Updating Windows University Computers While Off-Campus

This article is for Windows users only. Mac users do not need to manually install updates as updates are pushed automatically from Apple when off-campus.

If your university computer is off campus for an extended period of time it is important to keep Windows up to date with the latest security and virus definition updates as they will no longer be pushed automatically to your computer. OIT recommends updating your computer at least once a month after the 2nd Tuesday of the month (aka Patch Tuesday) or after the 15th of each month.

Checking for Windows Updates

  1. Open your Windows Start Menu and type in Windows Update, select the option that says Check for updates.

    Start menu with the words windows update typed in and the Check for Updates option highlighted by a red box and arrow

  2. Select the Check online for updates from Microsoft Update link. 

    Windows Update window with the Check online for updates from Microsoft Update highlighted by a red box and arrow
     

If you see a Feature Update to Windows 10, Version 1909, do not select the download and install link below it as the 1909 version of Windows as it is a major upgrade.

  1. Wait for updates to install automatically.
    • Note: For some updates to complete a restart may be required.


    Windows Updates window showing updates installing automatically.
     

For more information on how to keep your hardware and software safe please see our Safe Computing page.

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