UQ computers running the Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS operating systems are required to upgrade to the most current version available as part of UQ's cyber security and patch management policies.

To prepare for the next upgrade, familiarise yourself with the process.

Protect your data

While your data shouldn’t be affected during the upgrade, there is always a small risk that an issue might occur. We recommend you move any locally stored data to one of the following storage locations:

  1. Shared folders (group shared files)
  2. RDM (research data)
  3. OneDrive (personal files).

Evergreen updates

Evergreen updates are a way of keeping computers and software continually up-to-date. Previously when new features or revisions of software or operating systems were released, an entirely new version was required to take advantage of these features. This can be a complex process, where things could go wrong, or incompatibilities could occur.

The Evergreen model is one where software or the operating system is patched more frequently with smaller, lower impact updates. This allows your system to be kept updated over time while still maintaining functionality and limiting downtime.

Why are Evergreen updates important? 

Keeping software and operating systems up-to-date is crucial in:

  • protecting your data against security vulnerabilities
  • increasing performance
  • unlocking additional features.

Having a fully patched system allows for:

  • the best user experience
  • protection against malicious software
  • reduced incompatibilities
  • fewer system bugs.

Critical security updates

Updates and patches that address operating system vulnerabilities are regularly assessed by IT. When a vulnerability is determined to be a significant risk to the University, the patches are considered as critical security updates and are pushed to your device as soon as possible.

Windows updates


macOS updates


iOS and iPadOS updates