Maintaining your computer by keeping up to date with all the latest software and operating system is crucial. By doing so, you can keep your information secure as well as avoid sudden crashes which can result in the loss of important work and documents.
Use our guide to find out exactly how to upgrade your system, no matter which device you use, to keep everything running smoothly.
How Do I Update My PC?
Updating your PC essentially means updating its operating system. A computer that is always kept up to date allows you to run the newest programs hassle-free, without having to worry about sudden crashes or things going wrong.
Usually, Windows will give you a notification and let you know when it’s time to update your computer. If you wish to manually check and install updates, follow these steps:
- Click the Windows icon and select Control Panel
- Next select System and Security, then Windows Update.
- Now click on Check for updates to manually check for any additional updates.
- If you get a message prompting you to install important updates, click Install now.
- Once completed, be sure to reboot when prompted as it is an important part of the installation process.
By following the process outlined above, you can successfully update Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 Operating Systems to their latest versions.
How To Upgrade From Windows 10 To Windows 11?
If you currently have a PC or laptop that runs on Windows 10 and you wish to upgrade to Windows 11, the good news is that you can do it for free.
Firstly, you need to check if your Windows 10 PC is ready to be upgraded. To do so, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and then click the Check for updates button. If the option for Windows 11 is there, then it is ready to be installed.
There are now two ways in which you can install windows 11:
- Installation Assistant – this is where you open the Download Windows 11 page through your browser, then click the ‘Download Now’ button under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section.
- Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool – this route allows you to create the installation media for the new OS. Follow the same steps above, then choose whether you want to copy the installation files to a USB drive, or generate an ISO file and burn it to a disk.
How To Upgrade A CPU
Upgrading the processor (CPU) within your device can seem like a very daunting task. This is especially true if you have purchased your PC from new, as opposed to building it yourself. Just follow the steps outlined below:
- Back up your data: if there is any piece of information on your computer that you cannot fathom losing, it is best to back up all your data onto an external hard drive or an online cloud – just in case.
- Open your PC: once it’s open, remove the heatsink which is the part of your computer that connects to your processor on one end, and your fan on the other end.
- Clean the area: whilst the PC is open you can use this time to clean out any dust using an air compressor, as well as the old thermal paste from the heatsink or fan.
- Take out the old CPU: find the small metal lever to lift the housing off the processor and remove it.
- Put the new one in: gently place your new processor down where your old one used to be, noting that there will be two small indentations on the side of the processor, and ensuring they match up with the indentations in the housing.
- Apply new thermal paste: apply the thermal paste to the centre of the processor and allow the heat to gradually spread it over time. Remember, less is more in this case.
- Close the PC: close it back up, put any screws back in, connect the PC to its power source, then boot it up and make sure everything is working properly.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully upgraded your PC’s processor (CPU).
How To Update macOS On Your Mac
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.
- From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, click on System Preferences.
- Next click on Software Update.
- Then click ‘Update Now’ or ‘Upgrade Now’
- The update will now install the latest software version onto your Mac.
How To Update The Apps On Your Mac
When it comes to applications on your Mac, you can choose whether or not you want updates to be installed automatically. If you turn this feature off, you will have to manually update your apps every so often. To do this:
- Open the App Store from your Mac.
- In the sidebar, click on Updates.
- Now you can click Update next to any app to only update that app, or click Update All to successfully update every single application you have installed on your Mac.
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