Stop Ignoring Updates: Why Software Updates Matter and How to Do Them

You see that notification: "Software Update Available." You think, "Not now, I’m busy." You dismiss it. A week later, another notification. You dismiss it again. This goes on for months.

Meanwhile, hackers are actively exploiting the security holes that the update would have fixed. Your device becomes more vulnerable every day you wait.

Software updates aren’t just about new features or bug fixes. They’re about security. Every update patches vulnerabilities that hackers are already trying to exploit. Delaying updates is like leaving your front door unlocked because you’re too busy to turn the key.

Why Software Updates Actually Matter

Let’s be clear about what’s at stake when you ignore updates:

Security Patches Close Holes Hackers Already Know About

When software companies discover a security flaw, they rush to fix it. But here’s the problem: once they announce the fix, hackers know the vulnerability exists. They immediately start targeting people who haven’t updated yet.

Real example: The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 infected 200,000 computers in 150 countries. The security hole it exploited had been patched months earlier. Everyone who updated was safe. Everyone who delayed got hit.

Old Software Becomes a Liability

Eventually, software gets so old that companies stop supporting it. No more security updates. No more patches.

Using unsupported software is like driving a car with no brakes—maybe you’ll be fine, but the risk is enormous.

Examples:

  • Windows 7 stopped getting updates in 2020
  • Older versions of Android stop getting patches after 2-3 years
  • Apps eventually require newer OS versions to run

Updates Fix Bugs That Crash Your Device

That random app crash? That frozen screen? That weird glitch? Updates often fix these problems.

You suffer through bugs that have already been solved just because you haven’t updated.

New Features Actually Improve Your Life

Yes, some updates are just security patches. But many include features that make your device better:

  • Improved battery life
  • Faster performance
  • New capabilities
  • Better compatibility

You’re paying for a device but only using 80% of its potential because your software is outdated.

What Gets Updated (And Why It All Matters)

Different types of updates protect different aspects of your digital life:

Operating System Updates

What: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Why: The OS is the foundation of everything. If it’s compromised, everything is compromised.
How often: Major updates yearly, security patches monthly

Skip these at your own peril. This is the most critical type of update.

App Updates

What: Every app on your device
Why: Apps have security holes too. Outdated apps are attack vectors.
How often: Varies—some apps update weekly, others monthly

Even if you think "it’s just a game," that game connects to the internet and could be exploited.

Browser Updates

What: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
Why: Your browser handles sensitive information constantly (passwords, credit cards, bank logins)
How often: Usually automatic and frequent

Browsers are prime targets for hackers because they access everything.

Security Software Updates

What: Antivirus, firewalls, VPNs
Why: Security software needs the latest threat definitions to protect you
How often: Daily for virus definitions, weekly for software

Your antivirus can’t protect against threats it doesn’t know about yet.

Firmware Updates

What: Router, printer, smart devices, car computers
Why: These devices connect to your network and can be entry points for hackers
How often: Infrequent but important

Most people never update these. That’s a problem.

How to Update Everything (Step-by-Step)

Let’s make this painless. Here’s exactly how to update each type of device:

Updating Windows 11

Automatic (Recommended):

  1. Settings > Windows Update
  2. Make sure automatic updates are enabled
  3. Click "Check for updates"
  4. Let it download and install
  5. Restart when prompted

Manual:

  1. Settings > Windows Update
  2. Click "Check for updates"
  3. Click "Download" for any available updates
  4. Click "Restart now" after installation

Pro tip: Schedule updates for overnight:

  1. Windows Update > Advanced options
  2. Set "Active hours" to when you use your computer
  3. Windows will update during inactive hours

Updating macOS

Automatic (Recommended):

  1. System Settings > General > Software Update
  2. Turn on "Automatic updates"
  3. Enable all options:
    • Download updates
    • Install macOS updates
    • Install app updates from App Store
    • Install security responses

Manual:

  1. System Settings > General > Software Update
  2. Click "Update Now" if available
  3. Enter your password
  4. Restart when prompted

Updating iPhone/iPad

Automatic (Recommended):

  1. Settings > General > Software Update
  2. Tap "Automatic Updates"
  3. Enable both options:
    • Download iOS Updates
    • Install iOS Updates

Your iPhone will update overnight while charging.

Manual:

  1. Settings > General > Software Update
  2. Tap "Download and Install"
  3. Enter your passcode
  4. Agree to terms
  5. Device will update and restart

Pro tip: Back up first:

  1. Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
  2. Tap "Back Up Now"

Updating Android

Automatic (Usually Default):
Most Android phones update automatically overnight.

Manual:

  1. Settings > System (or About Phone)
  2. Tap "System update" or "Software update"
  3. Tap "Check for update"
  4. Tap "Download and install" if available
  5. Device will restart after installing

Note: Android update availability depends on your phone manufacturer and carrier. Some phones get updates faster than others.

Updating Apps (All Platforms)

iPhone/iPad:

  1. Open App Store
  2. Tap your profile icon (top right)
  3. Scroll to "Available Updates"
  4. Tap "Update All" or update individual apps

Enable automatic app updates:

  1. Settings > App Store
  2. Turn on "App Updates"

Android:

  1. Open Google Play Store
  2. Tap your profile icon (top right)
  3. Tap "Manage apps & device"
  4. Tap "Update all"

Enable automatic app updates:

  1. Play Store > Profile > Settings
  2. Network preferences > Auto-update apps
  3. Choose "Over any network" or "Over Wi-Fi only"

Windows:

  1. Microsoft Store > Library
  2. Click "Get updates"

Mac:

  1. App Store > Updates
  2. Click "Update All"

Updating Your Browser

Most browsers update automatically, but you can force it:

Chrome:

  1. Three dots > Help > About Google Chrome
  2. Chrome checks and updates automatically
  3. Click "Relaunch" when done

Firefox:

  1. Three lines > Help > About Firefox
  2. Firefox checks and updates automatically
  3. Restart when done

Safari (Mac):
Updates with macOS updates.

