New Windows Update Client Available

Microsoft is releasing a new version of the Windows Automatic Update client, version 7.2.6001.788, for Windows XP, Vista, and Windows Server 2000, 2003 and 2008.

This update includes the same performance enhancements available in the last client:

• Improves scan times for Windows Update
• Improves the speed at which signature updates are delivered
• Enables support for Windows Installer reinstallation functionality
• Improves error messaging

This version also fixes a bug that limited the client to only downloading 80 updates at a time. This is important when trying to update an XP RTM computer, for example, since there are far more than 80 updates for this build.

The update will be slowly rolled out via Windows Update and WSUS over the next two months. You can also download the update directly from Microsoft here.

It may be important to know that Windows Update will automatically update the Windows Automatic Update client software, even if the computer is configured not to download automatic updates. The only way to prevent this is to completely turn off Automatic Updates (not recommended).