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How to update your Roku device software

Roku remains at the top of the list in terms of the best streaming devices for accessing all of the movie, TV, and sports streaming services people love -- from Netflix to Hulu to Disney+ to Amazon Prime Video and beyond. Its Roku Channel is also a pretty great resource for additional programming and awesome Roku original productions.

If you have a Roku device, it's in your best interest to keep it running in tip-top shape, and that means making sure that it's got the latest Roku OS installed. These devices are designed to automatically check for software updates every 24 to 36 hours, with the download and install done in the background so you don't have to worry about it.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Roku streaming device

  • Roku remote

  • Internet connection

However, there may be the odd case where you want to manually check for the latest software update (currently Roku OS 11.5), like if the device has been disconnected for an extended period of time, if you think maybe there's a bug you want to rectify, or if you just want to make sure you have access to the latest features.

Whatever your reason, it's dead simple. Here's how to update your Roku software.

How to update your Roku device's software

Step 1: Using your paired Roku remote, press the Home button to get to your Roku's home screen.

how to update roku software home screen
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Step 2: On the left-hand side, navigate to the Settings menu and select System.

how to update roku software settings
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Step 3: Select System update where the version of Roku OS you're currently running will be displayed along with the date of its last update.

how to update roku software system
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Step 4: Choose Check now to manually check for an update.

how to update roku software check now
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Step 5: Your Roku will run the check. If there is one available, your Roku will download and install it automatically and then reboot itself. That's it!

how to update roku software checking
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

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Derek Malcolm
Derek Malcolm is a Toronto-based technology journalist, editor, and content specialist whose work has appeared in…
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