Why keeping your computer updated is important
Windows or Mac updates fix known vulnerabilities in Microsoft or Apple products and operating systems (OS).
Patches are changes to software and hardware to improve performance, reliability, and security. Most of them include security updates to patch out exploits and other security concerns.
Security concerns can be exploited by malware or hackers. Such vulnerabilities are regularly identified in various parts of Windows or Mac computers - such as in ActiveX, Internet Explorer, Safari, and .Net Framework, just to name a few - and keeping your operating system updated can ensure that your computer is not exposed to potential threats.
Other updates can fix other bugs and problems in your OS. Even if they are not responsible for security issues, they can have an impact on the stability of your operating system, or simply be frustrating to experience.
How to update your Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 Operating System
Most Windows computers have updates configured to Install updates automatically, which is the recommended setting. However, you also have the option to manually check for updates, but this should only be done when troubleshooting an issue with your computer or Windows update.
To play Blankos Block Party, we do recommend that you use Windows 10 for your operating system, but we've included steps for updating Windows 8 - 10 below!
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Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button in the lower-left corner. In the search box, type Update, and then, in the list of results, click either Windows Update or Check for updates
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Click the Check for updates button and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer
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If you see a message telling you that important updates are available, or telling you to review important updates, click the message to view and select the important updates to download or install
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In the list, click the important updates for more information. Select the checkboxes for any updates that you want to install, and then click OK
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Click Install updates
If you are experiencing issues updating your computer, please review this Windows update troubleshooting guide from Microsoft.
For information on Microsoft Windows Automatic Updates, visit Microsoft's Update site.
How to update your Mac OS
From the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen, select System Preferences > Software Update > Update Now.
If you see Upgrade Now (instead of Update Now), it will install a major new version of OS X with a new name.
For more information, please see the Update macOS on Mac on Apple Support, or contact Apple for further assistance.