Windows Update Instructions

 

One important key to security is ensuring our systems are up to date. Over the past year we have worked to improve the frequency of getting Windows updates out to PCs. We try to do this while balancing the need to minimize the disruption to end users with the urgency of the update. Updated versions of Windows include some pretty significant upgrades to functionality as well!

 

Unfortunately, the changing circumstances have affected our ability to get updates to your laptops. The process relies on the computer being able to communicate with the main Lexington office network, either by being physically on site or connected via VPN. To minimize disruption, we have our updates configured to check as close to the end of day as possible and always require your approval to install. This causes an issue because most users are not connected to the VPN when it checks for updates or when the end user goes to accept the updates. For this reason, we need your help!

Please assist the Tech Team by doing the following:

  • Set aside some time once a month on your calendar to run updates. In most cases you will be able to continue working as it will not require your full attention while completing. You will only need to initiate the checking, installing, and confirmation of update installation.
  • Complete the update process by performing the following steps.
    1. Connect to the VPN, you will need to be connected for the duration of this process.
     2. Open the Windows Update panel. The easiest way to do this is to type “Check for Updates” in the search bar located next to the “Start” button. Click on the resulting item that matches the search term.

 

3. You should now be at the update panel. Most likely the only available option will be “Check for Updates” but you may receive a couple of different options if it has already checked and found updates. Click “Check for updates” and/or “Install” once it is done or if available updates are already presented.

 

Do Not click on “Check Online for Updates from Microsoft Update” or update to a new version of Windows (I.e. if it states Windows 2004 is available) if visible without Tech Team guidance.
4. Once the update process has started you can work on other tasks but please leave the window open (you can minimize it) and save your work. Check occasionally for the updates to complete. If you are presented with a reboot to complete option, please do so at your earliest convenience.
 5. Once updates are completed you will not need to stay connected to the VPN or re-connect to the VPN if a reboot was necessary.

If you encounter any issues with this process, please submit a ticket to the Tech Team.

International Users outside North or South America may experience slow speeds with this process. Please contact the Tech Team if you would like assistance.

We appreciate your assistance as we need to maintain an up-to-date environment. We ask that you please commit to do this once a month, we will reach out to any user who is not maintaining regular updates to assist. We are currently exploring our options for moving the update function to the cloud to eliminate the VPN requirement and ease any burdens it may cause. We hope to have this feature in the coming months.

Finally, In addition to monthly updates we will be performing our annual review of all Windows versions based on Microsoft’s biannual creator updates and updating if any systems fall below the current Microsoft support threshold. We will reach out to anyone affected.