I’m trying to maintain my system and want to make sure everything is up to date. How do I check for and install pending updates? I’m not sure what commands to use or where to look in the system settings. Also, I’d like to know if there’s a difference between checking for security updates versus regular updates, and whether I need to restart my system after installing them. Additionally, are there any best practices I should follow when updating, like backing up first or checking if certain updates might break compatibility with my current software? I’m also wondering if updates can be scheduled automatically or if I need to manually check and install them each time.

How to Check for and Install Pending Updates

Windows 10/11

Using Settings:

1. Click the Start button
2. Select Settings (gear icon)
3. Click Update & Security (Windows 10) or Windows Update (Windows 11)
4. Click Check for updates
5. If updates are available, click Download or Download and install
6. Restart your computer when prompted

Using Command Prompt (as Administrator):

wuauclt /detectnow /updatenow

Using PowerShell (as Administrator):

Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate
Get-WindowsUpdate
Install-WindowsUpdate

macOS

Using System Preferences/Settings:

1. Click the Apple menu
2. Select System Preferences (macOS Monterey and earlier) or System Settings (macOS Ventura and later)
3. Click Software Update
4. The system will automatically check for updates
5. Click Update Now or Upgrade Now if updates are available
6. Enter your password if prompted
7. Restart if required

Using Terminal:

softwareupdate -l (to list updates)
softwareupdate -i -a (to install all updates)

Linux

Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt list –upgradable
sudo apt upgrade

Or using GUI:

1. Open Software Updater
2. It will automatically check for updates
3. Click Install Now

Fedora/RHEL/CentOS:

sudo dnf check-update
sudo dnf upgrade

Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -Syu

Android

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll down and tap System or About phone
3. Tap System update or Software update
4. Tap Check for updates
5. If an update is available, tap Download and install
6. Follow on-screen instructions
7. Device will restart to complete installation

iOS/iPadOS

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap Software Update
4. The device will check for updates automatically
5. If an update is available, tap Download and Install
6. Enter your passcode if prompted
7. Tap Agree to Terms and Conditions
8. Tap Install (options may include Install Tonight or Install Now)

Chrome OS

1. Click the status area (bottom-right corner)
2. Click the Settings icon
3. Click About Chrome OS in the left panel
4. Chrome OS will automatically check for updates
5. Click Restart if an update is available

Or:

1. The system automatically checks for updates in the background
2. An update icon appears in the status area when updates are ready
3. Click the icon and select Restart to update

Web Browsers

Google Chrome:

1. Click the three-dot menu (top-right)
2. Go to Help > About Google Chrome
3. Chrome automatically checks and downloads updates
4. Click Relaunch to complete installation

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the three-line menu (top-right)
2. Select Help > About Firefox
3. Firefox automatically checks for updates
4. Click Restart to update Firefox

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click the three-dot menu (top-right)
2. Go to Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge
3. Edge automatically checks and downloads updates
4. Click Restart when prompted

Safari:

Updates are included with macOS updates through System Preferences/Settings

Application Updates

Windows (Microsoft Store):

1. Open Microsoft Store
2. Click your profile icon
3. Select Downloads and updates
4. Click Get updates

macOS (App Store):

1. Open App Store
2. Click your profile icon or Updates tab
3. Click Update next to individual apps or Update All

Linux (Snap):

snap refresh –list
sudo snap refresh

Linux (Flatpak):

flatpak update