{"id":2000017830,"date":"2026-08-19T19:46:55","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T01:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boisestate.edu\/oit\/?p=2000017830"},"modified":"2026-08-19T19:48:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T01:48:25","slug":"keep-your-computer-current-with-regular-updates-and-restarts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boisestate.edu\/oit\/2026\/08\/19\/keep-your-computer-current-with-regular-updates-and-restarts\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep your computer current with regular updates and restarts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some of us remember the days of shutting down our desktop computer before leaving the office on Friday afternoon. By Monday morning, the computer had restarted, updates had installed, and it was ready for another week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, with more web-based applications and flexible work schedules, it\u2019s easy to simply close the lid or leave your computer running. But regular updates and restarts are still an important part of keeping your computer secure and running reliably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make checking for updates and restarting your computer part of your regular routine. Consider setting a calendar reminder or task to help you remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to check for updates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before checking for updates, be sure you are connected to the Boise State network. If you are off campus, connect to VPN<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Click Start > Settings > Windows Update<\/strong>. (You can also use Windows key<\/strong> + i<\/strong> > Windows Update<\/strong> if you prefer keyboard shortcuts!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Click Check for updates<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. If updates are available, click Download & Install<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. If prompted, restart your computer to apply the updates.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Mac<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Click the Apple <\/strong>menu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Click General > Software Updates<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Your Mac will automatically check for available updates. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. If new updates are available, click Update Now<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. If prompted, restart your computer to apply the updates.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Doesn’t OIT update my computer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      OIT manages updates for university-owned computers, but not every update can happen automatically behind the scenes. Some updates require your computer to be available or require a restart to complete. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Having you check for updates and restart at a convenient time helps avoid interruptions that could otherwise happen while you\u2019re in the middle of working. Taking a few minutes to update and restart regularly helps keep your computer secure and running reliably. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you need assistance updating your device, contact the Help Desk<\/a> at (208) 426-4357 or helpdesk@boisestate.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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