify it any way you want; when you are in someone else's home, you ASK FIRST before rearranging the furniture.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
My views have been well expressed here by the majority of others; I would just like to add another voice to the crowd now dealing with the hassle of having updates completely disabled and my firewall configured not to let it in or out without a notification that I know I'll get. Beyond that, I don't think that Ubuntu disk on my desk will be collecting dust much longer.... I really hope that you will soon realize how important users' trust is to you and that going over their heads about things they've specifically asked to be passed under their noses is a very good way to lose it.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Nate Clinton wrote: "Of course, for enterprise customers who use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Systems Management Server (SMS), all updating (including the WU client) is controlled by the network administrator, who has authority over the download and install experience." This is not true. We had several thousand clients, using WSUS, that were updated automatically to the WSUS 3.0 client without any notice. The worst thing about this is that the AU client behavior changed as well so we had a large number of clients strted to roboot after they where patched without any notice to the users. We are now promised that this will be changed in the next AU client that comes with WSUS SP1. Morten
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
@RUOK2 You may be surprised, but that's a known issue too: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/916259/en-us Bye, Freudi
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Thanx for the great PR job promoting Linux. Your contribution made it clear to every security conscious person why it is really necessary to throw out Windows and use Linux. Your post is worth many million marketing dollars for the Linux community. Thanx for the donation.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
I get this notification from windows update that it can't check for updates. I open it, I click on check for updates and then it says that windows update has to update itself. It says that "to check for updates, you must first install an update for Windows Update....". It notes and windows update will close and reopen. When I clock install now, the network usage does go up, in a spike for a relatively brief moment, in task manager, so it is actually doing something. After a few more seconds, it just goes back to this red bar, and it has the Check for updates enabled. The most recent check for updates says never. last update installed 15-12-2007. Note thought that two more updates for windows defender were installed on 22 of december 07 and jan 6. Any thoughts on this. I have vista business. Thanks.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Es gibt schon seltsame Zeitgenossen, die nach Jahren entdecken, wie Windows Update bzw. der Windows Update Agent ("die Windows Update-Software") funktioniert und daraus eine riesen Story zu machen versuchen. Ähm, vielleicht sollte ich zunächst einmal
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Couple of randoms thoughts/comments:

Risk of no automatic updates detection occuring and being left vulnerable cause ya just didnt know V.S bad WUA patch being applied. Personally, I will take the later risk. If that doesnt sit well, turn it off competely or dont have WUA set to automatic startup and set it to manual start when you want to detect/possibly download/possibly install KNOWING that it may well update itself. It IS your computer, configure it as you like. Having said that, a setting for disabling this feature would be nice.
As for the 'False' windows patch, hmmm, if it isnt signed by MS, it wont get installed unless you have 'allow trusted publisher signed content' AND you have a package signed by the bad guy AND that bad guy's signing certificate has been added to your Trusted Root Store AND Trusted Publisher store. If all that has happened, well, it wasnt your computer, it was the bad guys and there are much easier ways to own the machine. If they have somehow hacked the agent or replaced binaries, it isnt your computer. IMO, that is a configuration management issue.
Comparing Sony's DRM rootkit fiasco to this is, IMO, a bit of a stretch. MS is trying to make sure that customers are kept up to date and protected from security vulnerabilities in their software. MS has actually made great efforts in how they build software to minimize these vulnerabilities. They are making good progress and doing more than most vendors. They didnt go find a rootkit manufacturer and knowingly put you at risk to make sure you pay for your fitty cent CD.
Nate has told you how it works, so this is clear and has stated the plan is to effectively communicate this. He also tried to tell you the reason behind the design decision. Personally, I think MS IS trying to do the right thing here in terms of disclosure.

Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Could you please expand on what would prevent malicious coders exploiting this back door to system updates?
