Ignoring a simple software update on your phone or computer can cost you more than you think. A good example is the WannaCry ransomware attack of 2017 that exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows, crippling businesses worldwide. The shocking part of this story is that Microsoft had already released an update to fix the issue two months earlier. Sadly, many users ignored it, leaving their systems vulnerable. That attack alone caused an estimated $4 billion in losses . But updates aren’t just about security—they also improve performance, fix bugs, and bring new features to your device. In this guide, we’ll show you why software updates are so important and how to install these updates to keep your devices running smoothly and securely.
What Are Software Updates?
A software update refers to a set of modifications made to enhance or improve a software or operating system. These updates typically resolve software bugs, fix security vulnerabilities, introduce new features, or enhance overall performance and functionality.
Updates can be applied manually or automatically, depending on the device and its settings. They are especially important for operating systems, as they serve as the foundation for other applications. Without regular updates, devices may experience compatibility issues, such as certain apps or features becoming unusable, which can disrupt essential tasks.
System updates also play a critical role in device security. They frequently address loopholes found in previous versions, helping to protect devices from cyberattacks and data breaches .
Patches vs. software updates—what’s the difference?
People often use the terms “patch” and “software update” interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same.
A patch is a small fix designed to address specific security vulnerabilities or bugs in software—think of it like a quick repair to close a hole that hackers could exploit. On the other hand, a software update is broader; it can include patches, performance improvements, bug fixes, and even new features.
While patches are often released urgently to fix security flaws, software updates ensure your system stays optimized and up to date. Ignoring either one can put your device—and your personal data—at risk.
Why Is It Important to Keep Software Up to Date?
Keeping software up to date is essential for improving computer performance , protecting your PC from malicious entities, introducing new features and fixes, and enhancing your overall user experience.
No software is flawless—users often have to
fix computer glitches and annoying Windows bugs. Software developers are perfectly aware of that and make sure you regularly get fixes, patches, and improvements. They do it via either automatic software updates or their manual counterparts. Thus, if you don’t know how to keep your software up to date, you may miss out on those enhancements.
If you are wondering why your
Windows computer is so slow , chances are you don’t know how to update Windows software or probably forget to do that regularly. Keeping software up to date is a
core maintenance procedure when it comes to taking care of the Windows OS. If you neglect it, your system, regrettably, becomes sluggish, unresponsive, and turbulent.
With
6 billion malware attacks reported across the globe annually, it would be reckless to think that you can easily avoid falling victim. To keep malware at bay, you must update your Windows software on a regular basis. Both automatic software updates and manual ones arrive with patches when vulnerabilities are detected. By installing them, you can eliminate common malware entry points.
You should never procrastinate about software updates, as someone may take advantage of your indecision.
Hacker capabilities grow , so no one is safe in today’s digital landscape. Keeping software up to date helps protect your devices from
cybersecurity threats by patching your security breaches. This is why
developers use actionable strategies to get their users to install updates.
Those who neglect software updates run the risk of losing their important files forever. The catch is that obsolete programs become turbulent and prone to error and data loss. Which is, we believe, one of the main reasons you should learn how to keep your software up to date. You also need to know how to
back up Windows .
Hardware problems often stem from outdated drivers. If you wish your Windows device to work properly and
prolong the PC lifespan , make sure you know how to update drivers. The point is, if you are not using the latest driver versions, your hardware is likely to let you down and start triggering errors on your computer.
Outdated software often leads to compatibility issues. For example, you might be having difficulty opening new files with your old apps, while other users might be unable to open the files you created. This means you or other people will have to convert data, which may lead to a terrible waste of time and a lot of frustration. Too high a price to pay for the reluctance to update software, isn’t it? Unfortunately, the list of troubles above is not exhaustive—other issues may come up if keeping software up to date is not part of your PC maintenance routine.
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What Are Critical Software Updates to Focus On?
