Keeping Your Device and Software Up to Date (UVA / EHD)

Audience: End Users
Applies To: UVA / EHD-managed macOS and Windows devices
Last Updated: June 2026


Overview

Keeping your device and software up to date helps protect your information, improve performance, and ensure compatibility with UVA and EHD services.

This article explains how to update:

  • macOS
  • Windows
  • Dell drivers and firmware
  • Microsoft Office
  • Google Chrome
  • Safari

Before You Begin

  • Save your work before installing updates.
  • Connect laptops to power whenever possible.
  • Use a reliable internet connection.
  • Allow enough time for updates and required restarts.

Accessibility Features

Keyboard Navigation Tips

Action Keyboard Shortcut
Open Spotlight (Mac) Command (⌘) + Space
Refresh Software Update (Mac) Command (⌘) + R
Open Windows Settings Windows + I
Move to the next control Tab
Move to the previous control Shift + Tab
Activate a button or link Enter or Return

Screen Reader Tips

VoiceOver (macOS)

  • Turn VoiceOver on or off with Command (⌘) + F5.
  • Use VoiceOver commands to navigate update windows and controls.

Common announcements may include:

  • "Software Update, window"
  • "Check for Updates, button"
  • "Restart Now, button"
  • "Windows Update, settings page"

Quick Fix

  1. Restart your device.
  2. Open your operating system's update tool.
  3. Install all available updates.
  4. Restart again if prompted.

Update macOS

Open Software Update

Option 1: Use Spotlight

  1. Press Command (⌘) + Space.
  2. Type Software Update.
  3. Open the search result.

Option 2: Use System Settings

  1. Select the Apple menu ().
  2. Select System Settings.
  3. Select General.
  4. Select Software Update.

Install Updates

  1. Wait for Software Update to check automatically.
  2. Select Update, Upgrade, or Restart Now if updates are available.
  3. If no updates appear, select Check for Updates or press Command (⌘) + R.
  4. Enter your administrator password if prompted.
  5. Allow the installation to complete.

Note: Your Mac may restart multiple times during the update process.

Update Windows

  1. Select Start.
  2. Open Settings (Windows + I).
  3. Select Windows Update.
  4. Select Check for updates.
  5. Select Download and install if updates are available.
  6. Select Restart now when prompted.

Tip: Keep your device connected to power during updates.

Update Dell Drivers and Firmware

Dell Command | Update (Recommended)

  1. Open Dell Command | Update.
  2. Select Check.
  3. Review available updates.
  4. Select Install or Install All.
  5. Restart if prompted.

Dell Support Website

  1. Go to dell.com/support.
  2. Enter your Service Tag or allow automatic detection.
  3. Select Drivers & Downloads.
  4. Download and install available updates.
  5. Restart if prompted.

Tip: Connect your device to power before installing BIOS or firmware updates.

Update Software and Applications

Update Microsoft Office

macOS

  1. Open Word, Excel, or another Office application.

  2. Select Help.

  3. Select Check for Updates.

  4. Select Update or Update All.

Windows

  1. Open an Office application.

  2. Select File.

  3. Select Account.

  4. Select Update Options.

  5. Select Update Now.

Update Google Chrome

  1. Open Google Chrome.

  2. Select the Chrome menu.

  3. Select About Google Chrome.

  4. Allow Chrome to install available updates.

  5. Select Relaunch if prompted.

Tip: Type chrome://settings/help in the address bar to open Chrome's update page directly.

Update Safari

Safari updates are included with macOS updates.

  1. Open the Apple menu ().

  2. Select System Settings.

  3. Select General.

  4. Select Software Update.

  5. Install any available updates.

Important Notes

  • Do not power off your device during updates.

  • Updates may take 30–60 minutes or longer.

  • Your device may restart multiple times.

  • Keep laptops connected to power whenever possible.

Troubleshooting

Quick Fix: Restart and Try Again

  1. Restart the device.

  2. Verify your internet connection.

  3. Open the update tool.

  4. Run the update again.

Updates Will Not Download

  1. Verify your internet connection.

  2. Restart the device.

  3. Try the update again.

Update Installation Fails

  1. Restart the device.

  2. Verify adequate free storage space.

  3. Run the update again.

Device Appears Stuck During an Update

  1. Wait at least 30 minutes.

  2. Check for hard drive or system activity.

  3. If the device remains unresponsive, create a Freshservice ticket.

Update Servers Are Busy

  1. Wait 30–60 minutes.

  2. Try again later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check for updates?

Check for updates at least once per week or enable automatic updates whenever available.

Can I use my device while updates are installing?

Avoid using your device while updates are actively installing.

UVA / EHD Best Practices

  • Install updates regularly.

  • Schedule updates when you have time for required restarts.

  • Keep devices connected to power.

  • Restart when prompted.

  • Keep browsers and Microsoft Office applications updated.

Quick Summary

  • Keep macOS, Windows, drivers, and applications updated.

  • Use built-in update tools whenever possible.

  • Restart when prompted.

  • Do not interrupt updates.

  • Create a Freshservice ticket if updates repeatedly fail.

Need Help?

If you continue to experience update issues:

  1. Go to virginiaedhd.freshservice.com.

  2. Select Create.

  3. Select Ticket.

  4. Enter details about the update issue.

  5. Select Submit.

Include the following information:

  • Device type (Mac or Windows)

  • The software being updated

  • Any error messages received

  • Screenshots, if available

Providing this information helps support staff troubleshoot and resolve the issue more quickly.