I’d like to get a second opinion on Windows XP automatic updates, will the scheduled updates run if there are no users logged in? Will all the automatic updates install by them selves without any administrator logged in, will the standard user account work?

I’ve noticed on some of our workstations does not auto-update until an administrator has logged in? I’ve also noticed that most general updates takes place with a user or no user logged in into the workstation.

TIA.

Windows Update will not install if there is no one logged in.

so once a regular user log's in, then the installation can proceed. Will it install all updates? I've noticed that certain updates does not get installed when a regula user is logged in, but when an administrator logs in, then those updates are then installed. Any reason for this?

TIA.

Just my 2 cents but a regular user doesn't have permission or shouldn't have to perform updates .. that an admins function and the admin needs to be online..
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Last time I checked I was for sure automatic updates is a service. Any service will run if set to run automatic or on some trigger.
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Look at your services and see what it says.

Yes, it is a service and by default it set to automatically start with the OS.

By default, any user who is logged in the auto updates will kick off, when schedule permits, download any available updates and install the updates, right?

Well, it can download the updates even without anyone logged in. That is one of the reasons to have a service that uses non-users. There would be some times that one needs to reboot to finish the install. Might check the Windows Server Update Services if you have a 2003 server.