How to Keep Your Computer Updated

Having a computer makes life so much easier, but it can also make things harder if it malfunctions. One of the best ways to ensure your device performs at its best is to always keep it updated so it runs smoothly and securely. Microsoft’s engineers make routine updates for the Windows operating system as well as discovering and fixing security issues and other bugs. They also update software and apps so you can remove outdated features and replace them with new ones.

So, let’s walk you through how to keep your computer updated so you can continue using your device efficiently and have an overall great experience. 

How to Update Microsoft Windows

1. Go to the search bar in the bottom left corner and type UPDATES
2. Click on CHECK FOR UPDATES. A window will show you all the updates available. Sometimes it will say “You’re up to date” and no updates needed, but that isn’t always true. Click on the CHECK FOR UPDATES below the notification to see if any populates. You might need to manually click on the list to get them to download. 
3. Sometimes your computer will need to restart for certain updates, so don’t be too far from your computer. That way, you can restart your computer if asked.  
4. Even if your PC doesn’t ask you to restart your computer, you always want to give it a restart to make sure everything went off without a hitch. 

How to Update Windows Antivirus Software

Keeping your antivirus software up to date is crucial to ward off viruses from your system and avoid threats from damaging your computer in the future. 

Microsoft has its own default antivirus software built in called Windows Defender. The Defender program helps protect your Windows operating system and data from common threats like viruses, spyware and malware. Windows Defender is pre-installed on PCs that run Windows 7, 8 and 10.

1. Go to the search bar in the bottom left corner of your screen and type in WINDOWS DEFENDER, then click on it. 
2. Click on SECURITY AT A GLANCE 
3. In the virus & threat protection box, click PROTECTION UPDATES so the system can scan and check for updates. 
4. Click CHECK FOR UPDATES to download, if there are any 

How to Update your Microsoft Apps 

The Windows 10 operating system brought something new to the user interface – apps – tons of them! They live in the app store and their updates almost always need to be run manually, so sometimes you need to check yourself.

1. Select START and click on MICROSOFT STORE
2. Click on the download icon next to your profile picture on the top right of the window
3. Click on the CHECK FOR UPDATES button under the search bar
4. Your PC will scan for updates
5. Click UPDATE ALL and your machine will download and update them

How to Restart Your PC

It’s always a good idea to restart your computer after making any updates to your operating system, software and apps. 

Restarting your computer closes all your apps and programs, turns off your PC and turns it on again. 

1. Click on START button
2. Click on the POWER option close to the bottom
3. Click on RESTART

Just be patient- it can take a few minutes for the full restart cycle to take effect. Once your computer restarts, you can sign back in like you normally would. 

There you have it! A handful of easy steps to make sure your PC is always at its latest and greatest. Give us a ring if you need help to make updates on your computer or if you have a few questions about the process. All of our certified technicians are happy to assist you.