Description
University-managed devices using a Windows operating system (OS) will receive updates through Software Center on a monthly basis. Computing and Technology Services (CTS) delivers, supports and manage applications, updates and services on University-managed computers.
Software Center
Software Center, part of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MEM), helps ensure your University-managed computer is running up-to-date and compatible software. It also removes the risk of downloading unwanted programs or malware commonly bundled with internet downloads.
For information on how to use and configure Software Center, please read our documentation.
Updates release schedule
The following software will be updated on a monthly basis:
- Windows operating system
- Microsoft applications, such as Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office
- Third-party applications and plugins, such as Mozilla Firefox and Adobe Reader.
Installing updates
When software updates are available, a notification will appear in the bottom right corner of your screen that states software changes are required by your IT department.
Click on this notification or the Software Center icon in your taskbar and select view required software to view a summary of required software updates. Here, you can choose to either install all updates now or schedule them to be installed during non-business hours.
After you are notified of available software updates, you have eight days to schedule a restart of your computer so that updates can be installed. If you have not scheduled a restart within eight days, your computer will automatically restart and install updates on the ninth day.
If you selected to install updates during non-business hours, you will be prompted to set your business hours. After setting your business hours, select automatically install required software outside of the specified business hours and then click apply.
You can also install updates yourself at your own convenience.
CTS recommendations
We recommend installing updates and restarting your machine during your lunch break or before leaving for the day. This lets you install your updates without having to configure your business hours or change your sleep settings.
If you schedule updates to run during business hours, please remember the following:
- Configure your business hours per the instructions above.
- Turn off your computer's sleep settings (if your computer is asleep when the updates are set to be installed and your computer is supposed to restart, they will not run.)