Microsoft issues security updates for Windows, Office, and Internet Explorer every second Tuesday of each month, commonly known as Patch Tuesday. Occasionally, the company issues emergency out-of-cycle patches as well. The best way to receive these is to set your Windows system (XP, Vista, or 7) to download and install them automatically upon release. But Microsoft includes two other options that may be of interest to you.
First, check the current status of your Automatic Update in Windows:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Depending on which Control Panel view (Classic or Category) you use, do one of the following: