Do I Need to Install Updates?

As a computer user, I know the frustrating feeling when you think you are going to quickly restart your computer, and then you wait for 15 minutes or longer while your computer is "Installing Updates". Because of this, some people are tempted to turn off automatic updates and ignore the reminders. While turning off the updates is not a problem by itself, ignoring updates can leave your computer vulnerable.

Some updates are intended to add new features or correct small bugs. You can certainly get by without these updates, unless you want the new feature or are affected by the bug. However, many updates are intended to correct security flaws that could compromise your computer. Choosing to ignore these updates makes your computer more vulnerable than it was before the update.

Many of these flaws that the updates correct are discovered not by hackers, but by security experts in a lab or by individuals looking for a reward. (Many companies offer a reward for reporting security flaws in their software.) These flaws are usually not announced publicly until a fix is ready. Announcing it before the update to fix it is released gives hackers time to exploit it. However, once it has been announced, you can be sure that hackers will be looking to exploit it on machines that are still vulnerable.

If you are an individual user, I highly recommend that you choose automatic updates for your computer. It is the best way to keep your computer safe. If you are managing a network, manual updating may be best so that not all computers are attempting to update at the same time, slowing down your network. However, if you do choose manual updates for any reason, it is important to update as soon as possible.

If you want to change the way your computer handles updates, go to the search box (on the start menu in Vista/7, or on the charms bar on Windows 8), search for Windows Update, and select "Change Settings" on the left-hand side of the screen. You will then be able to modify settings for both important and recommended updates.