HowyGuard

How do I keep every computer patched and up to date?

Howy the walrus with a coffee mug, watching a laptop install an update

Turn on automatic updates on every Windows and Mac computer, update your apps, and check each computer once a month says it's up to date. Write down the check dates. Any computer that can no longer get updates, like one still on Windows 10, goes on its own list so you can replace it or describe it honestly.

A patch is an update that fixes a security hole in Windows, macOS or an app. Automatic updates install them on their own.

Check if you already have it

  • Windows: open Settings, then Windows Update. It should say You're up to date, with no pause. Also check the version under Settings, System, About: Windows 10 no longer gets regular security updates.
  • Mac: open System Settings, then General, then Software Update. It should say your Mac is up to date, and the i next to Automatic updates should show every option on.

Check every computer, including the front desk PC and any laptop that goes home.

How to set it up

On each Windows computer:

Turn on automatic security updates in Windows

Windows, needs an administrator account on each computer

  1. Open Settings, then Windows Update.
  2. If updates are paused, click Resume updates.
  3. Click Check for updates and install everything offered. Restart when asked.
  4. Click Advanced options and turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products.
  5. Open Settings, then System, then About, and look at Windows specifications. If it says Windows 10, that computer stopped getting regular security updates in October 2025. Plan to move it to Windows 11.
  6. Open the Microsoft Store, go to Library, and click Get updates for apps.
  7. Repeat on every computer the business uses.

How to show it's true: Screenshot Windows Update showing You're up to date on each computer, with the computer name and date noted.

If you get stuck:
  • An update keeps failing: note the error code shown and ask a tech.
  • A computer can't run Windows 11: it may need replacing, or Microsoft's paid Extended Security Updates as a short bridge.

On each Mac:

Turn on automatic updates on a Mac

Mac, needs an administrator account on each Mac

  1. Open System Settings, then General, then Software Update.
  2. Install anything offered and restart when asked.
  3. Click the i button next to Automatic updates and turn every option on.
  4. Open the App Store, click Updates, and update all apps.
  5. If Software Update offers nothing and your macOS is several years old, your Mac may no longer get security updates. Check with a tech.
  6. Repeat on every Mac the business uses.

How to show it's true: Screenshot Software Update showing your Mac is up to date and the automatic update options on.

If you get stuck:
  • An update won't install because of space: free up at least 20 GB and try again.

Then do your apps. Browsers, PDF readers, video call apps and your business software each have their own update setting, usually under Settings or Help. Turn on automatic updates wherever it's offered.

Last, put a monthly reminder in your calendar to check every computer. If your form asks you to describe your process, write what you do, for example: "Updates install automatically on every computer. On the first working day of each month, our office manager checks each one is up to date and writes down the date."

For a computer that can't update, see what to do about Windows 10 computers.

How to show it's done

Screenshot each computer showing it's up to date, with its name and the date, and keep your monthly check dates in one note in your proof folder.

Common questions

Will updates restart my computer while I'm working?

On Windows, set active hours under Settings, Windows Update, Advanced options, and it restarts outside them. On a Mac, choose a later time when it asks.

One laptop is months behind. What do I do?

Update it first, then answer. A form that asks about all your computers means that one too.

One computer can't update at all. What now?

Write down which one, what it's used for and why it can't update, and ask a tech about keeping it apart from your other computers or replacing it.

Sources

  1. Canadian Centre for Cyber Security: How updates secure your device (ITSAP.10.096)cyber.gc.ca
  2. Microsoft Support: Install Windows updatessupport.microsoft.com
  3. Apple Support: Update macOS on Macsupport.apple.com
  4. Microsoft Support: Windows 10 support has ended on October 14, 2025support.microsoft.com

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