Windows Forum

Ask something
Question Locked

Does Windows auto-update always run regardless?

0 helpful
12 replies

by healer

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

I always have a feeling that the Windows auto-update be it any edition still runs in the background as long as the computer is turned on and the Windows system is started. It does not matter whether an administrator has logged on. Moreover there would be no indication whether the process is running especially if the system is logged on by a non-administrator.

The reason I ask is finding some way to monitor the data download.

12 replies

by oh smeg

If there is a WUS Server in use this pushes out the Updates to the Workstations.

If this is just a stand alone system that is connected to the net provided that the Windows Update is actually turned on it will run at the time specified.

If it is set to not check for Updates it doesn't run. ;)

Col

by brenton keegan

The update services leave a log file located here:
C:\windows\Windowsupdate.log

It tells you everything it does.

by healer

it sets by default the update be done at 3:00 am every day. I wonder if it would catch up when the computer turns on later. Do all editions of Windows behave the same in this respect?

Can I say the automatic Windows Update would be done anytime when it gets a chance even though it might not be logged on or logged on by a non-administrator?

by oh smeg

Well if the system is not on when the scheduled Check is supposed to happen that day it will wait till the next time that it's supposed to look.

Probably more importantly here is when you have your AV Product set to do a Scheduled Scan if the system is not turned on at that time it misses out and if there is an infection it's another day before it gets removed.

[i]Do all editions of Windows behave the same in this respect?[/i]

Well with 7 It's on by Default where as XP had to be turned on.

But when they are on all act the same way.

[i]Can I say the automatic Windows Update would be done anytime when it gets a chance even though it might not be logged on or logged on by a non-administrator?[/i]

Yes most defiantly. ;)

Col

by scott_heath

If Windows Update is enabled (which you can disable unless forced by a policy, be it local or domain) and will download whenever it feels like it. Updates will only be installed at the designated time in Windows XP, unless dictated by the aforementioned policy.

I belive Vista and 7 will immediately install updates that will not require a reboot, which is a policy option in XP. I have Windows 7 and here is my log:

