Tech for Beginners Part 47: OS and Software Updates: Why They Matter and How to Install Them

"Update available" may be the most ignored message on any phone or computer. Updates seem to arrive at the worst time, take a while to install, and sometimes move your favourite buttons. But skipping them is one of the easiest ways to leave your device open to attackers. This is Part 47 of our Tech for Beginners series. Today we will explain what updates actually fix, why security patches matter so much, how to update Android, iPhone, Windows and macOS, which safe habits to follow before and during an update, and what it means when a device reaches "end of support".

We have touched on updates before. In Part 5 we learned to update apps from official stores, and in Part 27 we saw how malware takes advantage of weak spots. Before any major update, it is wise to back up your phone as explained in Part 34.

A note on changes: menu names, update schedules and support periods differ by manufacturer and change over time. The paths below are typical for recent versions of Android, iOS, Windows 11 and macOS. Phone makers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus or Vivo may place update settings in slightly different places. Always check your manufacturer's official support page for the support period of your exact model.

Part A: What updates actually do

Software is written by people, and people make mistakes. Updates fix those mistakes and add improvements. There are a few kinds:

• Security updates (patches): close holes that criminals could use to break into your device, steal data or install malware.
• Bug fixes: solve problems like apps crashing, battery drain or Wi-Fi dropping.
• Feature updates: add new features or redesign screens.
• App updates: keep individual apps, such as WhatsApp, banking or UPI apps, working and safe. Some banking apps stop working until you update.
• Firmware updates: update the basic software inside routers, smart TVs, cameras and other gadgets.

Part B: Why security patches matter

When a security weakness is discovered, details often become public once a fix is released. Criminals then look for people who have not installed the fix. An unpatched phone is like a house where the lock company has announced a flaw in a certain lock and handed out free replacements, but you never fitted yours.

India's national cyber security agency, CERT-In, regularly publishes advisories about weaknesses in popular software and generally advises users to apply updates. You do not need to read those advisories; simply keeping automatic updates on handles most of the risk.

Real-life examples of the risk

• Some malicious websites and files are designed to exploit old browser versions.
• Older Android versions may lack protections that make fake apps less dangerous.
• Outdated routers with old firmware can be taken over and used in attacks.

Part C: How to update Android

System update

1. Open Settings.
2. Look for System > Software update, About phone > System update, or Software update (on Samsung).
3. Tap Check for updates, then Download and install.

Google Play system update

Many Android phones also get smaller security components through Google Play. Look for Settings > Security & privacy > Updates or About phone > Android version > Google Play system update.

Check your security patch level

In Settings > About phone > Android version you can see the Android security update date. If it is more than a few months old and no update is offered, your phone may no longer be getting patches.

App updates

Open the Play Store, tap your profile picture, then Manage apps & device > Update all. To turn on automatic updates, go to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps in the Play Store.

Part D: How to update an iPhone or iPad

1. Open Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Tap Update Now or Install Now if an update is available.
3. Tap Automatic Updates and turn on both downloading and installing, plus Security Responses & System Files if shown.

For apps, open the App Store, tap your profile picture and scroll to see pending updates. Automatic app updates can be turned on in Settings > App Store.

Part E: How to update Windows

1. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install what is offered and restart when asked. You can schedule the restart outside working hours.
4. Look under Advanced options for Active hours, so Windows does not restart while you are working.

Apps from the Microsoft Store update through the Store's Library or Downloads section. Apps installed from websites, such as some PDF readers or video players, often have their own update option in their Help or Settings menu.

Driver updates

Your laptop maker may also offer updates for drivers and the BIOS through its own support app. Use only the official app or website of your laptop brand, never a random "driver updater" download.

Part F: How to update a Mac

1. Open the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Click Update Now or Upgrade Now.
3. Click the information button next to Automatic updates and turn on security responses and system files.

App Store apps update from the App Store's Updates section.

Part G: Browsers update too

Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari update themselves in the background, but they need a restart to finish. If you see an "Update" or "Relaunch" button in the browser corner, click it. On Chrome, you can check under Menu (three dots) > Help > About Google Chrome.

Part H: Safe update habits

1. Back up first before a big version upgrade, so photos, contacts and chats are safe if anything goes wrong.
2. Charge the battery to at least 50 percent, or keep the device plugged in.
3. Use reliable Wi-Fi. Large updates can use a lot of mobile data.
4. Do not switch off the device in the middle of an update, even if it seems stuck for a while.
5. Free up storage if the update says there is not enough space.
6. Update only from official settings or stores. Never install an "update" from a link in SMS, WhatsApp, email or a pop-up on a website. Fake "update your phone" or "update your browser" messages are a common way to spread malware, as we saw in Part 27.
7. Turn on automatic updates wherever possible.

Part I: What "end of support" means

Every phone and computer gets updates for a limited time. After that, the maker stops sending security fixes. The device keeps working, but it becomes increasingly risky to use for banking and payments.

• Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025. Microsoft offered home users an Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for roughly one more year, which was scheduled to end in October 2026. If your PC still runs Windows 10, it is likely no longer getting security fixes; check Microsoft's official website for the current options, including whether your PC can move to Windows 11.
• Android phones receive updates for different periods depending on the brand and model. Some recent phones from Google and Samsung have been promised many years of updates, while budget models often get fewer.
• Apple usually supports iPhones for several years, though it does not promise a fixed number.

What to do with an unsupported device

• Avoid using it for UPI, net banking or work email.
• Use it for low-risk tasks like music, or as a basic camera at home.
• When buying a new device, check how many years of updates the maker promises.

Part J: Updating other gadgets at home

Phones and computers are not the only devices that need updates.

• Wi-Fi router: many routers supplied by internet providers update automatically, but some need you to check their admin page or app. Ask your provider if you are unsure.
• Smart TVs and streaming sticks: look for Settings > System > Software update or similar.
• Wi-Fi cameras and smart plugs: updates usually come through the device's own app.
• Smartwatches and earbuds: they update through their companion app on your phone.

We will look at these devices in detail in Parts 51 to 53.

Part K: Helping family members stay updated

Older relatives often ignore update messages because they fear breaking something. When you visit, check their phone's security patch date, update their banking and UPI apps, and turn on automatic updates. Explain in simple words that updates are like a free lock repair for the phone. Make sure their phone has enough free storage, since a full phone is the most common reason updates fail. If their phone no longer receives updates and they use it for UPI, it may be time to consider a newer, affordable model with a long support promise.

Frequently asked questions

Will an update delete my photos?

Normal updates do not delete your data. Problems are rare, but a backup before a major upgrade protects you just in case.

My phone slowed down after an update. What can I do?

Phones often feel slower for a day or two after a big update while they optimise apps in the background. Restart the phone and give it time. If it stays slow, see our troubleshooting tips in Part 54.

Can I skip feature updates but keep security updates?

On some devices, yes. Windows and macOS let you delay feature updates while still receiving security fixes. On phones, security patches are usually bundled into regular system updates.

What is next

Try this today: check for system updates on your phone and computer, note your phone's security patch date, and turn on automatic app updates. In the next part of Tech for Beginners, we will make file management easy, covering folders, downloads, ZIP files and PDFs.