What are AOL Software Updates?

The AOL Software Update mechanism eliminates the need for you to manually download software updates. Every time there is an update to the AOL Desktop Software, the update is downloaded in the background with no impact on your online experience. You will be prompted to complete this update as soon as you have started your computer or when you have signed off the AOL service. Once the download is complete, you will see a notice prompting you to install the software update on the lower right of your computer screen. Click Install Now, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

For more information about the software update prompt that you received, click More Details. Once you click More Details, you can do the following in the AOL Software Updates window:

• Review the detailed description of the Name, Size and State of the update; you can also find out whether the update is a Critical Update or an Optional Update.

  

• Start the installation by clicking Start.

  

• Decline updates. The Decline update link is present only on an Optional Update that has met the maximum Remind Me Later attempts.

  

• Click the Retry update link to retry an Optional Update that you declined earlier.

  

  Notes:

• Alternatively, you can access updates on the Windows taskbar. Next to the clock, click the AOL icon, select AOL Software Updates, and then click Check for Updates.

  

• If you don't see the AOL icon next to the clock, click the arrow next to the clock to reveal the hidden icons. Please know that you can customize your Windows 7 System Tray. To do so, read our help article Customize Windows 7 System Tray.

  

• You will be presented with all the software updates available. If you have multiple updates, select the update that you want to install by clicking it, and then click Start. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

  

How do I change the AOL Software Updates settings?

1. On the Windows taskbar, next to the clock, click the AOL icon, select AOL Software Updates, and then click Settings.

Note: If you don't see the AOL icon next to the clock, click the arrow next to the clock to reveal the hidden icons.

2. Select the Automatically download option if you want the software updates to download automatically. If you want to be prompted before downloading, select the Prompt me before downloading option.

3. Select how often you wish to check for updates by selecting an appropriate option from the Continue checking for AOL updates after I use my AOL Desktop Software drop-down menu.

4. Click Save.

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