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It’s important to keep your Mac up-to-date so you can get the latest features and security fixes from Apple. It will be less likely that your Mac will get bugs or crash, which will also make your computer run better overall. Here’s how to Manage System Updates on Mac and Windows.
Windows Update is now so sneaky that you might not even notice it’s still going on. At the same time, blocking security patches and driver updates has become almost impossible. Microsoft has made the Windows Update process easier and more automated, but this has taken away some control.
Steps to Manage System Updates on Mac
- Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the menu bar
- Click on “About This Mac.” If you’re curious, you’ll be able to see what macOS version you’re on.
- Then, select “Software Update.” Any available updates will show up in this window.
- To make sure your device stays up to date automatically, you can check the box next to “Automatically keep my Mac up-to-date.”
- If you don’t want your Mac to update automatically and the box is checked, uncheck it. You’ll get a pop-up window asking if you’re sure. Click “Turn Off Automatic Updates” and enter your password when asked.
- You can click on “Advanced…” in the Software Update window for more options, like whether your Mac will automatically check for, download, and install updates. You can also choose whether your device will automatically update your apps (as opposed to system and security updates).
Manage System Updates on Windows
To find update options in Windows 11, click the Windows button on the taskbar to open the Start menu, then click Settings (or press Win+I on your keyboard). Go to Windows Update in the top right corner of the new window to control how your computer updates itself. On Windows 10, all the steps are the same except for the last one: from the settings window, you click Update & Security.
You can force Windows 10 or 11 to look for a newer version by clicking Check for updates in the page header, but your computer will also do this on its own. You can have more say over how your computer handles these updates by using the options below. Click “Pause updates” in Windows 11 to tell it not to install any patches for a certain amount of time.
The drop-down menu on the right lets you choose from one to five weeks. Windows 10 also has a pause button, but the shortcut only lets you pause for a week at a time. To choose something else, click Advanced options and choose a date from the drop-down menu under Pause updates that says Select date.
FAQ
Where can you find the Windows Update settings?
To manage your options and see available updates, select Check for Windows updates. Or select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update .
Does Mac automatically install updates?
Your Mac automatically updates the security settings and data files that macOS uses in the background. One of the most important things you can do to keep your Mac safe is to keep all of its software up to date.
Should you always update your Mac?
No matter what operating system you use, you should always use the most recent software. You get all the newest features, as well as any security patches and software fixes. Keeping your Mac’s software up to date keeps it safe and secure.
Do Mac computers need updates?
It’s important to check for software updates and install them on your Mac often. Updates to macOS, the operating system on your Mac, might give your computer new features, make it use less power, or fix bugs that are causing trouble.