Why Updates Are Worth Having
Updates are changes the maker of a program or operating system sends out after release. They fix bugs, close security holes, improve compatibility with newer hardware and websites, and occasionally add features. Many of the strange problems people experience, such as a program that crashes on one particular action, are bugs that a later update fixes.
For speed and stability, the case for staying current is mostly about avoiding problems. Old software tends to collect known flaws, and some of them can be exploited by attackers. An unpatched computer is also more likely to run into trouble with newer websites and files. Updates do not make an old machine fast, and now and then one makes things slightly slower or heavier, but the general direction is toward a more reliable computer.
The Different Kinds of Updates
It helps to know what you are looking at.
- Operating system updates change the core of the system. Smaller ones are often security and reliability fixes. Larger ones can change how things look and work, and they take longer to install. The way an operating system works explains why these affect everything else.
- Application updates apply to individual programs, including your browser.
- Driver updates change how the system talks to hardware such as graphics chips or network adapters. The role of device drivers is worth understanding, because a bad one can cause a lot of trouble.
- Firmware updates change the low-level software built into devices. These carry more risk if interrupted, so follow the maker’s instructions closely. There is more on this in the discussion of firmware updates.
Taking Control of the Timing
The usual complaint is not that updates exist but that they arrive at the wrong time. Most systems let you shape this without turning updates off.
- Set active hours. Tell the system when you normally use the computer so it avoids restarting then.
- Schedule the restart. Many systems let you choose a time for the restart instead of forcing one. Pick a time you are away.
- Pause, briefly. If you have a deadline, pausing updates for a short period is reasonable. Do not leave them paused for months, because you stop receiving security fixes.
- Leave the computer plugged in. Laptops should be on power during an update, since running out of battery partway through can cause serious problems.
Turning off automatic updates completely is rarely a good idea for a typical home user. A scheduled routine, such as checking manually once a week, can suit people who dislike surprises, but it only works if you actually do it.
Preparing for an Update
A bit of preparation makes the occasional bad update far less stressful.
- Back up your important files, especially before large operating system updates. If you have never tested your copies, the idea of restoring backups is worth a look.
- Check free space. Updates need room to work, and a nearly full drive is a frequent reason they fail. Freeing up disk space beforehand often prevents the problem.
- Check the power. Use the charger on a laptop, and do not interrupt an update by holding the power button; that is a common way to turn a routine update into a problem.
When an Update Goes Wrong
Most updates install without trouble. When one does not, the symptoms vary: an error message, a program that no longer works, a computer that is slower than before, or one that will not start properly.
If the update seems stuck, wait longer than you think necessary. Progress indicators can sit still for a long time. If there is truly no sign of activity, such as drive lights or fan changes, after a considerable wait, consult the maker’s support guidance before forcing a shutdown. Reading the exact wording of any error message, which the topic of error messages covers, helps when searching for a fix.
If the update fails and tries again repeatedly, check free space, make sure the date and time are right, and restart. Many failures clear up after a plain restart.
If something stopped working afterward, consider the possibilities in order:
- Restart once more, since some changes finish only after a second restart.
- Check for another update, because makers often release a correction soon after a faulty one.
- Look at whether a driver changed, and use the maker’s official driver if hardware stopped working.
- Most systems let you uninstall a recent update or return to an earlier restore point. Use the system’s official feature for this and avoid deleting files by hand.
If the computer will not start normally, the recovery environment may help. Safe mode and recovery options are explained separately, and a full reinstall is a last resort that needs a plan; see the notes on planning a clean reinstall. Having a backup makes each of these choices much safer.
Beware of Fake Update Prompts
Genuine updates come from your operating system’s own update feature or from the program you already have installed. A web page or a pop-up that insists you must download an update right now is a common trick to spread unwanted software. When in doubt, close the page and open the program’s own settings to look for updates. The same caution applies to unsolicited calls or messages about your computer being out of date.
A Sustainable Approach
Keep automatic updates on, set your active hours, restart when convenient, and make sure there is a backup and some free space. That covers most of what matters. If an update causes a problem, resist the urge to try several fixes at once. Change one thing, see what happens, and ask the maker’s support site for guidance if the problem persists. Outcomes differ between computers, and a calm, step-by-step approach tends to cause less damage than a hurried one.