computers

With all the devices that are now part of our every day lives, it can be tricky to keep on top of software updates. If the technology is new to you however, you may be wondering how to update software? Keeping your software up to date at all times is crucial for a wide variety of reasons. Updates often patch any security flaws, help to protect your data, as well as better the software’s compatibility with different devices or applications. 

Many types of software usually update automatically, but it is still important that you know how to check for any updates and begin the process yourself. We’ve put together a quick how-to guide so you can learn the updating technique for yourself, and always come back to it if you find yourself stuck on what to do next. 

How To Update Your Computer

An update is new, improved, or fixed software, which replaces older versions of the same software.

Staying on top of updates is one of the most important steps in protecting your devices from viruses, malware, and other Internet security threats. How to go about updating it depends on the type of operating system your computer or laptop runs on. 

macOS 

Before you begin updating, it is a good idea to back up your Mac. Once you have done so, follow the steps below to find and install the latest update. 

1. From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, click on System Preferences.
2. Next click on Software Update.
3. Then click ‘Update Now’ or ‘Upgrade Now’
4. The update will now install the latest software version onto your Mac. 

Windows 

Again, before you update the software on your windows computer or laptop, you may wish to make a copy of all the important information – just in case. Then follow the steps below:

1. To update Windows, open the Control Panel from the start bar. 
2. In the search bar in the Control Panel, type ‘update’.
3. The under Windows Update section, click on Check for updates.
4. The system will now search for updates and if any are found, it will prompt you to install them.
5. Once it’s done, Windows will most likely ask you to restart the computer.

How To Update Your Phone

Updating your smartphone’s operating system when notified to do so helps patch security gaps and improve your device’s overall performance. No matter what type of phone you have, there are some steps that you should follow before considering updating to the latest software version. 

First things first, make sure your phone is charged. Many updates will not take place if the battery has less than 60% charge left in it. And although upgrades and updates should not affect the data stored on your smartphone, backing up important files and photos is still a good idea, just to be safe.

You may also wish to delete any apps that you no longer use as a new update may need a significant amount of your device’s memory. After this, it is time to update your phone and, again, how to go about this depends on what type of phone you use. 

Android Phone 

To get the most out of your Android phone, you should download the latest available operating system by following the steps below:

1. Make sure your phone is connected to WI-FI. 
2. Open settings. 
3. Select About Phone.
4. Press on Check for Updates and if an update is available, an Update button will appear.
5. Tap the Update button. 
6. Install the new update onto your phone by tapping Install System Software or Install and Reboot. 

iPhone 

To update your Apple devices including iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, follow the simple steps below. 

• Plug in your device to a power source and make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi.
• Go to Settings then tap on General, then Software Update.
• If you see two software update options available, choose the one that you want to install.
• Tap Download and Install, be aware that your device may ask you to input your passcode to authorise the update. 

If you would rather your device update automatically overnight whilst its charging, you will need to turn on automatic update settings:

• Go to Settings then General then tap on Software Update.
• Press on Automatic Updates, then toggle the switch to turn on  Download iOS Updates.
• Now your device will automatically be updated to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. It is important to note that some updates may need to be installed manually from time to time. 

How To Update Using A Program

A software updater is a program you install on your computer to help you keep all your other software updated to their latest versions. 

Most of these programs are free to use and make the process of upgrading your software really easy. Here are a few of our top picks. 

Patch My PC Updater

This program provides you with an easy way to update or install a large list of programs on your computer. When you install this program it will scan through all your applications, check for updates and present them to you in a colour coded way:

When you open Patch My PC Updater, it will scan your system for outdated programs.

• Outdated programs will be shown in Red
• Updated programs will be shown in Green
• Not-installed programs will be shown in Black

Patch My PC Updater works on all editions of Windows, including Windows 11 and Windows 7. 

Heimdal Free

This program will automatically and silently download and install patches when necessary. It can work in automatic mode to keep all your compatible programs updated automatically, or you can choose a custom setup to best suit your working needs. It can also:

• Recommend new program downloads.
• Tweak update settings to suit your preference.
• Fully automatic and runs in the background while you work. 

This program is compatible with and runs seamlessly on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.…

As the most popular operating system currently in use, Windows is often celebrated for its versatility. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved upon. Luckily, this is where Windows Utilities come in.

