Automatic updates are one of the easiest, highest-value things you can do for your computer's security. Once they're on, your device quietly installs important fixes on its own. This guide shows you how to enable them on Windows, Mac, your phone, and your browser. It takes about 10 minutes total.
Updates matter for two reasons: security (they patch the holes attackers use to break in) and stability (they fix bugs and crashes). Skipping them leaves known weaknesses wide open — which is exactly how a lot of ransomware spreads.
Step 1: Turn on automatic updates on your computer
Windows
- Open Settings (press the Windows key, type Settings, and press Enter).
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click Advanced options.
- Set your Active hours so the computer never restarts while you're working — pick the hours you're usually at the machine.
- Make sure the option to receive updates is on. Look for a toggle like "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" and turn it on if you'd like updates sooner.
- Back on the main Windows Update page, you can also turn on "Receive updates for other Microsoft products" so Office and other apps stay current.
To keep your installed apps current too, open the Microsoft Store, go to its settings, and make sure app updates are set to install automatically.
Mac
- Open System Settings (the Apple menu in the top-left corner > System Settings).
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Click the small info (i) button next to Automatic Updates.
- Turn on the toggles — usually including Check for updates, Download new updates when available, Install macOS updates, and Install application updates from the App Store.
- Click Done.
Step 2: Set updates to install at a convenient time
Updates often need a restart to finish, which can interrupt you at the worst moment. Schedule that for off-hours:
- Windows: Use the Active hours you set above, and on the Windows Update page look for a "Schedule the restart" option after an update is ready.
- Mac: Macs generally prompt you and let you choose "Install Tonight" or "Later," so you can let them update overnight.
Step 3: Turn on automatic updates on your phone
Your phone holds just as much sensitive data, so don't skip it:
- iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates — turn on both download and install options.
- Android: Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture > Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps, and check Settings > System update for the operating system itself.
Step 4: Keep your browser auto-updating
Your web browser is your front door to the internet, so it's a top target.
- Chrome and Edge update themselves automatically in the background; you just need to close and reopen the browser occasionally to let a pending update finish. If you see a colored "Update" arrow or menu item, click it.
- Firefox also auto-updates by default and applies the update on its next restart.
Tips
- Schedule restarts for off-hours. An update that's downloaded but waiting on a restart isn't fully protecting you yet.
- Don't forget device firmware. Your router, network gear, and security cameras also get updates. These aren't always automatic — check the manufacturer's app from time to time.
- Restart regularly so updates finish. Many people never shut down their computer. A simple restart once a week lets queued updates actually install.
How Gecadi can help
For a single computer, turning these settings on is quick. For a business with many machines, keeping everything patched consistently is harder — which is where managed maintenance pays off. We handle updates, monitoring, and security across all your devices through our services, on-site in Los Angeles and Orange County and remotely across the U.S., 24/7. For more on why this matters, see why software updates matter.