Critical Microsoft Updates

Microsoft has released critical security patches for products like Windows, Internet Explorer, Edge, and Office. 

What do I need to do?

All SCS Windows computers have new updates available which must be applied to appropriately patch the operating system. Look to your system notification area of the Windows taskbar for system update notifications, apply pending updates.

As SCS Windows computers are currently undergoing a multi-year domain transition, computers may be on either the existing SCS domain or the new Andrew domain and this will determine the update method. If you are unsure which domain your computer is bound to, or for more information on Windows update in our environment, please visit our Windows Update page.

Please Note: You must restart your computer as soon as possible. If your system has not been updated, you can follow the steps below to update manually. 

Working Remotely - VPN Required

Connect via VPN at least 4 hours every week

Off-campus Windows computers will need to connect to the VPN to install updates. Please visit the Andrew Computing Services website for more information on VPN.

Download & Install Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client

1. Download the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client.
2. Double-click the downloaded file to run the installer.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to install.
4. Uncheck all the boxes except VPN for Installation Type.

Connecting to the CMU network via VPN

1. Connect to the Internet.
2. Open the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
3. Type vpn.cmu.edu and click Connect.
4. Select the General Use Campus VPN from the Group drop-down menu.
5. Enter your Andrew userID and password.
6. Click OK. 

Microsoft Updates - SCS Windows Environment

How to manually update Windows 10

1. Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button in the lower left corner. Type Update, and then, in the list of results, click either Windows Update or Check for updates.
2. Click the Check for updates button and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.
3. If you see a message telling you that important updates are available, or telling you to review important updates, click the message to view and select the important updates to install.
4. In the list, click the important updates for more information. Select the check boxes for any updates that you want to install, and then click OK.
5. Click Install updates.

Microsoft Updates - Andrew Windows Environment

How to manually update Windows 10

1. Click Start and start typing “Software Center”. Click “Software Center” from the results to load it.
2. Click on “Updates” in the upper-left sidebar.
3. Click “Install All” in the upper right-hand corner of the window.

Note: It is important that your computer stay on during the update process. Laptops should be plugged into their power supply or dock before proceeding. Loss of power or interruption of patch installation can cause operating system corruption and affect functionality. 

Adobe Updates

Adobe releases updates to patch security vulnerabilities discovered in their software which require urgent attention. These should be applied as soon as possible if applicable to your installed Adobe software. 

All Adobe security patches available are listed on the Adobe Security Bulletins and Advisories page.

Adobe Flash Player

Adobe will no longer be supporting Flash Player after December 31, 2020 and Adobe will block Flash content from running in Flash Player beginning January 12, 2021, Adobe strongly recommends all users immediately uninstall Flash Player to help protect their systems.

For more information, please visit the Adobe Flash EOL Information Page.