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.
- 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.
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:
- To update Windows, open the Control Panel from the start bar.
- In the search bar in the Control Panel, type ‘update’.
- The under Windows Update section, click on Check for updates.
- The system will now search for updates and if any are found, it will prompt you to install them.
- 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:
- Make sure your phone is connected to WI-FI.
- Open settings.
- Select About Phone.
- Press on Check for Updates and if an update is available, an Update button will appear.
- Tap the Update button.
- 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.
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