Install and Troubleshoot Windows and macOS Updates
Install and Troubleshoot Windows and macOS Updates
Operating-system updates deliver security, reliability, and compatibility fixes. Plan for a restart, stable power, enough free storage, and a reliable internet connection. On managed devices, your organization may control update timing; follow company prompts and maintenance windows rather than bypassing policy.
Prepare safely
Save documents, close critical applications, connect laptops to power, and verify that important data is backed up. Disconnect nonessential external drives, printers, and docks if an update has failed before, but keep required power and network adapters connected. Do not power off a device merely because an update pauses for several minutes. Firmware stages can show a blank screen or restart more than once.
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Open Settings > Windows Update and choose Check for updates. Install offered updates, then use Restart now or schedule a restart. Return to Windows Update afterward until no required updates remain. Optional driver updates should normally be installed only to address a specific hardware problem or when IT/the manufacturer recommends them.
If Windows Update fails:
- Record the exact error code and update name from Update history.
- Restart the computer and retry once.
- Confirm the date, time, internet connection, and free disk space. Disconnect an unneeded VPN only if organizational policy allows it.
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run on Windows 11. Follow its prompts, restart, and check again.
- Temporarily disconnect nonessential hardware. Never disable managed antivirus, encryption, or endpoint protection to force an update.
Avoid manually deleting SoftwareDistribution folders, editing the registry, or downloading update packages from unofficial sites. Major version upgrades and installation media should be handled by IT when the computer contains business data.
macOS
Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. On older macOS versions, use System Preferences > Software Update. Choose Update Now for updates to the installed macOS or Upgrade Now for a newer major release when offered and approved. Apple recommends the latest macOS compatible with the Mac, but business apps, VPN clients, peripherals, and security software may need compatibility confirmation before a major upgrade.
If Software Update fails, restart and retry on a dependable network, confirm adequate storage, and make sure the Mac is connected to power. Avoid closing the lid during installation. If the installer says it cannot be verified or downloaded, check network filtering and date/time; on a managed Mac, escalate rather than removing profiles. Apple silicon and Intel Macs use different startup-recovery procedures, so do not erase or reinstall macOS without a verified backup and support guidance.
When an update appears stuck
Look for signs of activity: fan changes, a moving progress indicator, disk activity, or a new screen after a restart. Give feature upgrades substantially more time than routine restarts. Do not repeatedly force power off. If the screen has shown no change for an extended period, photograph it and contact support before interrupting power, especially during firmware installation.
Escalate when
Contact support after two failed attempts, any repeated rollback, a persistent error code, BitLocker/FileVault recovery, boot loops, or loss of network/input after updating. Provide device model, OS version, update name, error code, free space, connection type, time of failure, and a photo of the last screen. State whether the device is encrypted and managed. If you can still sign in, preserve logs and do not run reset/reinstall tools unless authorized.