Over the summer, all campus IT units will be changing the patching application for Cornell-managed Windows computers. Previously, updates were downloaded and installed from Software Center. When the rollout is complete, the OS-integrated Windows Update application will be your source for updates. 

Some IT units have already switched over. The transition will be complete for all IT units by October 2025.

How to Patch with Windows Update

For anyone who has used a personal Windows computer, the process for updating your Cornell-managed device will be familiar and simple. 

When updates or patches are ready to be downloaded and installed, the updates icon will display in your Taskbar’s system tray (lower right corner of your screen). Clicking on that icon will open the Windows Update Settings. You can also enter “Windows Update Settings” in the Windows Search bar and select Windows Update Settings from the results to open the application.

From the Windows Update screen you’ll be able to check for updates, download and install any updates that are available, and restart your computer to finish installing patches.

You will receive several reminders when your computer needs to be updated.

However, if you do not restart your computer before the time indicated in that notification, Windows will automatically reboot your computer.

For the full instructions, or more information, learn how to update or patch your Cornell-managed computer.