🔄 Keep your phone or computer updated
Learn why updates matter and how to install them so your device stays safe and working well.
Which device are you using?
Pick one and the steps below will use the right words for you.
📱 A quick heads-up
This guide is written for phone, tablet, and computer. Choose that device above to follow along — or look at the related guides below for your device.
When your phone or computer says an update is ready, it is asking you to install a small fix. Many of these fixes close security gaps that scammers try to use.
🧭 New to this? Start here first
These short guides cover what you need before this one — no rush.
✅ What you need
- Just your device
- A Wi-Fi connection (updates can be large — avoid doing them on cellular data)
Step by step
- Open Settings (the grey gear icon), then tap General, then Software Update. Open Settings and look for Windows Update (Windows) or System Settings → Software Update (Mac).
- If an update is shown, read the short description and tap or click Install Now.💡 Your device may restart. That is normal and only takes a minute or two.
- You can turn on Automatic Updates so your device installs small fixes on its own, usually overnight while it charges. Look for an option called Automatic Updates or 'Download and install automatically' and turn it on.
- Do not postpone updates for weeks. Outdated software is one of the easiest ways for scammers to get into a device.
💡 Helpful tips
- Updates are always free. If anyone charges you to 'update' your device, that is a scam.
- The best time to update is when your device is plugged in and you are not using it.
- Pop-up messages in a web browser offering an 'urgent update' are almost always fake — ignore them and close the tab.
Think of updates like fixing a lock on a door that was accidentally left open. They take a few minutes and make your device much harder for strangers to get into.