Check Your Operating System and Start the Update
The fastest way to update your computer is to let the system do most of the work for you. Your operating system—Windows, macOS, or Linux—checks for updates automatically, but you can also start the process yourself right now.
On a Windows computer, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app. Select "System" on the left, then "About." You will see a button that says "Check for updates" or "Advanced options." Click it. Windows will search for new versions and show you what is available. If updates are ready, click "read and install."
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 "Software Update." Your Mac will check automatically. If updates are waiting, you will see them listed with an "Update Now" button.
On Linux, the process depends on your distribution. Ubuntu users can open the Software Updater app or type sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade in the terminal. Other distributions use different package managers, so check your system's documentation if you are unsure.
Key Takeaways
- Windows updates are found in Settings under System > About, and macOS updates are in System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Most updates install automatically in the background, but you may need to restart your computer to complete them.
- Restart your computer as soon as the update finishes to may support all changes take effect and security patches are active.
- Keeping your computer updated protects you from security vulnerabilities and fixes bugs that slow down performance.
- If an update fails or your computer will not restart, force shutdown by holding the power button for ten seconds, then try the update again.
Understand What Happens During an Update
Updates come in different sizes. A security update patches holes that hackers could use to steal your information. A feature update adds new tools or changes how things work. A bug fix corrects problems that make your computer slow or crash.
When you start an update, your computer downloads files from the manufacturer's servers. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the update and your internet speed. During this time, your computer will still work normally—you can browse the web, check email, or use other programs.
Once the read finishes, the update installs. Some updates install in the background without stopping you. Others require a restart. Your computer will usually warn you before restarting and give you a chance to save your work. Do not ignore this warning—restarting is when the update actually takes effect.
Restart Your Computer to Complete the Update
A restart is not optional. Even if your computer says the update is "installed," the changes do not fully set up until you restart. Security patches in particular do not work until the system reboots.
Save all your open files before restarting. Close any programs you are using. Then either click "Restart now" if your computer is prompting you, or restart manually by clicking the Start menu (Windows) or Apple menu (Mac) and selecting "Restart."
Your computer will shut down and turn back on. This takes two to five minutes. During the restart, you may see a black screen or a progress bar—this is normal. Do not turn off the computer or unplug it during this time. Let it finish completely.
Once your computer restarts and you log back in, the update is complete. You can check that it worked by going back to Settings (Windows) or System Settings (Mac) and confirming that no new updates are waiting.
Update Your Programs and Applications
Your operating system is not the only thing that needs updates. The programs you use every day—your web browser, email client, antivirus software, and other apps—also release updates regularly.
Most programs update automatically in the background. Your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) checks for updates every time you open it. Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, and similar software often update without asking. You may see a notification that says "Updates installed" or "Restart to finish installing updates."
If you want to check manually, open the program and look for a menu option called "Help," "Settings," or "About." Click it and look for "Check for updates" or "Update now." Some programs, like Zoom or Slack, show an update button directly in the menu.
On Windows, you can also open the Microsoft Store app and click the three dots in the top right corner, then "Downloads and updates." This shows all your Store apps and lets you update them all at once.
Handle Updates That Fail or Cause Problems
Most updates install without trouble, but occasionally something goes wrong. Your computer might freeze during the update, lose internet connection, or restart unexpectedly.
If an update stalls and your computer is not responding, hold down the power button for ten seconds until the computer shuts off completely. Wait thirty seconds, then turn it back on. Your computer will usually resume the update or roll back to the previous version. This is safe—do not be afraid to force a shutdown if the update is stuck.
If an update completes but your computer runs slowly or a program stops working, you can roll back to the previous version. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Recovery and click "Go back." On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode, then use Restore to go back to the previous version. Rolling back erases the update but restores your computer to how it was before.
If you are unsure whether a problem is caused by the update, restart your computer first. Many issues resolve on their own after a restart. If the problem persists, then consider rolling back.
Set Up Automatic Updates So You Do Not Have to Remember
The easiest way to stay updated is to let your computer do it automatically. Both Windows and macOS can read and install updates without you doing anything.
On Windows, open Settings > System > About and scroll down to "Advanced options." Click "Automatic updates" and make sure the toggle is turned on. You can also choose what time of day updates install—pick a time when you usually are not using your computer, like early morning or late evening.
On Mac, open System Settings > General > Software Update and click "Automatic Updates." Check the boxes for "Install system data and security updates" and "Install app updates from the App Store." You can also turn on "Install macOS updates" if you want major operating system updates to happen automatically.
With automatic updates turned on, your computer will read and install updates in the background. You may still see a notification asking you to restart, but you will not have to hunt for updates yourself. This is the safest approach because you are never running an outdated system for long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a computer update take?
Most updates take five to thirty minutes from start to finish, including the restart. Large feature updates can take an hour or more. Security updates are usually faster. The time depends on your internet speed, how much your computer has to change, and how many programs need to update.
Can I use my computer while an update is installing?
Yes, for most updates. You can browse the web, check email, or use other programs while the update downloads and installs in the background. However, you should not do heavy work like video editing or gaming, because the update process uses some of your computer's power. When the update is ready to restart, save your work and close your programs.
What happens if I restart my computer before the update finishes?
If you restart before the read is complete, the update will start over from the beginning. If you restart after the read but before installation, the installation will start over. It is annoying but not dangerous. Just let the update finish next time.
Do I need to pay for updates?
No. Operating system updates from Windows and Apple are free. Updates for programs you own are also free. The only time you pay is if you are buying new software or upgrading to a newer version of a program—but regular updates to what you already have are always free.
What if my computer is too old to get new updates?
Older computers eventually stop receiving updates because the manufacturer stops supporting them. If your computer is more than five to seven years old, it may not be able to install the latest version of Windows or macOS. You can still use it, but you will not get new security patches. Consider upgrading to a newer computer if security is a concern.