The system update to focus on usually depends on the specific platform and your personal needs. However, you should take security patches, system and feature updates, and driver or firmware updates very seriously. Here is a breakdown of various platforms and the focus of updates on the platforms:
Essential updates in Windows
Security patchesThese are crucial for protecting your system from vulnerabilities and cyber threats. To protect your computer, it is important to install this category of updates, as they address known weaknesses that can be exploited by malware or hackers. Feature updatesThese bring new features and improvements to the operating system, enhancing user experience and functionality. Although important, they can sometimes cause unpredictable issues.
To avoid such, it is usually a great idea to wait and read reviews online and see if anyone has reported issues with the update before installing it.
Driver updates
Drivers are critical for ensuring that hardware components (like graphics cards, printers, and network adapters) communicate well with the operating system. To keep your system stable and performing optimally, you should take driver updates seriously.
Sometimes, driver updates can also help fix issues with feature updates, like the Windows update released in 2020 (Version 2004). After release, users complained it caused issues with their NVIDIA graphics cards.
To solve the problem, NVIDIA released updated drivers, which restored optimal performance.
Cumulative updates
These updates bundle security patches, bug fixes, and sometimes new features. They are typically released regularly, and you should install them to ensure your system stays secure and performs well.
Essential updates on Android and iOS
While Android and iOS updates typically have similar features, they differ in a number of ways.
Android updates, including security, system, app, and firmware, are managed by both Google and individual manufacturers, which can cause delays and fragmentation. Each manufacturer (e.g., Samsung, Xiaomi) and carrier must customize and test updates for their specific devices, which may cause inconsistencies in rollout schedules.
As a result, Android flagship devices may receive updates faster, while older or budget models could face long delays.
In contrast, iOS updates are handled solely by Apple, ensuring a unified, centralized system that delivers consistent, timely updates across all compatible devices with long-term support. This streamlined approach eliminates the delays seen in Android’s update process.
That said, here are the updates to focus on for Android and iOS:
Security patches
Just like with Windows, security updates are critical for protecting mobile devices from vulnerabilities. These patches help close security holes that could be exploited by malicious actors. A good example is the Android July 2023 security patch that addressed multiple vulnerabilities, including a critical flaw that could allow remote code execution.
System updates
These updates often bring new features, system optimizations, and stability improvements. While they may not always be as urgent as security patches, they improve the overall experience and keep the system up to date.
Firmware updates
These are updates for the device’s hardware, such as the processor or sensors. They can improve hardware performance, fix bugs, or provide new capabilities. While not as frequent as system updates, they can be crucial for long-term device health.
App updates
Mobile app updates can provide bug fixes, security enhancements, and new features. Regularly updating apps helps ensure that they work smoothly and securely. WhatsApp’s update in 2021 is a good example. The update allowed the app to work independently on multiple devices without requiring a phone connection.
What’s the difference between software updates and software upgrades?
A software update is a smaller change that improves your current version of a program. It includes security patches, bug fixes, and minor enhancements to keep everything running smoothly. These updates are frequent and typically installed automatically or with quick approval.
A software upgrade, on the other hand, is a major leap—think of it as moving to an entirely new version of the software. Upgrades often introduce significant changes, new features, and improved performance. For example, updating your phone’s operating system from iOS 17 to iOS 17.1 is an update, while moving from iOS 16 to iOS 17 is an upgrade.
Both are essential: updates keep your software secure and stable, while upgrades unlock new possibilities.
What to Consider Before Software Update to Avoid Problems?
