Update Device OS (Operating System)

Use this guide to update your personal device's operating system.

Applicable to:

All CSU System Users (CSU Fort Collins, Pueblo, Spur) subject to the CSU System Acceptable Use Policy.

Windows
macOS
ChromeOS
Android
iOS (and apple ecosystem)

Instructions

Platform-Windows

Minor Version Update

Your CSU-issued device may undergo automatic, background minor version updates as determined by your department's or college's department of information technology (departmental IT). Follow the instructions below to check your personal computer's version and perform any minor version updates.

NOTE: some browser versions may inaccurately report your platform OS version to Duo. Please see Duo Inaccurate OS Reporting if you are using a current OS version but receiving warnings from Duo about using a deprecated/out-of-date version.

Windows 11: Microsoft: Install Windows 11 Updates
Windows 10: Microsoft: Install Windows 10 Updates
Older versions:
- Computers currently installed with older versions of Windows are unlikely to support a current, stable version and may need to be replaced.
- Please see Guidance for Replacing Unsupported Devices. If you are a student and this is preventing you from completing an assignment, please visit your department's or college's information technology (departmental IT) office to learn about computer labs or computer check-out availability.

Major Version Update

Your CSU-issued device should only be managed and upgraded through your department's or college's department of information technology (departmental IT) office. This guide is only for your personal Windows machine.

Windows 10:
- Microsoft: Can I upgrade to Windows 11?
- Microsoft: Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ
Older versions:
- There is no direct method to upgrade from Windows 8 (or any older version of Windows) to Windows 11. If your device uses Windows 8 or older, it means the hardware does not support the requirements for Windows 11 and the device needs to be replaced in order to us a current, stable version of the Windows OS.
- Please see Guidance for Replacing Unsupported Devices. If you are a student and this is preventing you from completing an assignment, please visit your department's or college's information technology (departmental IT) office to learn about computer labs or computer check-out availability.

Platform-macOS (Mac Computer)

Minor & Major Version Updates

Your CSU-issued device may undergo automatic, background minor version updates as determined by your department's or college's information technology (departmental IT). Follow the instructions below to check your personal computer's version and perform any minor version updates.

Please see the macOS Supported Version list to see the currently supported versions of macOS.

Check your current version: Find out which macOS your Mac is using

Currently Supported Version: Apple: Update macOS on Mac
Older versions:
- Computers currently installed with older versions of macOS may be able to support a current, stable release.
- To see if your computer can be upgraded to a current, major version, see Apple: Update macOS on Mac - Compatibility Links.
- If you have a computer that supports a macOS Supported Version, follow the Apple: Update macOS on Mac guide.
- If you don't have a computer that supports a macOS Supported Version, please see Guidance for Replacing Unsupported Devices. If you are a student and this is preventing you from completing an assignment, please visit your department's or college's information technology (departmental IT) office to learn about computer labs or computer check-out availability.

Platform-ChromeOS (Chromebook devices; not browser updates)

Chromebooks, Chromebases, and Chromeboxes automatically manage updates so that your device has the latest software and security features. To check your update schedule:

Chromebook: Check your Chromebook's update schedule

To perform any updates manually or resolve any update issues:

Chromebook: Update your Chromebook Operating System

If your device does not support a current version of Chrome

OS, please see Guidance for Replacing Unsupported Devices. If you are a student and this is preventing you from completing an assignment, please visit your department's or college's information technology (departmental IT) office to learn about computer labs or computer check-out availability.

Platform-Android

Your personal android device may undergo automatic updates, as determined by your provider. Most Android version updates are controlled and provided through your service provider and are not user-initiated.

Check your Version.

Please see the Android OS Supported Version list to see the currently supported versions of android.

Use Android help - Check & update your Android Version to see your device's current version and determine if you're up-to-date.
If your device does not support a current version of Android, please see Guidance for Replacing Unsupported Devices. If you are a student and this is preventing you from completing an assignment, please visit your department's or college's information technology (departmental IT) office to learn about computer labs or computer check-out availability.

Platform-iOS (and apple ecosystem devices)

Your personal iOS device may undergo automatic updates, as determined by your provider. To check your device's version and perform any additional version updates:

Minor & Major Version Updates

Please see the following supported version lists to see the currently supported versions of iOS:

Check your current version: Find the software version on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

iOS Update: Apple: Update iOS
iPadOS Update: Apple: Update iPadOS
To perform any additional troubleshooting, please see Apple - If your iPhone or iPad won't update
If your device cannot be updated to a current, supported version of iOS or iPadOS, please see Guidance for Replacing Unsupported Devices. If you are a student and this is preventing you from completing an assignment, please visit your department's or college's information technology (departmental IT) office to learn about computer labs or computer check-out availability.

Outcome

Maintaining up-to-date browsers is a collective responsibility per the CSU System Acceptable Use Policy and may be required to access certain applications and websites.