Update

An update is an alteration or addition intended to bring something up to date. It refers to changes that fix defects, improve accuracy, or add features after an initial release of a product, document, dataset, or system. The term conveys the idea of bringing content current.

In technology, updates commonly involve software, firmware, and data. Software updates range from minor patches to major releases and often include security fixes and performance enhancements. They can be delivered automatically or manually, and may require user consent or a restart. Firmware updates apply to hardware devices and address stability or security issues.

Content updates refresh information repositories, news feeds, or digital libraries to reflect latest data.

Update types include security patches, bug fixes, feature updates, and cumulative or delta updates. Patch management covers planning, testing, deployment, and rollback to minimize disruption.

Risks of updates include new bugs, compatibility problems, and privacy concerns from data collection during the update process.

Effective update practices are central to IT operations, software development, and data governance, aiming to keep systems secure and reliable while balancing stability and user experience.

Outside technology, updates can refer to revisions in documents, records, or official information.