Methods and systems for updating a file using heuristics. One system includes an electronic processor configured to identify a code file stored on a storage device and determine a signature of the code file. The electronic processor is also configured to compare the signature of the code file to each of a plurality of signatures to determine a degree of similarity between the signature of the code file and each of the plurality of signatures, wherein each of the plurality of signatures is associated with a code update, and, in response to the degree of similarity between the signature of the code file and one of the plurality of signatures satisfying a predetermined threshold, apply the code update associated with the one of the plurality of signatures to the code file.