Edge:

  1. Three dots > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge
  2. Edge checks and updates automatically

Updating Your Router

Most people never do this, but it’s important:

  1. Find your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
  2. Enter it in your browser
  3. Log in (check router label for default login)
  4. Look for "Firmware Update" or "Router Update"
  5. Check for and install updates

Better option: Many modern routers update automatically. Check if yours has this feature and enable it.

Alternative: Some router manufacturers have apps that make this easier:

  • Netgear Nighthawk app
  • TP-Link Tether app
  • Asus Router app

Handling Update Problems

Sometimes updates cause issues. Here’s how to handle them:

Problem 1: Update Fails to Install

Solutions:

  • Restart your device and try again
  • Free up storage space (updates need space)
  • Check your internet connection
  • Try updating via a wired connection (more stable)

Problem 2: Device Runs Slow After Update

This is normal immediately after updates:

  • Device needs time to re-index files
  • Background processes are running
  • Give it 24-48 hours to settle down

If it’s still slow after 2 days:

  • Restart the device
  • Check storage (full storage slows devices)
  • Look for problematic apps using battery/CPU

Problem 3: App Stops Working After Update

  • Check if the app needs an update too
  • Restart the device
  • Uninstall and reinstall the app
  • Contact app developer if problem persists

Problem 4: Update Won’t Download

  • Check your storage space
  • Switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data (or vice versa)
  • Try during off-peak hours (less server load)
  • Contact your device manufacturer

Problem 5: Battery Drains Faster After Update

This is common immediately after updates:

  • Background processes are more active
  • System is re-indexing
  • Give it 2-3 days to normalize

If battery drain continues:

  • Check which apps are using battery
  • Reset network settings
  • As a last resort, factory reset and restore backup

Creating a Smart Update Strategy

You don’t need to update everything immediately, but you do need a system:

Critical Updates (Do Immediately)

  • Security patches
  • OS updates
  • Browser updates
  • Banking/financial app updates

These protect you from active threats. Don’t delay.

Important Updates (Do Within a Week)

  • Other app updates
  • Router firmware
  • Antivirus definitions

These improve functionality and security but aren’t quite as urgent.

Optional Updates (Do When Convenient)

  • Feature updates for apps you rarely use
  • Updates to single-player games
  • Non-security firmware updates

These can wait until you have time, but don’t wait months.

Automation Is Your Friend

Set everything to auto-update where possible:

  • OS: Enable automatic updates
  • Apps: Enable automatic app updates
  • Browsers: Usually auto-update by default
  • Security software: Enable automatic updates

This way, you stay protected without thinking about it.

Special Considerations for Different Users

For Parents

  • Enable automatic updates on kids’ devices
  • They won’t do it themselves
  • Parental control apps need updates too

For Business Users

  • Follow your IT department’s update policy
  • Don’t manually update work devices without permission
  • Some companies control updates centrally

For Older Adults

  • Enable automatic updates for everything
  • Check their devices periodically
  • Explain that "Later" means "vulnerable"

For Gamers

  • Update games during off-hours
  • Major game updates can be huge (100GB+)
  • Set console/PC to update overnight

What Happens If You Never Update

Let’s be real about the consequences:

Short Term (Weeks to Months)

  • Apps may stop working
  • Features break or become buggy
  • Performance degrades
  • Compatibility issues arise

Medium Term (Months to Year)

  • Device becomes significantly vulnerable to attacks
  • New apps won’t install (they require newer OS)
  • Security software becomes less effective
  • Device runs noticeably slower

Long Term (1+ Years)

  • Device becomes a security liability to your network
  • Apps stop working entirely
  • Device may fail to boot or update at all
  • You’re essentially using outdated, unsupported hardware
  • Major security risks (ransomware, malware, data theft)

Real talk: Using a device that’s years behind on updates is digital Russian roulette.

The Most Important Updates You Must Never Skip

If you only update these things, you’re covering 80% of your security:

  1. Operating System security patches – These fix critical holes
  2. Web browser – This is your gateway to the internet
  3. Password manager – This protects all your accounts
  4. Banking/financial apps – Money is on the line
  5. Email apps – Email is your master key to everything

Everything else is secondary to these five.

The Bottom Line

Software updates are free security upgrades. Companies spend millions of dollars finding and fixing vulnerabilities, and they give you these fixes for free.

Clicking "Later" seems harmless, but each day you delay is a day hackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in your system.

Here’s your action plan:

Today:

  1. Update your phone’s OS
  2. Update your computer’s OS
  3. Update your browser
  4. Check for app updates

This Week:

  1. Enable automatic updates on all devices
  2. Update your router
  3. Update smart home devices

Monthly:

  1. Manually check for updates you might have missed
  2. Review which apps you actually use (uninstall the rest)

Updates take 5-30 minutes. Getting hacked, dealing with ransomware, or recovering from identity theft takes weeks or months.

The choice is obvious.

Stop clicking "Later." Start clicking "Update Now."