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
The Windows Update infratructure is used by Windows Media Player and Windows Defender as well. You can disable updates Defender, but Media Player only allows "Once a day", "Once a week", and "Once a month" as settings. So you'll get updates at least once a week, even with everything else disabled. Maybe disabling the Windows Update service might work, but normal users don't do that.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Thanks for the attempt at clearing things up, yet still you seem to miss the crucial aspect of this issue. you cite the reason "Had we failed to update the service automatically, users would not have been able to successfully check for updates and, in turn, users would not have had updates ... That result would not only [FAIL] to meet customer expectations but even worse, that result would lead users to believe that they were secure even though there was no installation and/or notification of upgrades" So you are telling me that there is no possible way to notify people before the update, maybe in the form of a pre-update stating that windows update will be updated automatically. The point is not what you fixed or why you updated, the point is the method in which you went about doing it. You believe that sneakily updating your system is meeting customer expectations?? " In fact, WU has auto-updated itself many times in the past." Thanks for that, just curious how many other windows files have been secretly updated in the past? A letter of apology is required on this issue I believe, not only have you lost the trust of everyone using your OS, but you still have not apologized only justified. Intrusion into MY computer in an unacceptable practice. You have lost my trust and my respect, I am off to check what's new in the world of Linux.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Using a program to date at all times is very important to me about this issue, thank you
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
MS is making me a blogger now.... Follow UP to my Comments on September 13th. PLease follow this link...on Computer World's web site.... Microsoft's stealth updates stymie XP repairs http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9039258&intsrc=hm_list Need I say more.... >:-|
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
No doubt that the windows update function should be allways on, but most people don't use it because they don't have a genuine windows and that makes their system unstable.Perfectly agree!
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
WOW, how is windows update going to know what to send down to you, if its a one way service.. For one it has to check what you have and dont have installed on your machine (2 way operation) Secondly it sends those files that you need down to you..
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Your post misses the point. If I have the setting enabled to be notified of updates I expect to be notified of ALL updates. Your post is makes it even worse because it shows your disregard of your customers when your business interests conflict and when you think you know better than your customers. Your problems with WGA and other updates has shown you are not perfect. I'm a paying customer (well, maybe not in the future as you've violated my trust) and I expect to be treated with respect.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
someone with money should take some legal action. maybe a class suite..
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
most people should have their automatic update function turned on and either set to update at a specific time, or to download the updates so they can install when they want or at shutdown. I believe that most people would rather that the system just keep itself up to date without them worrying about it and for most people they will NEVER run into a problem doing this. The alternative is pretty much that, if it's not done automatically for them, most people will RARELY update their systems and you will have a plethora of unpatched systems out on the net available for hackers to use as they see fit, which is the current state of affairs today. Which scenario would you rather have?
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Windows Updates is like a rogue handyman who bashes down the door of your house to fix your lock, just in case some other intruder might venture in. He even locks you out while he is working, because he's sloppy and overweight and this is more important than that silly project you were working on. And don't bother putting up a no trespassing sign - the guy's got your key - Turning him off just turns him on.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
A real and big Thank You for setting "the other reports" into perspective! Bye, Freudi
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Nate Clinton said, in Sept of 2007: "The point of this explanation is not to suggest that we were as transparent as we could have been; to the contrary, people have told us that we should have been clearer on how Windows Update behaves when it updates itself. This is helpful and important feedback, and we are now looking at the best way to clarify WU’s behavior to customers so that they can more clearly understand how WU works." Hey, guys? Today is Feb 17, 2009. It's been nearly a year and a half, and as best I can tell, this issue remains unchanged. Unless I missed it (and I just spent the last half hour looking), there's been no followup on this issue other than explanations similar to the above. No promise to change WU's behavior or notify the user in any way when WU decides to notify itself. If this isn't addressed, then sooner or later you'll have a repeat of the same negative PR you got back in 2007. That would not be good for MS! I'm just sayin' ...