Before rushing into a newly released update, take precautions and ensure the following:
| Compatibility |
Check if the update is compatible with your device (PC or phone). Some updates may not work well on older hardware, leading to performance issues. |
| Back up your data |
While most updates install without issues, things can go wrong. Backing up important files ensures you won’t lose anything critical. |
| Review the update notes |
Read the update’s release notes to understand what changes are being made. This helps you decide if the update is necessary right away or if you should wait. |
| Check for known issues |
Sometimes, new updates come with unexpected bugs. Checking user reviews or tech forums can help you avoid early problems. |
How to Keep Your Software and Apps Up to Date on Windows 10/11
To keep Windows working well, you should regularly update your operating system, apps, and drivers. Here’s how to do a software update on your Windows PC:
Step 1: Use Windows Update
Start the update process with your operation system. We strongly recommend you use every opportunity to update your Windows OS. To guarantee your OS a long lifetime and prevent it from being outdated, use a built-in Windows software updater called Windows Update . Here’s how to do it: For Windows 10:
- Press
Windows + I to open Settings. From the list of options, click Update & Security.
- On the left, click Windows Update . On the right, click Check for updates .
- If critical or security updates are available, Windows will download and install them automatically. However, some updates—like optional or feature updates—may require confirmation. In this case, click Download and install.
For Windows 11:
- Open Settings by pressing
Windows + I.
- Click on Windows Update on the left. On the right plane, click Check for updates.
- Again, Windows will download and install critical or security updates automatically. For other updates, click Download & install.
You can also use the
Command Prompt to check for and install Windows updates. Just open the program as an administrator, enter
wuauclt.exe /updatenow and press
Enter.
However, keep in mind that the wuauclt.exe command can sometimes be blocked by security software or may not trigger updates immediately. So using the Settings method is generally more reliable.
Step 2: Update third-party apps regularly
Many third-party apps receive updates to improve performance, fix bugs, or patch security vulnerabilities. So, after updating Windows, you should proceed to update your apps too.
Method 1: Download updates from the official website
Many apps release their updates on the official website.
- Visit the official website of the app. You can find the official website by doing a Google search.
- Go to the Downloads or Support section.
- Download and install the latest version manually.
If you don’t want to waste time manually checking for updates, you can use tools like
Patch My PC or
Ninite . These tools scan your system for outdated apps and update them automatically.
Method 2: Update apps with the Microsoft Store
If you downloaded the app from the Microsoft Store , you can keep it up to date by following these steps:
- Click the Start button, search for the Microsoft Store , and open it.
- Click on the Downloads icon in the bottom left.
- Next, click Get updates . Microsoft Store will automatically update all the apps you’ve downloaded through it, as well as the Store itself.
Step 3: Keep your drivers up to date
As mentioned above, you should take driver updates seriously. You can update your drivers on Windows 10 or 11 using Device Manager, a built-in Windows utility that allows you to manage your hardware devices and update their drivers manually . Follow these steps to use it:
- Press
Windows + R to open Run. In the text box, type in devmgmt.msc and click OK.
- In the Device Manager window, expand the category of the device whose driver you want to update. For example, to update the driver for your wireless adapter, expand Network adapters .
- Right-click the device you want to update from the list and select Update driver .
- Choose Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find and install the latest version.
If Windows finds an updated driver, it will install it. If not, you may need to try another method.
PRO TIP
If updating the drivers one-by-one is a bit of a hassle, you can automate the process using reliable third-party tools like
Auslogics Driver Updater . It scans your PC for outdated, missing, or faulty drivers and installs the latest, manufacturer-recommended versions to ensure peak performance and stability.
Plus, it creates backups before updates, so you can always roll back if needed.
How to Update Software and Apps on Android Devices
To update your operating system and the apps on your Android phone or tablet, follow these steps:
The steps might slightly vary depending on your model and Android version.
Update Android OS
- Go to Settings. Here, scroll down to findSystem (or About device).
- Click on System Update (or Software Update depending on the device).
- If an update is available, download and install it.
Update apps
To update your apps, you need to open the Google Play Store .
- From there, tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Manage apps and device .
- You will see the number of updates available. Tap Update all if you would like to update all apps. If you want to update specific apps, you can select See details to go through the list and select the apps to update manually.
