Why is it important to install updates/patches?
Information Technology Services is committed to ensuring a secure computing environment. By proactively managing and patching all University-owned devices with appropriate security updates, we reduce the risk of data loss and compromise.
In addition to security, installing available Windows and Apple system updates gives you access to the newest features and operating system enhancements.
Why are we implementing the required reboot policy?
A system reboot is required to successfully install most security patches. Until the reboot occurs, the computer remains vulnerable to attacks which the installed patch protects against.
ITS understands that a reboot is not always convenient. Users will be provided seven days to select the installation time of their choosing for deployed patches. After seven days, the reboot will occur automatically during non-business hours. Please make sure your work is always saved so nothing will be lost during a reboot.
It is strongly recommended that users install the updates as soon as possible to ensure their University-owned device is protected and rebooting does not disrupt their work. (This policy does not apply to personally owned devices)
When will updates be applied, and what should I look for?
1.) Updates are evaluated, tested, and packaged by ITS staff before they are distributed to campus computers. ITS will always announce patches that require a reboot on our support website: support.appstate.edu Refer to this site if you have any questions about what is being installed.
2.) Updates will be delivered in a similar manner each time. When updates are available, a notification will appear. The message will continue to appear daily until the updates are installed. Please take a moment to become familiar with the process by reviewing the screenshots linked to your operating system below.
Windows 7 and 10 updates will present with a customized App State Software Update screen 7 days prior to the required installation. You can elect to hide the reminder or install updates immediately. The Software Update screen will offer a daily reminder until the required reboot date is reached.
If you want to manually start the installation, windows updates can also be accessed from the Action Center in the bottom right corner of Windows.
If you are ready to install the updates now, you can click on the alert notification and select Right now. If you need more time before the updates are installed, click the X, and you will be reminded again in four hours.
If updates are continually postponed and the 7-day deadline is reached, the updates will begin installing automatically with the following notification.
After updates have been installed, the following notification will display a 90-minute countdown before the computer restarts.
Once the countdown reaches 15 minutes, the restart notification widow cannot be hidden ensuring that final arrangements are made for unsaved work.
On a University-managed Mac, your Mac will check for Apple software updates periodically. You can install software updates at any time from System Settings > Software Updates.
On some Macs, you will receive the following Managed Update notification in the corner of your screen, notifying you to update your Mac to comply with University policy. Managed updates will be deployed with a scheduled deadline. We recommend installing this as soon as you have time to prevent disrupting work during University business.
Once the update is downloaded, you may receive an additional notification that the updates are available. To immediately install all the available system software and other updates shown, click Install or Restart. To install downloaded updates overnight, click Try Tonight and make sure your Mac is turned on, connected to power, and connected to the internet overnight.
The Managed Update notification will show up every day and you can defer the updates until the deadline. After the deadline has passed, if your Mac has not updated macOS, the update will automatically apply an hour after the deadline or an hour after the machine is started up.
For comprehensive instructions on how to update Apple Software, see the Knowledge Base article How to Update Software on a Mac or Apple's documentation about Managed Software Updates.