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Good Evening, I do not blog, but the Trust Issue and Microsoft pushing the envelope again by "pushing out" Windows Updates without the individual owners knowing or being informed of this is what I believe is a "major" trust issue that needs to be addressed by the appropriate parties. Our Personal Computers are rightfully "OURS", not Microsoft’s, and by performing an action to “Our” computers without having any form of user notification on "OUR" personal computer, not yours, is a major issue of trust....along with what I believe legal issues. I would also believe that corporations and medium to small companies, would also be concerned. What if this update caused issues with their IT operations and businesses systems? IT departments were not prepared or notified prior to these updates.... It is not like Microsoft has “not had” Patch issues before....2006 there was somewhere in the area of 6 bad patches I believe, and a few the year before...One of which caused issues and MS released a “Re-Patch” to address the Dial-Up functions of Windows Dialer. I had experience this while working for a large Italian automotive company here in the US, and behold the US government division that handles emission standards and compliance had also experience this issue on a large scale. So with this issue and these words in mind, I believe Microsoft has some Public Relations matters to address, and believe this would be in their best interest to do so, while also changing their practices….in stealing a Microsoft common term, “Best Practices”. To me, this matter puts Microsoft on the same “trust level” as the Spyware or Root Kits that that have been installed by publicly known companies software and hardware products, as with such companies as “Sony”. Regards, Longtime concerned Microsoft client, and user.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Using a program to date at all times is very important to me about this issue, thank you
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
No software is perfect but I have been very impressed with XP and auto updates. I appreciate the ability to keep my system updated with little effort on my part and take advantage of most automatic update style features for XP, and also for other OSes and applications. In my opinion the small risk of getting a bad update is vastly outweighed by the risk of being behind the curve, since most updates improve stability or security.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
I prefer the manual update, i want to check for updates only when i want not when WIndows wants
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
No software is perfect but I have been very impressed with XP and auto updates. I appreciate the ability to keep my system updated with little effort on my part and take advantage of most autom
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Windows has some real assets and automatic update is one of them...just think that you might already know a lot about your pc, but there are tons out there who barely manage to turn it on! Automatic update for these fellow is essential, they know it's good and will have nothing against getting updated. In terms of whether it is good or not to have these automatic updates, as long as you surf on the net, this package is an essential one and helps your computer to survive after each day. Thanks for the article!
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
It would be nice to have some way to automatically download and install every update. The only time my sister's laptop gets everything updated is when I see her. Too many programs require a restart and become a "pain" to update.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Nice topic and described in a beautiful way, updates are really important,Daily there are so many viruses and other security threats, you never know which can harm your computer your network and can steal your important data. Microsoft is uploading such patches, security updates, critical updates & service packs. All these updates are available through windows updates website. got a article "why windows updates are important" on following link check this out: http://www.apnimarzi.com/why-windows-updates-are-important/
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
After several years I've left Windows for Linux ! What a great choice ! Kepp it up
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
The comment has been removed
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
You were paying for the RIGHT to USE the operating system. Which means the files and data contained therein still belong to Microsoft no matter where they are. Microsoft has a right as the legal owner of the files used by Windows on your computer to update them whenever it sees fit.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
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Anonymous
January 01, 2003
The comment has been removed
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
I find it quite annoying when Windows updates in the middle of the night and automatically restarts, making me lose all my open windows/work.
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
The comment has been removed
Anonymous
January 01, 2003
Then stop b!tching about it, and trust windows less. I know everyone in here that is complaining wouldn't care if google came out with an os, and they submitted a log of everything that the user did.
Anonymous
June 14, 2010
The comment has been removed
Anonymous
July 01, 2010
I like this website. Thanks for writing about this and looking forward to reading more on your site.
Anonymous
July 31, 2010
HOW do Microsoft and other software companies connect to my computer? To get my browser to work I have to click two "connect" windows to get my DSL on. But Microsoft and Avast are connecting (on startup, apparently) without doing that. Is Microsoft using my DSL somehow? Or wireless? If Microsoft can connect to my computer with wireless for free -- can I?