Windows Utilities allow you to customize your user experience and ultimately optimize a variety of functions you use every day. They can help your system to work faster, in addition to specifically improving the functions you use every day. 

In this guide, we will be taking you through some of our top recommendations for Windows Utilities that you should already be using. We’re going to try to cover all bases as everyone uses their systems in slightly different ways. We are sure you’ll find something useful!

The Best Windows Utilities

QTTabBar

If you find yourself frequently opening multiple folders while working or during any part of your day, QTTabBar is for you. It allows you to keep track of every file you open by compiling them into one window with multiple tabs, rather than opening a new windows file explorer every time.

The best part? It all integrates into your existing file explorer, so you don’t need to get the hang of using new software. You can switch between file tabs as easily as you would in an internet browser. It’s a simple change that makes a significant difference. 

F.lux

The effect of prolonged blue light on our sleeping patterns has been well documented, yet so many of us don’t actually adjust our habits to accommodate for this. We all spend more time staring at computer screens than we ever used to, be it for work or pleasure, so it’s wise to be a little more conscious about your display.

This is where F.lux comes in. You can time it to alter the light of your display so it is warmer and more orange than blue. Not only will you sleep better, but you will do your eyesight a real favor too. Don’t believe us? Take it from Harvard. 

CCleaner

CCleaner is designed to keep your system operating at its fastest by removing files and programs that you no longer need. It claims to permanently delete them too, so you should see a noticeable difference even after just one scan.

You have full control over how much is deleted and where the files are pulled from. You can even alter how many ‘passes’ the program performs when deleting files for more secure erasure. If you want your operating system to work more smoothly, CCleaner can point you in the right direction. 

Restoro

With built-in malware detection and the ability to remove threats as soon as they are discovered, Restoro is a great utility for keeping your software safe. It isn’t just malware that Restoro will scan for, but a variety of problems too. 

Anything suspicious is quarantined and you are given the option of total removal or further action. There is both a free option and an unlimited use plan available, depending on how much you’re willing to spend. There’s a full money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied, so it could be worth trying out!

Dropbox

If you have heard of Google Drive, Dropbox is a very similar concept. It’s a program that allows you to store your files separately from your hard drive in a secure location. The free version provides you with plenty of space, but you can always subscribe to premium if you feel that you need more.

Dropbox allows you to separate all of your files into their own folders so they are easy to keep track of. You can download a desktop shortcut for easy access, in addition to installing Dropbox across multiple devices. This makes moving files around easier than ever.

Lightshot

You may have never considered how to make the most out of screenshots you take, but you’d be surprised how much you’re missing out on. Lightshot claims to be the fastest way to take a customizable screenshot, but what does this mean?

Ordinarily, any screenshot you take will just take a capture of the screen you’re viewing. With Lightshot, you can crop the screenshot down, add text, alter the coloring, among numerous other features. If you frequently need to send screenshots to colleagues for work purposes, Lightshot could really lighten your load. 

Everything

The Windows explorer search bar is fit for purpose, but it hasn’t seen many updates over the decades that it’s been around. At least, not any updates that have significantly changed the way it operates. Everything is a utility that makes a difference.

As its name suggests, Everything shows you quite literally everything in the folders that you select. Not only does this make it easier to review the information, it also dramatically cuts down the amount of time it takes to search through large folders. This is thanks to the indexing process Everything uses, which differs from Windows. 

Remote Fingerprint Unlock

Most smartphones come equipped with a fingerprint reader to offer more personalized unlocking, but laptops have yet to join in on the trend. Luckily, if that’s something you’re interested in, there’s a Windows Utility for that.

Essentially, all you need to do is install the app onto your Android and onto your Windows laptop. Then, once the two are synced, you can use your fingerprint to unlock both your phone and your laptop. Simple! Not only is this more secure, it also just feels pretty cool. There’s no downside!

SoundWire

Speaking of cool things you can do with your smartphone, why not turn it into a remote speaker? That’s exactly what SoundWire allows you to do. This could work especially well if, for whatever reason, your laptop speakers have stopped working.

Even if your laptop speakers are working, SoundWire gives you the opportunity to play whatever you want around your home through your phone, all controlled by your laptop. Whatever your reasoning, it’s a handy trick to make the most of.

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