How to keep your Windows computer up to date
Jan 14, 2020, 16:14 IST
Microsoft rolls out updates frequently for Windows users to protect them from security flaws and bugs. You may think it’s a hassle to download and install updates as they require you to restart the computer. However, it’s important to keep your Windows computer up to date.
Why you should install Windows updates
In addition to new features, most updates bring security patches which are important to protect your device from intrusions and breaches. Some updates also bring bug fixes that if left unchecked might impact the stability of the operating system.
For example, Microsoft is currently rolling out an important update as part of its monthly Patch Tuesday rollout. The update will fix a critical security vulnerability that affects ‘crypto32.dll’, which is one of the core components of the Windows operating system.
How to keep Windows updated
Windows 10
Earlier versions of Windows allowed users to choose which updates to install and which to skip. However, you can no longer do this on Windows 10.
You can still check if you have any updates pending and manually start updating your device.
If you are currently using Windows 7, there’s some bad news for you. Microsoft will end support for Windows 7 users on January 14, 2020. The above security patch is likely the last update you will get from Microsoft.
It is recommended that Windows 7 users upgrade to Windows 10 so that they continue to get updates on their devices.
See also:
Microsoft’s critical vulnerability could affect millions of Windows users around the world
Microsoft ends free Windows 7 security updates on Tuesday
Microsoft contractors in China listened to Skype recordings with woefully bad levels of cybersecurity, report reveals
Advertisement
Why you should install Windows updates
In addition to new features, most updates bring security patches which are important to protect your device from intrusions and breaches. Some updates also bring bug fixes that if left unchecked might impact the stability of the operating system.
For example, Microsoft is currently rolling out an important update as part of its monthly Patch Tuesday rollout. The update will fix a critical security vulnerability that affects ‘crypto32.dll’, which is one of the core components of the Windows operating system.
How to keep Windows updated
Windows 10
Earlier versions of Windows allowed users to choose which updates to install and which to skip. However, you can no longer do this on Windows 10.
Advertisement
You can still check if you have any updates pending and manually start updating your device.
- Click on the Start (Windows) button at the bottom left corner.
- Now, click on the ‘Settings’ button (gear icon).
- Select the ‘Update and Security’ option.
- Now, click on ‘Windows Update’.
- Tap on ‘Check for updates’ to see if you have any pending updates.
- If any update is available, it will be downloaded, and you will be asked to restart your system.
- Click on ‘Restart now’ or you can also schedule when to restart by clicking on ‘Schedule the restart’.
If you are currently using Windows 7, there’s some bad news for you. Microsoft will end support for Windows 7 users on January 14, 2020. The above security patch is likely the last update you will get from Microsoft.
It is recommended that Windows 7 users upgrade to Windows 10 so that they continue to get updates on their devices.
See also:
Microsoft’s critical vulnerability could affect millions of Windows users around the world
Microsoft ends free Windows 7 security updates on Tuesday
Microsoft contractors in China listened to Skype recordings with woefully bad levels of cybersecurity, report reveals