diff --git a/documentation/content/en/books/handbook/cutting-edge/_index.adoc b/documentation/content/en/books/handbook/cutting-edge/_index.adoc
--- a/documentation/content/en/books/handbook/cutting-edge/_index.adoc
+++ b/documentation/content/en/books/handbook/cutting-edge/_index.adoc
@@ -281,6 +281,14 @@
 Refer to <<freebsd-update-custom-kernel-9x>> for instructions on how to get a copy of the [.filename]#GENERIC# kernel.
 ====
 
+Before upgrading to a new version, ensure the existing FreeBSD installation is up to date with respect to security and errata patches:
+
+[source,shell]
+....
+# freebsd-update fetch
+# freebsd-update install
+....
+
 The following command, when run on a FreeBSD 13.1 system, will upgrade it to FreeBSD 13.2:
 
 [source,shell]