Stop Clicking 'Remind Me Later': Why and How to Turn On Automatic Software Updates
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How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of CISA's Secure Our World: Update Software page (marked by CISA as archived content), checked October 29, 2026.
Why updates matter
CISA says many updates are made to fix security flaws. Once a flaw is public, criminals can use it to get into files and accounts until you install the fix. Updates can also fix bugs, improve performance and add features.
CISA's three steps
- Watch for notifications for your computer's system software, programs and apps. CISA stresses web browsers and antivirus software in particular.
- Install updates as soon as possible, especially critical ones.
- Turn on automatic updates. Look in the device's settings, often under Software or Security, or search settings for "automatic updates."
Where to look on common devices
- Windows: Settings → Windows Update. Windows 10 no longer gets free security fixes (see Windows 10 end-of-support options).
- Mac: System Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates.
- iPhone and Android: the phone's Software update or System update settings, plus auto-updates in the app store.
- Browsers: most update themselves when you restart them, so restart when prompted.
- Router: check the admin app for firmware updates. If it no longer gets any, see replacing an end-of-life router.
CISA's tip: every product should have auto-updates on by default. If one doesn't offer it, ask the vendor why.
Make updates painless
- Let updates install overnight and leave the computer plugged in.
- Keep a current backup before big upgrades (see 3-2-1 backup).
- Install updates only from the device's own settings or the official app store, never from a pop-up (see remove malware).