People around the world still rely on Windows and Microsoft Office at home and in the workplace. From time to time, they come across a notification on the PC or laptop screen telling them to install something called updates.

What are Windows Updates?

Windows Updates is the name of a service that is a part of the Microsoft Windows system you have installed on your PC. It is used primarily for downloading and installing updates to the system, to device drivers and other software that makes up the entire operating system.

What’s the purpose of the updates?

These updates are improvements designed for all active Windows operating systems. They include patches that address certain security issues that if left as they are could leave your system vulnerable to malware and hackers. Windows is made out of code that eventually develops weaknesses that can be accessed by malware.

These security patches also apply to the applications, programs that you don’t use, only because it is installed on your PC! And yes, the updates for security issue are required even if you do have anti-virus protection installed. Security updates are normally released a single patch.

Usually, you may have to install lots of these updates in a single go. That’s because the other updates address other known issues, bugs that might be present throughout the system, and can impact how you use your Windows PC. Updates containing fixes for smaller, more general bugs that aren’t critical in nature. Or, they can be used for updating hardware, drivers and devices.

They aren’t responsible for those security vulnerabilities we mentioned earlier, but they can impact the stability, performance of Windows and can be very annoying!

The last, and most interesting part about these updates is that it may install new features that can prove to be helpful to you. Microsoft ceases support for all outdated software and that means no new patches either. So, these particular updates can even install a new version of Microsoft programs like your browser, settings, applications, adobe flash players, etc.

How to install updates on Windows.

If you’re using a more recent Windows operating system, then the updates should install automatically, as the system is programmed to do that. However, you also have the option to do that manually, using the Control Panel. Here’s how:

Open the setting console called ‘Control Panel’. You can simply type in the ‘control panel’ in the search bar or taskbar and press Enter.
Make sure that you’ve back up all data, files and other stuff you’d like to keep.
On the top of the Control Panel, you will find a search bar.
Click on this search bar and type ‘Check For Updates’.
Another module or settings console will open up showing you all updates installed earlier, the patches that have yet to be installed. This includes information on the size of the patch, when it was released and the purpose of that update.
You can click on an update to select and install it.
To adjust the settings of updates, click on the section which says ‘Change Settings’.
Here, you can choose to allow your PC to install all patches automatically or not.
After patches have been installed, Windows usually reboots. If not, it is recommended that you restart your PC after installing updates.

How are updates made?

Windows is made or developed using the code. This code can contain errors, security loopholes, outdated software, and even incompatibilities as well. To ensure a smooth consumer experience, Microsoft collects data on installed systems through Feedback forms, surveys to understand how well their software products work once you begin using it.

Certain consumers might find some kind of error, a problem when streaming online content, issues when installing flash players, etc. Microsoft lists out all of these issues and creates a fix for it. These fixes are then made available to the public in the form of updates. This is another reason why Microsoft suggests registering every one of their installed operating systems with them using a serial number.

So, when that update is ready for you, you’ll be notified the next time your PC is online!

Is it necessary to install updates?

It is necessary to install updates whenever possible. This is the only way to fix errors and other vulnerabilities in the system itself or to fix problems with associated software. Nothing could be more irritating than a slow, buggy PC!

That’s what these updates are for – to boost drivers for a much faster PC. Updates are also the answer to those errors that you see while installing or playing your favorite PC game. You know, the ones that tell you that your Windows PC isn’t compatible with the software because of an outdated driver, or that your PC is missing a driver.

Get to install those software fixes now and these gaming errors will be a thing of the past! Finally, you want to have all Microsoft software updated to the latest versions – only an update can help you with that. Software that is considered to be outdated doesn’t get the required security patches needed for fixing loopholes that can be exploited by malware. So, even when you think your entire PC is safe, an old, outdated program might ruin your PC.

What are the latest updates in May?

Windows 10 version 1903 was released on May 21^st. More specifically, it an iteration of the Windows Insider Release Preview called KB4490481. This is supposed to upgrade all Windows 10 1809 systems to 17763.404.

But don’t rush to get Windows 10 1903 just yet. This is however just a test version, that’s only available to some systems. Those who are eligible for the 1809 Preview Program, will also receive a Servicing Stack Update exclusively for 1809.

A new BlueKeep wormhole was discovered and you can protect your PC by installing a patch to fix the source – the Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol.

Conclusion

Windows updates might take time and a lot of data to install, but do have certain advantages once they are. You can lessen this impact by doing this when your PC is not being used. When it comes to disk usage, not all patches or updates use up resources. All in all, we would have to say that updates might not be critical unless specified, so it would be better for your PC’s performance if you do install them.

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