According to this CNET News.com article Microsoft is planning swift action in response to the recent surge of viruses and worms:
A Microsoft representative said the company is “giving strong consideration to enabling Auto Update by default in future versions of Windows,” though the company has not yet committed to a time frame.
Did you hear that hackers? Strong consideration! Oh man, I love it when Bill comes out swinging like that. Next thing you know they are going to be thinking about making Internet Explorer more standards based.
Hurrah for Microsoft!