Keeping your Windows up-to-date

Windows should be kept up-to-date to improve security, correct bugs, install new features, keep up with possible application compatibility, ensure network security, and increase performance. Systems that no longer meet the system requirements can cause security vulnerabilities, create operation inefficiencies, become a source of compatibility issues, be targeted for attacks, and cause financial consequences. This article walks you through how to ensure your Windows is up-to-date.

Topics:

Identifying if Your Windows and Operating System is No Longer Supported

We want to make sure everyone knows how to update their Operating System if it is no longer supported. 

Check Your Current OS

  1. Click the Windows button on the task bar
  2. Click the gear for Settings or search and select Settings
  3. Select System on the left side, scroll down to select About
  4. In the About window find the Version of windows
  5. If you have any questions please contact technical support

Before You Update Your Windows OS

  • If an update is needed, please check on compatibility for any specialized software or peripherals you may use. 
  • Make sure you have a back up of all needed documents
  • Your computer is plugged into a power supply before starting update
  • Ensure you have a strong network connection, plugging in with an Ethernet cord is preferred.
  • Please install the update when you will not need the computer for the next couple hours
    • This will vary depending on the version you are updating to and from
    • Network speeds and quality can also impact update length
  • If the newest update just released, you may want to allow a few weeks before updating to the newest version
    • Some vendors will update their software after the release
    • Gives Microsoft to fix any bugs in the newest release
  • Before installing, check the Windows release information status for known issues that may affect your device.
  • If you're running a prior version of Windows, see the Upgrade to Windows 11:FAQ for additional information.
  • If you have any questions, please contact technical support. 

Updating Windows OS

For Dartmouth Managed Computers

  1. Click the Windows button on the task bar
  2. Search for "Software Center" in the search bar at the top
    1. OR Click "All" towards the upper-right in the pop-up start menu then scroll down to "Software Center"
  3. Click the Operating Systems tab on the left side
  4. Click the Update on the right
  5. Click Install

For Non-managed Computers

  1. Please follow Microsoft's article here

Contacting Technical Support

If you need technical support, please contact us at anytime.

  1. Call 603-646-2999 or Toll-Free: 1-855-764-2485
  2. Chat by click the Live Chat button on the bottom-right of ITC Services Portal Home
  3. Submit a ticket at our Ticket Submission Page
  4. Email help@dartmouth.edu

External Resources

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