2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 DnldMgr *************
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 DnldMgr ** START ** DnldMgr: Downloading updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 DnldMgr *********
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 DnldMgr * Call ID = {3E10C45B-67A4-49F9-8211-42B877A7A90A}
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 DnldMgr * Priority = 2, Interactive = 0, Owner is system = 1, Explicit proxy = 0, Proxy session id = -1, ServiceId = {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 DnldMgr * Updates to download = 1
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 Agent * Title = Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition 1.69.995.0)
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 Agent * UpdateId = {D8B08FA9-A5D8-4511-9735-CCCD4F72703D}.100
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 Agent * Bundles 1 updates:
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 Agent * {7FC67E83-4BD2-490F-8D1C-2E1CDAD9358D}.100
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 DnldMgr *********** DnldMgr: Regulation Refresh [Svc: {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}] ***********
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 DnldMgr Contacting regulation server for 1 updates.
2009-11-16 19:21:32:700 948 c34 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D\wuredir.cab:
2009-11-16 19:21:32:716 948 c34 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2009-11-16 19:21:32:716 948 c34 PT URL for regulation server found in server config.
2009-11-16 19:21:32:716 948 c34 DnldMgr Regulation server path: https://www.update.microsoft.com/v6/UpdateRegulationService/UpdateRegulation.asmx.
2009-11-16 19:21:33:168 948 c34 DnldMgr * Regulation call complete. 0x00000000
2009-11-16 19:21:33:168 948 c34 DnldMgr *********** DnldMgr: New download job [UpdateId = {7FC67E83-4BD2-490F-8D1C-2E1CDAD9358D}.100] ***********
2009-11-16 19:21:35:742 948 c34 DnldMgr * BITS job initialized, JobId = {9838008B-B150-4DBE-862F-EDFAA681BB75}
2009-11-16 19:21:35:820 948 c34 DnldMgr * Downloading from http://au.download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/defu/2009/11/mpas-d_f7b8ee1a6a1de4bf94e3da3db817ba38b91bfd66.exe to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\132fbe39f239519d94f61049b180c3da\f7b8ee1a6a1de4bf94e3da3db817ba38b91bfd66 (full file).
2009-11-16 19:21:36:038 948 c34 Agent *********
2009-11-16 19:21:36:038 948 c34 Agent ** END ** Agent: Downloading updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
2009-11-16 19:21:36:038 948 c34 Agent *************
2009-11-16 19:21:36:038 948 cc4 AU AU checked download status and it changed: Downloading is paused
2009-11-16 19:21:37:645 948 c34 Report CWERReporter finishing event handling. (00000000)
2009-11-16 19:21:45:664 948 cc4 AU AU checked download status and it changed: Downloading is not paused
2009-11-16 19:21:45:664 948 cc4 AU AU setting pending client directive to 'Download Progress'
2009-11-16 19:21:47:645 948 ae4 AU WARNING: AU found no suitable session to launch client in
2009-11-16 19:22:01:669 948 cec DnldMgr BITS job {9838008B-B150-4DBE-862F-EDFAA681BB75} completed successfully
2009-11-16 19:22:01:732 948 cec Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\132fbe39f239519d94f61049b180c3da\f7b8ee1a6a1de4bf94e3da3db817ba38b91bfd66:
2009-11-16 19:22:01:747 948 cec Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2009-11-16 19:22:01:747 948 cec DnldMgr Download job bytes total = 1491328, bytes transferred = 1491328
2009-11-16 19:22:01:747 948 cec DnldMgr *********** DnldMgr: New download job [UpdateId = {7FC67E83-4BD2-490F-8D1C-2E1CDAD9358D}.100] ***********
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cec DnldMgr * All files for update were already downloaded and are valid.
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU >>## RESUMED ## AU: Download update [UpdateId = {D8B08FA9-A5D8-4511-9735-CCCD4F72703D}, succeeded]
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU #########
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU ## END ## AU: Download updates
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU #############
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU Setting AU scheduled install time to 2009-11-17 09:00:00
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU Successfully wrote event for AU health state:0
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU Auto-approving update for install, updateId = {D8B08FA9-A5D8-4511-9735-CCCD4F72703D}.100, ForUx=0, IsOwnerUx=0, HasDeadline=0, IsMinor=1
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU Auto-approved 1 update(s) for install (NOT for Ux), installType=2
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU #############
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU ## START ## AU: Install updates
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU #########
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU # Initiating minor updates install
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU # Approved updates = 1
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU <<## SUBMITTED ## AU: Install updates / installing updates [CallId = {36B107CF-111F-4BDA-A35B-85F25F593F04}]
