Update Windows XP - Apply Security Patches Automatically
- Click on the Start button, then click on Settings.
- Choose Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel, choose Performance and Maintenance.
- Under the heading or pick a Control Panel icon, choose System.
- This will open the System Properties window.
- Click on the Automatic Updates tab.
Click here for instructions.
Configure Automatic Updates
- Click on the box labeled Keep my computer up to date (a checkmark should appear in the box).
- Click on the button labeled Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify.
- There are 3 options:
- Notify me before downloading any updates and notify me again before installing them on my computer.
- Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed.
- Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.

You will need to choose the option to Automatically download the updates and notify me when they are ready to be installed. Set the schedule to Every day, and select a time to download and install the updates. Choose a time when your computer will normally be powered on. If you are using the computer when the updates are ready to install, you will have the option to delay the installation until a later time.
- Click on the OK button.