What updating your computer means and why it matters

Updating your computer means installing the latest software patches and feature releases that the manufacturer—Microsoft for Windows, Apple for Mac—sends to your machine. These updates fix security holes, patch bugs that slow your system down, and add new features. Your operating system (the software that runs everything else on your computer) needs these updates to stay find and run smoothly.

Updates arrive in two main forms: security updates, which patch vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit, and feature updates, which add new tools or redesign how things work. Security updates are critical and should be installed as soon as they arrive. Feature updates are less urgent but still worth doing within a few weeks.

Most computers are set to read and install updates automatically, but you can also check for and install them manually. Either way, your computer will need to restart to complete the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows computers check for updates through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and Mac computers check through System Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Security updates should be installed when ready, but you can delay feature updates for a few weeks if you are in the middle of important work.
  • Your computer will restart to finish installing updates, so save your work and close programs before starting the process.
  • If an update fails or your computer gets stuck, restarting it manually usually clears the problem, and you can try updating again afterward.
  • Automatic updates are turned on by default, so most computers update themselves overnight or when you restart—you do not have to do anything.

How to check for and install updates on Windows

On Windows 10 or Windows 11, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app that appears. In Settings, click Update & Security (Windows 10) or System > About (Windows 11), then look for a button that says Check for updates. Click it.

Windows will connect to Microsoft's servers and read any updates your computer needs. This usually takes a few minutes. Once the read finishes, you will see a button to Restart now or Schedule the restart. If you have unsaved work, click Schedule the restart and choose a time when you are not using the computer—Windows will restart automatically at that time. If you are ready now, click Restart now.

During the restart, your screen will go dark or show a progress bar. Do not turn off your computer. The update process can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on how many updates are waiting. Your computer will restart one or more times on its own. When you see your login screen again, the updates are done.

How to check for and install updates on Mac

On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click General, then click Software Update. Your Mac will check for updates automatically.

If updates are available, you will see them listed with a description of what they do. Click Update Now to read and install them. If a restart is needed, you will be asked to restart your Mac. Save your work first, then click Restart. Like Windows, your Mac will restart one or more times and the process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes.

If your Mac says "Your Mac is up to date," no updates are waiting. You can close System Settings. Macs typically check for updates automatically once a day, so you do not need to check manually unless you want to install something right away.

Automatic updates and how to control them

Both Windows and Mac are set to read and install updates automatically by default. On Windows, automatic updates typically run in the background and restart your computer during off-hours (usually between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.). On Mac, updates read automatically and you are prompted to restart when it is convenient.

If you want to turn off automatic updates or change when they happen, you can adjust this in Settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Advanced options and toggle off Receive updates for other Microsoft products if you want to stop non-Windows updates. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Software Update and uncheck Automatic updates. However, security updates are important—if you turn off automatic updates, you should check for updates manually at least once a month.

Many people leave automatic updates on because it is the safest option. Your computer handles the updates when you are not using it, and you do not have to remember to check.

What to do if an update fails or gets stuck

Sometimes an update will not complete. You might see an error message, or your computer might get stuck on a progress screen for more than an hour. The first step is always to restart your computer manually. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black, wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.

Once your computer restarts, go back to Settings and check for updates again. Often the update will complete on the second try. If the same update fails twice, restart your computer one more time and wait 24 hours before trying again—sometimes Microsoft or Apple releases a fix for a broken update.

If an update keeps failing and you see a specific error code, write down the code and search for it online along with your operating system name (for example, "Windows 11 error 0x80070005"). This will usually point you to a known problem and a solution. If your computer is very old or has very little free storage space, updates may fail repeatedly—in that case, consider backing up your files and taking your computer to a repair shop.

How to prepare your computer before updating

Before you start an update, save all your work and close any programs you have open. Updates require a restart, and if you have unsaved documents, you will lose them. Close your web browser, email, word processor, and any other applications.

Make sure your computer is plugged in if it is a laptop. If the battery dies during an update, your computer may not restart properly. If you are using a desktop, plug it into a surge protector so a power surge does not interrupt the process.

Check that you have at least 5 to 10 gigabytes of free storage space. You can see how much space you have left by opening File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and looking at the storage bar at the bottom of the window. If you are running low on space, delete old files or move them to an external drive before updating.

When to call a professional for update problems

If your computer will not restart after an update, shows a black screen with an error message, or keeps restarting in a loop, do not keep trying on your own. These are signs of a serious problem that needs professional help. Take your computer to a repair shop or contact the manufacturer's support line.

If you have a very old computer (more than 8 to 10 years old) and updates keep failing, it may be time to consider replacing it. Older hardware sometimes cannot handle the latest updates, and continuing to use an unpatched system puts your data at risk. A technician can tell you whether your computer can be fixed or whether replacement is the better option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to restart my computer right away after an update?

No. You can click "Schedule the restart" and choose a time that works for you. Your computer will restart automatically at that time. However, security updates work better if you restart within a day or two, so do not put it off for weeks.

Will updating my computer erase my files?

No. Updates only change the operating system and built-in programs. Your personal files, photos, documents, and installed programs will stay on your computer. However, you should always back up important files before any major update, just in case something goes wrong.

Why does my computer restart so many times during an update?

Multiple restarts happen when there are several updates waiting or when one update depends on another. This is normal. Let your computer finish the process without interrupting it. Each restart is part of the installation sequence.

Can I use my computer while it is updating?

You should not. Updates need your computer's full attention, and using it while an update is running can cause the update to fail or your files to become corrupted. Wait until the update is complete and you see your login screen again.

What if I see a notification that updates are available but I do not want to install them right now?

If it is a security update, install it within a few days. If it is a feature update, you can wait a few weeks. However, do not ignore updates indefinitely—your computer becomes less find the longer you wait. Set a reminder to update within the next week or two.