Overview

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Updating your computer regularly will help avoid attacks by hackers and viruses. A virus on your computer can affect all other users on the network.

Follow these directions to comply with UC San Diego's Network Security Minimum Standards and protect your network, computer, email, and data.

Operating Systems

• Windows 11
• Windows 10
• MacOS

Critical Concepts

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• We recommend turning on automatic updates for your computer's operating system (OS), installed applications, and web browsers to ensure that your device always has the latest security patches

Steps to Take

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Windows 11

Windows 11 automatically checks for updates, then downloads and installs available updates to keep your device secure. Follow these steps to manually check for updates:

1. To check for updates manually, select the Windows Logo (start button), and type "settings" and select Settings.
2. Once in Settings, press the Windows Update tab on the left side.
3. Select Check for updates. 
4. If Windows Update says the device is up to date, all available updates are already installed on your computer.
5. If updates are available, Windows will either download it automatically or you will need to press Download and Install. You will most likely need to restart your computer.

Windows 10

Windows 10 automatically checks for updates, then downloads and installs available updates to keep your device secure. Follow these steps to manually check for updates:

1. To check for updates manually, select the Windows Logo (start button), and type "settings" and select Settings.
2. Once in Settings, press Updates and Security.
3. Select Check for updates. 
4. If Windows Update says the device is up to date, all available updates are already installed on your computer.
5. If updates are available, download and install the update. You will most likely need to restart your computer. 

MacOS

1. Open System Preferences and click Software Update.
2. Click Check Now if prompted. If updates are available, press Update Now.
3. After update is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer.
4. To setup regular updates, return to the System Preferences --> Software Update window, and check Automatically check for updates. Click on Advanced... and make sure the following are checked:
   
   • Check for updates
   • Download new updates when available
   • Install macOS updates
   • Install system data files and security updates
5. Press OK then close the window to save your changes.
6. When computer prompts you to check for or install updates in the future, do so as soon as possible.