Check Your Operating System First

Before you update, you need to know what you are running. The steps for Windows, macOS, and Linux are different, and using the wrong steps wastes time. Open your system settings and look for the version information — this tells you both what operating system you have and what version it is.

On Windows, right-click "This PC" or "My Computer" on your desktop, select Properties, and look for "Edition" and "Version". On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left, select "About This Mac", and check the macOS name and version number. On Linux, open a terminal and type lsb_release -a or cat /etc/os-release to see your distribution and version.

Write down what you find. You will need this information if something goes wrong during the update, and it helps you understand which updates are actually available for your machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows updates come through Settings > Update & Security > Check for Updates, and most machines update automatically on a schedule you can change.
  • macOS updates appear in System Settings > General > Software Update, and your Mac will prompt you when a new version is ready.
  • Linux updates depend on your distribution — Ubuntu uses Software Updater or the terminal command sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade, while Fedora uses sudo dnf upgrade.
  • Back up your files before a major version update, because rollback is difficult if something breaks.
  • Updates usually take 20 minutes to two hours depending on file size and your internet speed, and your computer will restart during the process.

Windows Update: Automatic and Manual Routes

Windows checks for updates automatically, but you can also check manually. Open Settings (press the Windows key and type "Settings"), then go to Update & Security > Windows Update. Click "Check for Updates" to see if anything is waiting.

Windows divides updates into three types. Security updates patch vulnerabilities and come out monthly on the second Tuesday. Quality updates fix bugs and performance issues. Feature updates add new tools and change the interface — these happen twice a year and take longer to install. You cannot skip security updates, but you can delay feature updates by up to 35 days if you need to.

When an update is ready, Windows will ask you to restart. Save your work first — the restart will close all open programs. If you are on a metered connection (like a phone hotspot), go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage and mark your connection as metered so Windows does not read large updates automatically.

macOS Update: System Settings and the App Store

On a Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then General > Software Update. Your Mac will show you what is available. Click "Update Now" to read and install the latest version.

macOS updates come in two sizes. Point updates (like 13.1 to 13.2) are small and install quickly. Major updates (like 12 to 13) are large and may take an hour or more. Your Mac will ask you to restart — plug in power first, because a major update can drain your battery if it finishes while unplugged.

If you see updates in the App Store instead of in System Settings, open the App Store app, click Updates in the sidebar, and install them there. These are usually smaller security patches. Do not ignore them — they close holes that malware can use.

Linux Update: Distribution-Specific Commands

Linux updates depend on which distribution you use. Ubuntu users can open Software Updater from the applications menu, or open a terminal and type sudo apt update followed by sudo apt upgrade. The first command checks what updates exist; the second downloads and installs them.

Fedora users open a terminal and type sudo dnf upgrade. Debian users type sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. Arch users type sudo pacman -Syu. If you are unsure which distribution you have, the lsb_release -a command will tell you.

Linux updates usually do not require a restart unless you are updating the kernel (the core of the operating system). If a restart is needed, the system will tell you. Unlike Windows and macOS, you have more control over when updates happen — you can schedule them for a time that suits you, or update only specific packages if you prefer.

Back Up Before a Major Update

A major version update (Windows 11 to Windows 12, macOS 12 to 13, or Ubuntu 22.04 to 24.04) carries more risk than a small patch. If something breaks, rolling back is difficult and may require a clean reinstall. Before you start a major update, back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage.

On Windows, use File Explorer to copy your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders to an external drive. On a Mac, use Time Machine — plug in an external drive, go to System Settings > General > Time Machine, and click "Set Up Time Machine". On Linux, use rsync or copy your home directory to an external drive using the file manager.

A backup takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have. It feels like extra work, but it means you can recover your files if the update fails or corrupts something.

Restart and Wait for the Update to Finish

Once you start the update, your computer will restart one or more times. This is normal. Do not turn off your computer or unplug it — let it finish. Interrupting an update can leave your system unable to start.

During the update, your screen may go black, show a progress bar, or display technical messages. This can last anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours. If your computer has not restarted after three hours, something may have gone wrong — wait another 30 minutes before investigating.

When the update is done, your computer will boot normally and you will see your login screen. Log in and check that your files and programs are still there. Open a web browser and visit a website to confirm your internet connection works. If something is missing or broken, this is the time to restore from your backup.

Troubleshoot If an Update Fails or Stalls

If an update fails or your computer gets stuck, the first step is to wait. Updates sometimes appear frozen but are actually working in the background. Wait at least one hour before doing anything else.

If your computer is truly stuck (the screen has not changed in over an hour and the hard drive light is not blinking), restart it manually. On Windows, hold the power button for 10 seconds until the machine shuts down, then turn it back on. On a Mac, hold the power button for 10 seconds. On Linux, the same applies. Your computer may try to resume the update or roll back to the previous version.

If the update fails repeatedly, check your internet connection — a weak or unstable connection can cause downloads to fail. Plug in an ethernet cable if you are using Wi-Fi. If you are still stuck, you may need to reinstall your operating system from scratch using a bootable USB drive, which is why the backup matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my computer while it is updating?

No. During an update, your computer will restart and be unavailable. Plan updates for a time when you do not need your machine — evening or overnight is usually best. Do not start an update if you have unsaved work.

What if I do not want to update right now?

On Windows, you can delay feature updates for up to 35 days through Settings > Update & Security > Advanced Options. Security updates cannot be delayed. On macOS and Linux, you can straightforward not click the update button, though security patches should not be ignored for long.

Will an update delete my files?

No. Updates replace system files, not your personal data. Your documents, photos, and downloads stay where they are. A backup is still wise in case something goes wrong, but normal updates do not erase your files.

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

Multiple restarts allow the system to update different parts of itself in stages. Each restart moves to the next phase. This is normal and expected — do not interrupt it.

How do I know if my update finished successfully?

You will see your normal login screen and be able to log in. Open Settings and check the version number — it should match the version you were updating to. If you can use your computer normally and your files are there, the update succeeded.