How do you keep your web browser updated?
Updating your computer's browser is important for security and for ensuring the best possible browsing experience. Each browser has its own way of updating.
In this article we've briefly and clearly described how the most popular browsers are updated.
Why is it important to keep your browser updated?
Web browsers are the most popular way of viewing content from the internet. A lot of information flows through the web browser, which makes it interesting for hackers to eavesdrop on.
Unfortunately browsers have historically been exposed to vulnerabilities that gave IT criminals an easy back door to infect your PC with viruses, malware or ransomware.
Looking at the database of vulnerabilities shows that browser vulnerabilities account for a large percentage of them.
One example for Chrome shows an average of 155 vulnerabilities per year from 2008–2022.
Keeping your browser updated closes the newest security gaps.
Updating Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is Microsoft's latest browser and ships by default with the latest Windows 10 and 11.
To update:
-
Open Microsoft Edge.
-
Click the three dots to open the menu.
-
Click "Help and feedback" -> "About Microsoft Edge".
-
The browser will automatically check for updates.
-
Restart the browser.
Updating Google Chrome, Chrome is released by Google
To update:
-
Open the Chrome browser.
-
Click the three dots to open the menu.
-
Click "Help" -> "About Google Chrome".
-
Restart the browser.
Summary
An outdated browser will leave your computer vulnerable to IT criminals who can exploit security gaps in the browser to steal personal information. You'll also miss new features and improvements that can make your browsing experience better.
The browser is not the only runtime worth keeping current. Old Java installations are just as common a finding in security scans, so read our guide on how to update Java on Windows, macOS and Linux as well.
