Windows Updates on University-Managed Computers

What changed

IT now manages Windows updates automatically on University-managed Windows computers. Because of this, the normal Windows Update notification in the taskbar may no longer appear, and some Windows Update settings will be unavailable.

What you may see

• “Windows Update settings are managed by your organization.”
• The Check for updates button grayed out
• Pause updates unavailable
• Other update controls grayed out

What IT updates automatically

• Windows security updates
• Windows operating system updates
• Microsoft 365 applications
• Web browsers such as Edge and Chrome
• Zoom
• Adobe applications
• Other applications managed by IT

What you need to do

Restart your computer at least once each week.

Some updates cannot finish installing until Windows is restarted. Regular restarts also help clear temporary processes and keep the computer operating normally.

Restart and Shut Down are not the same function in Windows

When you select Restart, Windows closes the current session and performs a full restart of the operating system. This is the preferred option for completing updates and refreshing Windows.

Start > Power > Restart

When should I contact IT?

Contact the IT Help Desk if:

• Your computer repeatedly asks you to restart after you have already restarted.
• An update appears to be failing.
• You receive an unexpected error message.
• Your computer is behaving abnormally after an update.

You do not need to contact IT simply because Windows Update options are grayed out or say they are managed by your organization.