Keeping your computer secure is a shared responsibility. Regular Windows updates are a critical part of protecting your devices, your data, and the overall School of Social Work (SSW) computing environment.
Why These Updates Are Important
Windows security updates are essential to:
- Protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other security threats
- Safeguard sensitive university and personal data
- Maintain a secure and reliable computing environment for all SSW faculty and staff
When Updates Are Released
Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. These updates address newly identified security risks and help keep Windows systems protected.
How Updates Reach Your Device
- Your device checks in with SSW’s Windows Update system, which determines which Microsoft updates are approved for installation.
- Approved updates are securely downloaded directly from Microsoft in the background, with minimal impact on your work.
- This process typically completes within a 24-hour period, making the update ready to install.
When Updates Are Installed
- Each day at 3:00 PM, Windows will attempt to install any approved updates that are ready.
- You will be prompted to restart your computer to complete the installation.
- Please be sure to save your work when you receive this prompt to avoid losing any unsaved changes.
- If restarting at that time is not convenient, you may delay the restart, and you will receive additional reminders.
To ensure systems remain secure and compliant, Windows will require a restart within 24 hours if the update has not been completed.
FAQ: Windows Updates at SSW
Do I need to do anything to get updates?
No. Windows updates are managed and approved by SSW IT and delivered to SSW-owned computers. You only need to restart when prompted.
Will updates interrupt my work?
Updates download in the background and should not interrupt your work.
A restart is required to finish installing updates.
What should I do when I see a restart prompt?
- Save your work
- Close open applications
- Restart your computer to complete the update
What if I can’t restart right away?
You may delay the restart and will receive reminders.
To keep systems secure, Windows will require a restart within 24 hours of installing the updates.
Why are updates required?
Updates protect your computer and university data from security threats and help keep the SSW computing environment secure and reliable.
Need help after an update?
Contact SSW IT at it@ssw.rutgers.edu