How to update your computer

Why should I update my computer?

Your computer needs to be updated regularly to continue functioning normally.  Both PCs and Macs need to be updated regularly.   Updates may contain fixes to security flaws, updates to your operating system, or include new features or versions of applications.  Modern software and apps require regular updates as the software development process is iterative.

  • We recommend enabling automatic updates and installing all updates when prompted by your computer. 
  • You should also check for updates every few weeks to keep your computer in top form.

 

  • If your computer is not working properly, try:
    • restarting it
    • checking for and installing updates
    • dropping by the tech office

 

How do I update my Mac?

On a mac, you update your operating system (OS) and applications separately.  Please do both on a regular basis.

1. Click on the apple in the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac.

about mac

2.  See which operating system you are using.  Big Sur is the most recent as of June 2020. 

Note:  Even if you are on Big Sur, please click on the Software Update button and install the latest updates.

Screen Shot 2021-08-23 at 10.14.21 AM.png

3.  Go to the App store, search for macOS Big Sur and install Big Sur.

4.  Once you are using Big Sur, check for application updates by

    1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu  (apple shaped button in top left corner), then click Software Update to check for updates.
    2. If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.  It is recommended that you check the box for "Automatically keep my Mac up to date".   Note: Please remember to run these updates in the evenings so you are not stuck running updates during class time.  (Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.).
    3. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari Links to an external site., iTunes Links to an external site., Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
    4. To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.  
    5. To update Office 365 products, open any office app (Outlook, Word or Excel) and click on the Help tab, click on Check for Updates.  It may ask you if you want to open this auto-update for the first time, click Open.  Check "Automatically Check" or "Automatically Download and Install", then click on the Check for Updates and click Install.  Click here Links to an external site. for more detailed instructions.

Directions from: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541 Links to an external site.

 

How do I update my PC?

1. Search for "updates" in the search box or by clicking on the windows button in the bottom left corner.

2. Click  "Check for updates" and open Windows Update.

3. IMPORTANT:  First click on the blue "Check online for Microsoft updates"  link

4. Install any Microsoft updates and restart your machine if necessary.

5. Return to Windows Update and click on the gray "Check for Updates" button

6. Install any Windows updates and restart your machine.

windows updates

 

If you get an "update server cannot be reached" error, please try again in a few hours.