It is best to set the Updates preference to the least intrusive option. That
is, to avoid using Internet Exporer. Thus, set to Notify only and to then
settle for the download on shutdown is the safest option. Using Windows
Update from the menu requires the use of IE and with non-secure settings. For
instance, if the checkmark box in the Security setting of Internet Options is
selected so that server verification is demanded (https), Windows Update will
not work. If the most secure position in Privacy settings (no cookies) is
selected, Windows Update will not work if you use IE. I frequently authorize
and then cancel downloads simply in order to see a list of what MS is trying
to download. In order to make this post, I had to set IE to a very unsecured
setting. Thus, a setting which requires notification but no permission to
download is the way you receive notification. Even at that, you may have to
cancel the process after notification to see what MS wants to load into your
box. A "cold" request using IE for Windows Updates is the lowest priority for
the Update servers and one could be ignored for a very long time. You either
do it the MS way or no way at all.

"Keith" wrote:

> My system is set up to automatically download updates, but then only notify
> me to install manually.
>
> Trouble is that on most occasions, the only time it lets me install them is
> on the shutdown option (Install updates and shut down). I am not getting the
> yellow shield in the system tray to allow me to see what updates it has
> downloaded and install manually.
>
> Is there any way other than the yellow shield in the system tray to get to
> this updates dialog sequence, which allows me to see what updates it would
> like to install (and thus let me skip one or more updates if desired)???
>
> Keith