Setting up automatic updates#

New devices should be set to update automatically so they always have the latest software and security features. You should also set up automatic updates for:

• operating systems for all devices, including laptops, tablets and mobile devices
• any apps or software that have been installed on school devices
• web browsers – encourage staff to close their browsers when they are done using them so updates can be automatically applied  
• smart TVs or whiteboards – look up your model online to find out how to turn on automatic updates in the settings.

Software may not automatically update when it is supposed to. Check every 4 to 6 weeks to make sure your software is up to date.

Before you start#

Your school should have an asset register to keep track of the devices your school has, for example, Chromebooks. If you do not have an asset register, you can create one using our template below.

Asset management

Then follow these steps:

1. Find out which devices your school has, for example, Chromebooks, Android devices, iOS devices and so on.
2. List all apps you use, such as Google Keep, Google Docs, Google Classroom and so on.
3. Make sure the devices are linked to an admin account managed by the school.

Manual updates#

There might be some cases where your school devices need to be updated manually, or auto update has not been configured.

Operating systems#

Google OS#

Chromebooks, Chromebases and Chromeboxes usually update automatically. You can also configure updates using the links below.

Configuring auto-updates – Google

Google admin console – Google

Microsoft Windows#

You can set up your windows devices to update automatically, making sure the physical device has the latest features and improvements.

Sometimes the PC might need to restart after the update installs. You can set the ‘active hours’ so it doesn’t restart at inconvenient times (when you are busy using your computer).

Setting active hours for Win10 and Win11 – Microsoft

Checking your computer for updates – Microsoft

Updating Windows 10 and 11 – Microsoft

Automatic updates using Intune

If you have an information technology (IT) lead or provider, Microsoft Intune can help your school manage updates across all enrolled devices from one central point. Using Intune makes managing your devices much simpler.

Intune planning guide – Microsoft

Setting up Windows updates – Microsoft

Intune admin centre – Microsoft

Apple OS#

Read how to set up automatic updates for macOS machines.

Keeping your Mac up to date – Apple

Mobile devices#

Most system updates and security patches happen automatically. You can check if this is configured on your device using the guidance below.

See guidance on Android devices including Google Pixel, Samsung, and others.

Check and update your Android version – Google

See guidance on iOS devices including iPhones and iPads.

Update iOS on iPhone – Apple

Update iPadOS – Apple

Apps#

Apps on Chromebooks and Android#

You can also set automatic updates for Google Keep and other Google apps on Chromebook, Android and iOS.  

Setting up automatic updates for Chromebooks can only be done by administrators using the following steps.

1. Go to your Google Admin console and sign in with your administrator account. Google Admin console
2. Go to Device Management > Devices > Chrome > Settings.
3. In the Device Settings section, navigate to the Device Updates tab and select automatic updates to set a policy for how updates should be applied.

To update apps on other Google or Android devices, use the guidance below.

Updating Android apps and the Play Store – Google

Apps on iOS devices#

To update apps in Apple’s App Store, use the guidance below.

Update apps from the App Store on iPhone – Apple

Update Microsoft Apps using Intune for Education#

Make sure you keep Microsoft applications like Word and PowerPoint updated to maximise security and productivity. You can use Intune for Education to set up a streamlined process that manages updates for these applications across your school’s devices.

Intune for Education management – Microsoft

Intune for Education – Microsoft

Adobe#

Many schools use Adobe Express for creative activities. Make sure it is automatically updated so you have the latest features and best security.

Updates for enterprise users – Adobe

Managing Adobe updates – Adobe

How to deploy Adobe creative cloud for education – Adobe

Browsers#

Most browsers update automatically when they are closed. Encourage staff to close their browsers when they are done using them to keep them up to date.

You can set up automatic updates using the guidance below.

Chrome

Chrome auto-update policies for administrators – Google

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge update settings – Microsoft

Firefox

Update Firefox to the latest release – Firefox

Enable background updates on Firefox for Windows when Firefox is not running – Firefox