Why Should I Install Windows Updates?
There are a number of reasons why you should install the latest Windows Updates. For most of us when we sit down at the computer we want to get started doing what we planned to do and we don’t like our computers to interrupt us. Whether it’s at work or at home it can be annoying when you’re in the middle of a project or browsing your favourite website and Windows asks you to restart your computer so it can install some updates.
If you’re like most people you probably put off that update or restart request. That’s fine in the short-term (like, an hour or two), but delaying updates for too long can lead to big problems. Here are three reasons why you should always keep Windows up to date.
Security
Most Windows Updates include security updates. The bad guys are always finding new holes they can use to infiltrate computers, and Windows developers are always trying to plug those holes. When Windows releases an update it will commonly plug the holes they have recently identified as vulnerable to attack. If you don’t allow your computer to be updated you’re leaving yourself open.
Stability
For as much effort as developers put into perfecting their software, it’s impossible to get it 100% perfect when it is first released. Over time developers and users notice bugs here and there. Sometimes these bugs are minor annoyances, but sometimes they can be major problems that effect the stability of your computer. Windows Updates regularly include fixes to these problems and will help keep your computer running smooth.
New Features
Windows expects each version of their operating system to be used for quite a few years. Instead of waiting for the next version of Windows to come out they may add new features to the existing version.
Updating Windows
Most computers have Windows Updates set to “Install Updates Automatically.” This is the recommended setting. You may be prompted to restart your computer when the updates have finished, but everything else is taken care of behind the scenes.
In Windows 10 you can check to see if you are automatically getting updates by going to Settings and clicking on “Update and Security.” On this screen you will see a dialog box that will say something like “We’ll automatically download and install updates…” Here you can manually check for updates, change your active hours (Windows tries to download and install updates outside of times when you’re normally using your computer), and configure your restart options.
In Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 you can open Control Panel and use the Control Panel search bar to search for “Windows Updates.” From here you can click “Check for updates” to manually look for updates or “Change settings” to disable automatic updates.
If you don’t want to have to worry about managing your Windows Updates, consider contacting JJR Computers on 0151 475 8787 or email us sales@jjrcomputers.co.uk and we’ll make sure your computer is up to date so you don’t have to.