Simple Question about Updates

I have a question about Microsoft's updates that are occasionally sent out to computers. Mind you there are better things to worry about, but I came across this situation today and I was wondering about the reason behind my question.
I have a computer,and my son has his own. They are both located in the same room, and are connected to the same router. In fact they are 5 feet from each other,(not networked.)Yesterday i was doing something on his computer and noticed the icon for updates being downloaded in his system tray. Upon shutdown I got the usual message that the updates were being installed and to not turn off the computer. While I was on mine yesterday I did not get that download icon or shutdown message, rather I received it today while I was in my computer.Now I'm wondering why both computers did not get updated at the same time? Is there some protocol that Microsoft follows when they send out such updates? BTW both of our computers have the automatic updates turned "on". One would think since both computers hare the same ISP and everything else they would get updated at the same time, or at least the same day. What gives?:dunno:

Microsoft does not "send them out." Your computer basically asks if there are any updates.

I had thought from reading various articles over the years that Microsoft pretty much comes up with updates to "fix" issues and then sends them out to computers who are set up to receive them. If your automatic updates are not turned on then you have to manually go to Microsoft's site and download them yourself. So I've been the wrong thing all this time?And if what you say is the case then why would my son's computer ask of there are any updates while mine waited until the next day?

Also,Polygon, How you doing? Feeling any better?

Well, you can set up when it checks for new updates. You might just have them set up for different times.

I'm doing fine, just a matter of building my muscles back up. I took my Stealth for a drive a couple of days ago. Thanks for asking. :)

Well, you can set up when it checks for new updates. You might just have them set up for different times.

Okay, thanks for the reply. It was so long ago that I set it up for the automatic updates, I only thought I had to check a box to turn them on. I didn't realize that you could also check the time to do so. If I have time someday I'll look into it as it's not a real priority, I was just wondering why the difference.

He is correct. It all matters on when your computer is set to contact the update server. Typically it will do it on a daily basis unless specified otherwise and it usually picks a set time to do it (i.e. 3pm or something). The two computers might just be set up for different times of the day.

Start / Settings / Control Panel / Automatic Updates.

You can control all of the behaviour of Automatic Updates through Group Policy.

Click Start, Run, type 'gpedit.msc' and press Enter.

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update


If you just want to force your computer to contact the Microsoft Updates server to see if there's any available updates to install, open a Command Prompt (Start, Run, 'cmd', Enter) and type 'wuauclt /force'.

I have a question about the same topic. I've noticed the updates icon in the system tray from time to time but recently it's been an annoyance. Unfortunately I have dialup (stop laughing) because I'm to cheap to spring for the satellite internet. Anyway I notice my computer running slowly and there is that icon in the tray....I clicked on it and nothing happened. I right clicked and nothing. I even did the infamous "ctrl + alt + delete" and I didn't see "Updates" listed.. Basically I found no way to stop updates!!! My connection is slow enough as is without that happening. I shut my computer down and went to my library to use wireless internet which would obviously be faster and get the download done with! However when I got there and logged on, the updates icon never showed up. Then when i came back home and dialed up, there it was again. Just for the record, the icon I see is a golden shield....not sure if that's the same updates as mentioned earlier in the thread. thanks

The icons for Automatic Updates in Windows is the Yellow Shield.

If you want to stop the Automatic Updates temprarily because you're on Dial Up, right click My Computer and select Manage.

Expand Services and Applications, and select Services.

In the right hand pane, right click Automatic Updates and select Stop.

Why not turn Automatic Updates off, and update manually when you're on a decent speed connection?

good suggestion!! If I change the setting to 'stopped' will that stop the service temporarily or permanently? Do I also need to change the startup type from 'Automatic' to 'manual'?? Also, how do I manually do the updates? Is that the "windows update" link listed under programs? This link takes me to the microsoft website, checks my computer, then asks if I want to do 'express' or 'custom'. Is that the correct method? thank you!!

If you Stop the service, it will remain stopped for the remainder of your Windows session - and it will re-start next time your computer reboots.

If you want to do Updates manually, set it to Disabled. To manually do updates, open Internet Explorer and click Tools > Windows Update.

Either Express or Custom will work, but I prefer Custom because it allows you more control over what's being installed.