You can enable automatic updates so that your phone will update the apps by itself whenever there is a new update. Doing this will ensure you always have the latest features without stress.
Go to Google Play Store, click your profile icon, and go to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps. Select Over any network or Over Wi-Fi only, depending on your preference.
How to Update Software on iOS
If you want to update your iOS and the apps on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
Update iOS
- From your App Library, find and open Settings .
- In Settings, scroll down and tap General.
- Next, click on Software Update .
- Tap Download and Install if an update is available. Enter your passcode if prompted and follow the on-screen instructions.
Update apps
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Tap Update next to the app you want to update.
Enable automatic updates:
- For system updates: Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates , and toggle on Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates .
- For apps: Go to Settings > App Store and toggle on App Updates under Automatic Downloads.
What to Do When Software Won’t Update
If the update isn’t working, there are a few simple fixes you can try. Here’s how to get things working again:
- Check your internet connection. Before anything else, make sure your internet is working properly . A weak or unstable connection can prevent updates from downloading. Try restarting your router or switching to a different network.
- Clear the cache. Sometimes, the stored temporary files can interfere with updates. Clearing the software or device cache can remove glitches and allow the update to go through smoothly.
- Reinstall software. If the update won’t install, uninstalling and reinstalling the software can fix hidden issues. This gives you a fresh start with the latest version of the app.
Please pay attention when you uninstall apps using Windows tools, as they usually leave some leftovers, which can lead to fragmentation of your drive or to incompatibility with other software.
We suggest downloading one of the PC cleaners to make sure that you uninstall programs with no risk to your drives.
- Check your antivirus settings. Your antivirus or Windows Firewall might be blocking the update, mistaking it for a security threat. Temporarily disable your security software and try updating again. Just remember to turn it back on afterward.
- Contact the support team. If none of these steps work, it’s time to reach out to the app’s support team. They may have specific troubleshooting steps or be aware of any ongoing update issues.
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Update Your Software and Keep Your Devices Safer
So, are software updates necessary? Absolutely. System updates go beyond just getting the latest features. While this is a part of the bigger picture, these upgrades and updates play a major role in keeping your devices safe and protected from emerging security threats and performance issues.
Neglecting updates exposes your device to cyber threats, legal risks, and system failures. Hackers exploit outdated software to deploy malware and ransomware, which can lead to financial losses and reputational damage.
Besides, an outdated device can disrupt your workflow, causing crashes, compatibility issues, and sluggish performance that hinder productivity. To avoid all of these issues, ensure that you regularly update your devices.
Finally, do you think we missed anything? Share your comments below!
FAQ
Yes, a software update is generally safe. However, it’s important to download updates from trusted sources (official websites or app stores) to avoid malicious software. Also, always back up your system before performing major updates for added protection.
To check for updates:
- On iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install the latest updates.
- On Android, go to Settings > System > System Update and tap Download updates manually to check for available updates.
- For apps, visit the respective app store (Google Play, Apple App Store, or Microsoft Store) or check the app’s settings for an update option.
- On Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click Check for updates.
- On Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update, and click Check for updates.
First, keep enough free storage on your device, as updates need space to install properly. Clean up unnecessary files regularly to prevent clutter.
Next, check for updates during a time when you’re not actively using your system, so any temporary slowdowns won’t interrupt your work.
It’s also helpful to update your software and drivers regularly; this ensures your system stays compatible with the latest updates. If the issue persists, you can roll back to a previous version while waiting for a fix or compatibility update.
While updating software on public Wi-Fi is generally safe, it’s recommended to avoid doing so for sensitive updates. Public Wi-Fi networks may not be secure, leaving your device vulnerable to potential attacks.
If you must update your software on public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN to encrypt your connection. Alternatively, perform updates when connected to a trusted, private network.
Follow these steps depending on your operating system:
- Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Windows 11: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- iOS: Open Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.
- Android: Go to Settings > System > System Update > Download updates manually.
