Use this guide when updates have piled up or you are nervous about a big upgrade breaking something. Have your charger plugged in, a stable internet connection and somewhere to back up your files.
Step by step
Back up first
Copy your important files to an external drive or a trusted cloud service before you start. Check you can open a couple of the backed-up files. This means a failed update costs you time, not data.
List what needs updating
Open your operating system's update settings and your app store to see what is waiting. Note any large version upgrades separately from routine security fixes. Security fixes are the priority.
Check compatibility for big upgrades
For major upgrades, check the developer's notes for known problems with programs or devices you depend on, such as printers or accounting software. If something critical is not yet supported, delay that upgrade but still install security fixes.
Install in a sensible order
Update the operating system first, restart, then update your browser and other apps. Restart again if asked. Doing one layer at a time makes it easier to see what caused any problem.
Test the things you use daily
Open your email, browser, office programs and any work software and try a normal task in each. Print a test page if you rely on a printer. Note anything that behaves differently.
Switch on automatic updates
Turn on automatic security updates for the operating system and apps where available. Set active hours so restarts happen when you are not working. This keeps you protected without needing to remember.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Recent backup made and tested
- Charger connected
- Security updates installed
- Major upgrades checked for compatibility
- Browser updated
- Daily programs tested
- Automatic updates switched on
Practical tips
- Run updates at the start of a quiet day, not just before a deadline.
- Keep a note of the version numbers of critical programs so you can compare after an update.
- Treat pop-ups urging you to update from a website with suspicion and update through the program itself instead.
Common problems
An update has been stuck at the same percentage for a long time.
Large updates can pause for a while, so give it at least an hour before intervening. If nothing changes, restart the device and let it try again or roll back automatically. If it will not start, use the manufacturer's recovery instructions.
A program stopped working after an update.
Check the developer's website for a newer version or a known fix. Many operating systems let you uninstall a recent update for a short period, which can buy time. Contact the software's support team with the exact version numbers.
The update fails because there is not enough space.
Empty the recycle bin, delete old downloads and move large photos or videos to an external drive. Use the built-in storage cleanup tool to remove temporary files. Then try the update again.