Windows Updates

[Firefox]

Just to clear my mind and to help clear up some questions we have here at work.

If I enable Automatic Updates for Microsoft Updates to happen say every Wednesday at 8 PM does the user need to be logged on the computer for the updates to happen?

I know the computer has to be on, that's a given, but what about logged in? Anyone have any clue?

[exile360]

Yes, I'm pretty sure the user must be logged on. I'm not sure if Windows Automatic Update scheduling works through its own interface or that of Scheduled Tasks (Task Scheduler), but if it works through Scheduled Tasks you can set it to run even when the user isn't logged on .

[Firefox]

I set the job, but I did not see it appear in the Scheduled Tasks.... so what does that tell us?

[exile360]

That tells me what I already suspected, it is not scheduled through the Task Scheduler which means you can't alter its behavior. Oh well, at least you can have it set to download them and then you can install them manually when convenient. It will notify you in the tray with the little yellow security shield when updates have been downloaded and are awaiting installation if you have it set to do so.

[Maurice Naggar]

It doesn't use the Task scheduler. It has it's own mechanism.

[exile360]

Thanks Maurice. That's what I figured. I didn't remember ever seeing Windows Updates scheduled in there, I figured it used its own config/service to do scheduled updates.

[Firefox]

Ok I have to figure something out, I need to update say 150 computers that are on a domain, but I need to do it automatically somehow without it interfering (or least interference) the users, any suggestions?

[exile360]

Firefox, I found more info. Please take a look at the following, you may find it helpful :

• Automatic udpates while there is no logged in user
  
• Determine a Method to Configure Automatic Updates Clients
  
• How to configure automatic updates by using Group Policy or registry settings
  

Aside from that you could have a chat with AdvancedSetup if he's not too busy as that would be his forte .

[Firefox]

Thanks a million exile, those will help.