How to Update Windows, macOS and Linux

Last updated: 11 October 2026

Use your operating system’s supported updater, keep a recoverable backup and verify that the installed version still receives security updates. Installing routine fixes is different from upgrading to a new major release. An old system can continue to boot after support ends without being maintained or compatible with new applications.

Before you start

• Back up important files and confirm that you can restore them.
• Keep a laptop connected to power and leave enough free storage.
• Save work and check software or driver requirements for a major upgrade.
• Keep disk-encryption recovery information available.

Do not download operating-system updates from an unrelated “driver updater” or a pop-up advertisement.

Windows

On Windows 11, open Settings → Windows Update and check for updates. On Windows 10, the route is Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. Review pending restarts and use the available scheduling controls. Managed computers may have policies that control update timing.

Regular support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft’s lifecycle guidance distinguishes this from editions with different lifecycles. If a computer must stay on Windows 10, check its current eligibility and enrollment in an official Extended Security Updates program. The existence of an update history does not establish ongoing support.

Before a Windows 11 upgrade, check the computer’s hardware eligibility rather than bypassing its requirements. After installing or upgrading, our fresh Windows setup checklist covers the next checks. PowerShell 7 has its own installation and update options; updating Windows does not necessarily replace every separately installed tool.

macOS

On current macOS versions, open System Settings → General → Software Update. Older versions use System Preferences → Software Update. Review the offered update or upgrade and its compatibility requirements; automatic-update controls depend on the installed version.

Apple’s macOS update instructions explain the supported route. Check whether the Mac supports the new release and whether critical applications or peripherals are ready. Do not assume an unsupported Mac can receive every new version.

Linux distributions

Use the distribution’s software updater or package manager. Commands differ between distributions; do not paste an Ubuntu command into an unrelated system.

# Ubuntu/Debian package updates
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

# Fedora package updates
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Read the proposed changes before accepting. These commands are routine package-update examples, not universal major-release upgrade instructions. A restart may be needed after kernel or core-library updates. Follow Ubuntu’s package-management guidance or your own distribution’s documentation for the installed release.

Check completion

Restart when required, reopen the updater and confirm that it no longer shows the same pending changes. Test essential applications, network access and peripherals. If an update fails, record its error and consult the vendor’s instructions rather than repeatedly forcing a major upgrade.

If a PC freezes after the change, use our staged troubleshooting guide. Keep updates, application updates, firmware changes and hardware diagnosis as distinct tasks so you can identify what changed.