Anonymous
February 10, 2011
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Anonymous
May 25, 2011
I understand people want fewer choices, just like the dude who is asking for Windows Defneder updates to be installed automatically. I also understand that most people don't have the tech knowledge to make the right choice - which is why WinXP SP2 defaults to enabling the firewall. Thank you for this goodarticle. www.alcipanasmatavan.net <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="www.izolasyontr.com/.../p>
Anonymous
May 25, 2011
I understand people want fewer choices, just like the dude who is asking for Windows Defneder updates to be installed automatically. I also understand that most people don't have the tech knowledge to make the right choice - which is why WinXP SP2 defaults to enabling the firewall. Thank you for this goodarticle. www.alcipanasmatavan.net <a href="http://www.alcipanasmatavan.net">www.alcipanasmatavan.net</a>
Anonymous
June 10, 2011
I understand people want fewer choices, just like the dude who is asking for Windows Defneder updates to be installed automatically. I also understand that most people don't have the tech knowledge to make the right choice - which is why WinXP SP2 defaults to enabling the firewall. Thank you for this goodarticle. <a href="http://www.ayazoglu.org>www.ayazoglu.org</a>
Anonymous
June 10, 2011
I understand people want fewer choices, just like the dude who is asking for Windows Defneder updates to be installed automatically. I also understand that most people don't have the tech knowledge to make the right choice - which is why WinXP SP2 defaults to enabling the firewall. Thank you for this goodarticle. <a href="http://www.ayazoglu.org">www.ayazoglu.org</a>
Anonymous
June 10, 2011
I understand people want fewer choices, just like the dude who is asking for Windows Defneder updates to be installed automatically. I also understand that most people don't have the tech knowledge to make the right choice - which is why WinXP SP2 defaults to enabling the firewall. Thank you for this goodarticle. <a href="http://www.ayazoglu.org
Anonymous
October 11, 2011
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Anonymous
June 22, 2012
The answer to Windows update problems? Buy a Mac!!!
Anonymous
September 17, 2012
I have taken my computer off automatic updates every single day. Every day I turn my laptop on the setting are changed back to automatic. Now that I have changed it back for me to choose it is still trying to update and restart. Idk what to do. Everytime it updates it messes up our wifi connection. Help me.
Anonymous
December 20, 2014
My complaint (and it is a complaint, I know): WU DOES NOT adhere to the schedule I have in place. I want every SUNDAY @ 3:00AM, yet invariably during the middle of the week my computer will become very sluggish and I know why. That hog WU is claiming too much of my resources and sure enough, when I am in the middle of something it asks for a reboot. So I wait and wait and interrupt my day to watch x of x updates. OK - applied. Then minutes later it happens again. This is a common situation and I am insulted/hate the way MS blatantly displays that red warning whenever I turn off automatic updates. Whose computer is this anyway? What it boils down to, really: MS wants control of your computer so that it can keep its DB updated (hardware/software changes) so that they can "know" what it out there, etc. and who is using what and to be absolutely sure that every computer is truly licensed. That is major feature of the Malicious Software update. As they change their methods for verifying a computer (and change their software) they need to be sure that each computer has the most up-to-date verification logic. And as part of that logic, they update MY hardware/software details on their systems. Yup Big Brother lives and breaths in Redmond, WA.
Anonymous
January 13, 2015
Wow, a lot of good reading. Me myself, I'm glad you allow me the chance to turn of auto update. I always thought you left on auto update for someone like Grandpa who has never really used a computer before. If it was left off, he would never get the fixes he needs... But yea, I never liked it when I needed to use my computer in a hurry only to tell me, "do not shut down computer while updates are being installed!" But cool. Thanks for allowing me to read the KB articles before making any updates!
Anonymous
August 29, 2016
The comment has been removed

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How Windows Update Keeps Itself Up-to-Date

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