A method for updating software in storage units of a dispersed storage network includes determining a software updating sequence pattern, which insures that, for each set of encoded data slices, a decode threshold number of encoded data slices is accessible. The method includes taking a set of the storage units off-line for software updating in accordance with the software updating sequence pattern. The method includes, when the software has been successfully updated in the set of storage units, putting the set of storage units back on-line and taking another set of the storage units off-line in accordance with the software updating sequence pattern. The method includes, when the software has been successfully updated in the other set of storage units, putting the other set of storage units back on-line and taking yet another set of the storage units off-line for software updating in accordance with the software updating sequence pattern.