When you reinstall your computer and try to access Windows Updates to update your system with the most recent updates, you will notice that you are unable to, unless you have already activated your copy of Windows.

The Windows update site requires you to authenticate your Windows installation. This action is to ensure that you are using a Genuine copy of Microsoft Windows. This prompt is the default, and it ensures you are using a purchased product, not a pirated one.

However, during test installs, you may need to get your updates before authenticating your OS. In times like these, there is no surefire way to access the actual Windows Update Site until you authenticate your system.

There is a way, and Microsoft uses it by default: setting your computer to do [Automatic Updates], which will allow your system to update itself with the latest available updates.

However, you do have to wait for the system to cycle itself before you can see the notification balloon appear down by your clock.

Do not authenticate or set [Automatic Updates] for your computer. Doing this will make your system highly vulnerable to attacks and prevent most programs from running properly.

To have Windows Updates cycle itself without the long wait, perform the following.

Once this is completed, you should see the [Notification Balloon] appear.

Click on it, and choose either [Express] or [Custom]

I personally prefer [Custom], as I want to see what I'm downloading and installing on my machine.

The method above should work on all versions of Windows from Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows , and Windows 8. If it does not work with one of the above-listed operating systems, please send us a message, and we will update this article with your information, especially if you receive an error and can either "Write it down" or take a "Screenshot" of it.