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 d24 Agent *************
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 d24 Agent ** START ** Agent: Installing updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 d24 Agent *********
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 d24 Agent * Updates to install = 1
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 cc4 AU Successfully wrote event for AU health state:0
2009-11-16 19:22:01:763 948 d24 Agent * Title = Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition 1.69.995.0)
2009-11-16 19:22:01:778 948 d24 Agent * UpdateId = {D8B08FA9-A5D8-4511-9735-CCCD4F72703D}.100
2009-11-16 19:22:01:778 948 d24 Agent * Bundles 1 updates:
2009-11-16 19:22:01:778 948 d24 Agent * {7FC67E83-4BD2-490F-8D1C-2E1CDAD9358D}.100
2009-11-16 19:22:06:770 948 c34 Report REPORT EVENT: {B090A937-A9CB-4C16-B627-B4EF6C76BA46} 2009-11-16 19:22:01:763-0600 1 162 101 {D8B08FA9-A5D8-4511-9735-CCCD4F72703D} 100 0 AutomaticUpdates Success Content Download Download succeeded.
2009-11-16 19:22:06:770 948 c34 Report REPORT EVENT: {3A444B3C-576B-4F8F-BDDF-8886778B2F69} 2009-11-16 19:22:01:763-0600 1 188 102 {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000} 0 0 AutomaticUpdates Success Content Install Installation Ready: The following updates are downloaded and ready for installation. This computer is currently scheduled to install these updates on ‎Tuesday, ‎November ‎17, ‎2009 at 3:00 AM: - Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition 1.69.995.0)
2009-11-16 19:22:06:770 948 c34 Report CWERReporter finishing event handling. (00000000)
2009-11-16 19:22:22:979 948 d24 DnldMgr Preparing update for install, updateId = {7FC67E83-4BD2-490F-8D1C-2E1CDAD9358D}.100.
2009-11-16 19:22:22:994 3936 f84 Misc =========== Logging initialized (build: 7.3.7600.16385, tz: -0600) ===========
2009-11-16 19:22:22:994 3936 f84 Misc = Process: C:\Windows\system32\wuauclt.exe
2009-11-16 19:22:22:994 3936 f84 Misc = Module: C:\Windows\system32\wuaueng.dll
2009-11-16 19:22:22:994 3936 f84 Handler :::::::::::::
2009-11-16 19:22:22:994 3936 f84 Handler :: START :: Handler: Command Line Install
2009-11-16 19:22:22:994 3936 f84 Handler :::::::::
2009-11-16 19:22:22:994 3936 f84 Handler : Updates to install = 1
2009-11-16 19:22:29:375 3936 f84 Handler : Command line install completed. Return code = 0x00000000, Result = Succeeded, Reboot required = false
2009-11-16 19:22:29:375 3936 f84 Handler :::::::::
2009-11-16 19:22:29:375 3936 f84 Handler :: END :: Handler: Command Line Install
2009-11-16 19:22:29:375 3936 f84 Handler :::::::::::::
2009-11-16 19:22:29:406 948 cc4 AU >>## RESUMED ## AU: Installing update [UpdateId = {D8B08FA9-A5D8-4511-9735-CCCD4F72703D}, succeeded]
2009-11-16 19:22:29:437 948 d24 Agent *********
2009-11-16 19:22:29:437 948 cc4 AU Install call completed.
2009-11-16 19:22:29:437 948 d24 Agent ** END ** Agent: Installing updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
2009-11-16 19:22:29:437 948 cc4 AU # WARNING: Install call completed, reboot required = No, error = 0x00000000
2009-11-16 19:22:29:437 948 d24 Agent *************
2009-11-16 19:22:29:437 948 cc4 AU #########
2009-11-16 19:22:29:437 948 cc4 AU ## END ## AU: Installing updates [CallId = {36B107CF-111F-4BDA-A35B-85F25F593F04}]
2009-11-16 19:22:29:437 948 cc4 AU #############
2009-11-16 19:22:29:437 948 cc4 AU Install complete for all calls, reboot NOT needed

by healer

I am more concerned on the data download because I am required to pay for excess data download. So I set all my systems to check for the availability of update and notify but do not download until I ask to.
If set to auto-update, are you saying Vista and Windows 7 would download and install in the background as long as the computer is turned on without bothering the owner? Is there any indication on the task bar that the download or install process is underway even the computer is not logged on by an administrator?

by seanferd

Behaves as indicated - it will check for updates, but only notify you that they are available.

If bandwidth cost is a problem, just install critical updates. If you were to need updates after a reinstall, for instance, perhaps connect to a friend's network which does not have bandwidth metering. Normal updates should not be gigantic all the time, but the longer you wait, the bigger the backlog. And you don't want to catch something that could have been avoided by updating. For instance, what if the machine were infected with a trojan that runs a spam server from your machine? You'd get one hefty bill for overages then.

by healer

I have a few computers in a network at home and I am also supporting others in homes and businesses. We want to be able to control the data download as we pay for excesses.

by scott_heath

You could download the administrative version of the patches and install them manually. Windows Update will tell you what you need then you can search for the KB number manually and download the installer. If you have a huge problem among your friends you can take turn downloading patches and burn them to CD.

Regards,
Scott

http://scottisageek.spaces.live.com

This discussion is closed to new replies.