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Keep Windows, macOS and your phone updated

Updates fix security holes that attackers actively look for, along with bugs that make devices slow or unstable. Keeping your computers and phones updated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe.

Windows 11

  1. Click Start > Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates, then Download & install if anything is available.
  3. If you see Restart now, save your work and restart.

On Windows 10, the path is Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Also open the Microsoft Store > Library and click Get updates to update store apps.

Mac

  1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. (On older Macs: Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.)
  2. Install any updates shown and restart when asked.
  3. Click the i or Automatic updates option and make sure security responses and system files are set to install automatically.

Apps from the Mac App Store update through the App Store > Updates.

A major new version of macOS (for example, a new name) is different from a security update. If you rely on specialized business software, check with us or the software vendor before upgrading to a brand-new major version.

iPhone and iPad

  1. Open Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Tap Update Now or Install Now if an update is available.
  3. Turn on Automatic Updates from the same screen.

Android

  1. Open Settings > System > Software update (or System update). On Samsung phones, it's Settings > Software update > Download and install.
  2. Install anything available and restart when asked.
  3. Also open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, then Manage apps & device to update apps.

Menu names can vary slightly between Android brands. If you can't find the option, search for "update" in the Settings app.

Don't forget your browser and apps

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Safari update themselves, but many updates only finish after you close and reopen the browser. Microsoft 365 apps such as Outlook and Word also update automatically when they are closed and reopened.

Restart regularly

Many updates only take effect after a restart. Putting a computer to sleep or closing the laptop lid isn't the same thing. Restart your computer at least once a week, and restart your phone from time to time too. If your computer has been showing a "restart required" message, take care of it as soon as you can.

End-of-life devices

Every operating system and device eventually stops receiving security updates. After that point, new security holes are never fixed, and the device becomes an easy target.

  • Windows 10 reached its end of support in October 2025. Microsoft's paid Extended Security Updates program only provides limited extra time. Computers still running Windows 10 should be upgraded to Windows 11 if the hardware supports it, or replaced.
  • Macs, iPhones and Android phones also stop receiving new versions after several years. If your device can no longer install the current version or receive security updates, it's time to plan a replacement.

Devices that no longer receive security updates shouldn't be used for email, banking or business data. If you're not sure whether your computers are still supported, we can review them with you and help you plan upgrades.

Published on - 01-01-1970 05:30am

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