Why should I update my computer?
Regularly updating your computer's operating system ensures that your device has the latest features, possibly the most important being the security updates that come with OS updates. If you've ever heard of an operating system reaching "end of life", that refers to the end of an operating system receiving support from the publisher, including security updates. It's not uncommon for devices running an operating system that's reached the end of its support life cycle to be disallowed from network access, since the lack of security updates makes them a point of vulnerability.
Useful reading: Windows 7 support ended on January 14, 2020 | Microsoft Support
How often should I update my computer?
If you're seeing errors or unusual behavior on your computer we recommend checking for updates as an early troubleshooting step, as updates are often published to address known issues. That said, there is no strict schedule on which we'd recommend checking for updates if you aren't encountering issues.
How do I update my computer?
Windows
Click Start > Settings > Update & Security (Windows 10) or Windows Update (Windows 11) then click Check for updates.
Alternatively, in either version of Windows you can open the Start menu and type Check for updates to open directly to the Windows Update menu.
We also recommend checking for optional updates, which can be updates for specific applications or drivers.
Windows 11
From Windows Update, click Advanced options > Optional updates.
Windows 10
From Update & Security, click Check online for updates from Microsoft Update.
Microsoft documentation: Get the latest Windows update | Microsoft Support
Mac
From the Apple menu in the corner of the screen, choose System Settings, then click General in the sidebar, and finally click Software Update.
In some earlier versions of macOS, choose Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
If Software Update finds new software, click the Update or Upgrade button (as applicable) to download and install it. You'll be asked to enter your administrator password, which should be the password you use to sign into the computer. During the install, your Mac might show a progress bar or blank screen several times.
If Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then no new software is currently available for your computer. Software Update shows only software that is compatible with your Mac.
Apple documentation: Update macOS on Mac | Apple Support
Still have questions?
Please call the IT Service Desk at (610) 896-1480 or email itservicedesk@haverford.edu and we'd be happy to help!