A full restart clears out stuck programs, frees up memory and finishes installing updates that are waiting in the background. It is the first thing the service desk will ask you to try, so doing it before you log a ticket can save you time.
Why a restart fixes things
Over days of use, apps leave behind processes that never fully close, memory fills up, and network connections get into a muddled state. A restart starts everything fresh. Many updates also only finish installing during a restart, so a computer that hasn't been restarted in weeks can be missing important security fixes.
Aim to restart at least once a week, and always when you see a prompt saying a restart is needed.
Restart on Windows 11
- Save your work and close your apps.
- Select Start, then the Power button.
- Choose Restart. If you see Update and restart, choose that instead.
On Windows, Shut down is not the same as a restart. A feature called Fast Startup saves part of the system when you shut down and reloads it when you turn the computer back on, so problems can carry over. Always choose Restart when you are trying to fix something.
Install pending updates
Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates, or Download & install if updates are already listed.
- When prompted, select Restart now.
Updates can take a while, so it's best to do this before a break or at the end of the day. Keep a laptop plugged in while it updates.
macOS
- Open the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, select Update Now or Restart Now.
- Leave your Mac plugged in until it finishes and returns to the login screen.
Apple's guide covers this in more detail: Update macOS on Mac.
How synfo patches managed devices
If your device is managed by synfo, we install operating system and supported software updates on a regular schedule. You may see notifications asking you to restart to finish an update. Please don't keep postponing them: a restart at a convenient time keeps your device secure and avoids a forced restart later.
If an update fails repeatedly or your computer gets stuck on an update screen for more than an hour, leave it powered on and contact the service desk.
Still stuck?
If a restart and updates don't fix the problem, log a ticket and mention that you've already restarted. For anything urgent, call 1300 079 636.