Keep Your Devices Updated: A Simple Guide to Automatic Updates

Software updates can feel inconvenient, especially when a phone or computer asks to restart at the wrong time. But keeping your devices updated is one of the simplest ways to protect your personal information and keep everything working properly.

Updates often repair security weaknesses, fix bugs, improve reliability, and keep apps compatible with your device. You do not need to follow every technology announcement or install updates the moment they appear. The easiest approach is to turn on automatic updates and let your device handle most of the work.

The short version Turn on automatic updates, leave your device connected to power and Wi-Fi overnight occasionally, and restart it when asked. Use only the update controls built into the device—never an unexpected link, pop-up, or phone call.

Before you begin

• Connect the device to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
• Plug it into power or make sure the battery is well charged.
• Save anything you are working on before installing a large update.
• If possible, make sure important photos and files are backed up.

iPhone and iPad: Turn on automatic system updates

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. Tap Automatic Updates.
5. Turn on Automatically Install. Also allow automatic system-file updates if that choice appears.

When an update is ready, the iPhone or iPad can install it overnight while the device is charging, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi. Apple normally displays a notice before installation.

To check manually at any time, return to Settings → General → Software Update. If an update is available, follow the instructions on that screen.

Turn on automatic app updates on iPhone or iPad

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap App Store.
4. Make sure App Updates is turned on.

Apps downloaded from the App Store are normally set to update automatically. If you want to check manually, open the App Store, tap your picture or account button, and look for App Updates.

Mac: Turn on automatic macOS updates

1. Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner.
2. Open System Settings.
3. Click General in the sidebar.
4. Click Software Update.
5. Click the information button beside Automatic Updates.
6. Turn on Download new updates when available, Install macOS updates, and Install Security Responses and system files.
7. Click Done.

A Mac laptop may need to be plugged into its power adapter before it automatically downloads or installs an update.

Turn on automatic app updates on a Mac

1. Open the App Store.
2. From the menu bar at the top of the screen, choose App Store → Settings.
3. Select Automatic Updates.

This setting covers apps downloaded through the App Store. Programs downloaded directly from another company—such as a printer utility or another web browser—may use their own updater. Open that program and look for an update choice in its menu or settings.

Windows 11: Keep Windows Update working automatically

Windows 11 normally downloads and installs security updates automatically. You can still check that everything is current:

1. Select the Start button.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Windows Update.
4. Review the update status and select Check for updates.
5. If Windows asks for a restart, choose Restart now or schedule it for a convenient time.

The switch labeled Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available is optional. Regular security updates still arrive when this switch is off. Turning it on simply gives your computer some non-security improvements and new features sooner.

Prevent inconvenient Windows restarts

1. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options.
2. Select Active hours.
3. Choose Automatically, or enter the hours when you usually use the computer.

Turn on automatic Microsoft Store app updates

1. Select Start and open Microsoft Store.
2. Select your profile picture.
3. Open Store Settings.
4. Make sure App updates is turned on.

Some Windows programs manage their own updates because they were installed outside the Microsoft Store. Look for an update setting inside those programs.

A special note about Windows 10

Microsoft ended normal free support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. A Windows 10 computer may still turn on and work, but it no longer receives the ordinary free security protection that Windows 11 receives.

If you still use Windows 10, ask a trusted technician whether your computer can move to Windows 11, qualifies for an extended security program, or should be replaced. Do not pay an unexpected caller who claims they can “renew” Windows support.

How to recognize a fake update message

Real updates should come through Settings, the App Store, the Microsoft Store, or an app you deliberately opened. Be suspicious when a website pop-up, text, email, or unexpected caller says your device is infected or must be updated immediately.

A legitimate update will not require you to buy gift cards, move money, provide a verification code, or let a stranger control your screen. Close the message and check for updates through the device’s own settings instead.

A five-minute monthly routine

1. Open the device’s update screen and confirm it says you are up to date.
2. Check that automatic system and app updates remain turned on.
3. Restart the device if it has been running for several weeks.
4. Remove apps you no longer use.
5. Ask for trusted help if an update repeatedly fails.

You do not need to become a software expert. Letting your devices update automatically—and knowing where the real update controls are—does most of the work for you.

Official instructions: Apple: Update iPhone automatically; Apple: Update App Store apps; Apple: Keep your Mac up to date; Microsoft: Windows Update FAQ; Microsoft: Turn on automatic app updates.