Windows Updates
Windows Update is a free Microsoft service that allows you to search for, download, and install the latest updates to the Windows Operating System, as well as other Microsoft products and services. These updates include full feature updates, cumulative updates, patches, and Windows Security Protection updates. It is important to make sure to run Windows Update to confirm all available updates are installed on a regular basis. It is a great idea to get in a routine to run Windows Update to keep your laptop secure and up to date. It only involves a few steps, and will get you the latest Operating System, as well as driver and security updates released by Microsoft.
To run Windows Update, click on the magnifying glass in your taskbar and type Check for Updates.
Click on the Check for Updates in the results, then click the blue Check for Updates button on the screen. Windows will provide a list of available updates.
Download and install any updates found.
Once updates are found and installed, reboot your machine to apply the new updates. After a reboot, check for updates again and continue steps 1 and 2 until you see the green check mark notifying you that your system is up to date.
Note: this process should be completed once per week.
Microsoft 365 Updates
Microsoft 365 is the suite of apps that contain commonly used programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Because it is cloud based, the apps should update automatically. To check for updates manually:
Open any Microsoft 365 application on your laptop. (Outlook, Word, Excel).
Go to
File > Account > Office Updates. Select Update Options, then Update Now. If any updates are found, they will be downloaded and installed.
During the installation progress, you will see a status bar. Please exit out of any open Microsoft 365 apps to complete the install. The only window that should remain open is the status bar window.
Lenovo System Update
Lenovo System Update allows you to search for, download, and install the latest drivers directly from Lenovo. Drivers may include display, network, audio, or BIOS. Keeping drivers up to date is very important.
To run Lenovo System Update, click on the magnifying glass in your taskbar and type System Update. A red circle with white arrows will appear as its logo. Click it to Open it.
Click on Next and allow the System Update to scan your laptop and find any available updates.
Select all updates found within all 3 tabs.
Make sure all available updates are checked, then click on
Next, then Download to begin installation. In the picture above, there are (7) available updates to install.
When installation is complete, reboot your machine to apply the new updates.
This process should be completed once per month. Once the update process has begun, do not turn off your laptop. Allow the installation to complete. Make sure your laptop is plugged into its power source.
Microsoft Teams Updates
Open Microsoft Teams.
Click on the Three Dots next to your avatar, located in the top-right.
Click the Check for updates option towards the bottom.
If updates are found, click the Refresh option to restart the app at the top of the window.