That notification appears again: Update available.
You are busy, your phone or computer seems to be working perfectly well, and installing the update might require a restart. So you tap Remind me later.
Then you do the same thing tomorrow.
Software updates can feel inconvenient, but they are one of the most important parts of keeping phones, computers, tablets and other connected devices secure and reliable.
Updates do much more than add new features. They can repair security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, improve compatibility and sometimes make software faster or more stable.
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre recommends installing software and app updates promptly because security updates help protect devices and accounts from cyber criminals.
What Is a Software Update?
Software is essentially the collection of instructions that tells a device what to do.
Your phone’s operating system is software. So are your browser, banking app, messaging apps, games and countless other programs.
Software is extremely complicated, and developers continue discovering problems after it has been released.
An update replaces or modifies parts of that software.
Depending on the update, it might:
- fix security vulnerabilities
- repair bugs and crashes
- improve performance
- improve compatibility
- add or change features
- correct visual problems
- improve stability
Some updates are tiny. Others can substantially change how a device works.
What Is a Security Update?
A security update fixes weaknesses that could potentially be exploited.
These weaknesses are commonly called vulnerabilities.
Imagine that a piece of software contains an unintended flaw that allows someone to bypass part of its security.
Once the developer discovers the problem, it can create a fix.
That fix is often called a patch.
Installing the update effectively patches the vulnerability.
The NCSC explains that patches fix known flaws that attackers could otherwise use to compromise devices.
Why Do Hackers Care About Outdated Software?
Once a security vulnerability becomes known, criminals may attempt to exploit devices that have not been patched.
That creates an important difference between:
having a vulnerability that nobody knows about
and
continuing to use vulnerable software after a fix has already been released.
The longer important security updates are ignored, the longer the device may remain exposed to known weaknesses.
That is why security organisations encourage people to install updates promptly.
Does Updating Protect You From Viruses?
Updates can provide important protection against malware, but updating does not make a device completely immune to every threat.
Malicious software can reach devices in many ways, including dangerous downloads, compromised software and other attacks.
Security updates close vulnerabilities that malware or attackers might otherwise exploit.
The NCSC specifically notes that updates can include protection against viruses and other forms of malware.
You still need sensible security habits as well.
Why Do Apps Need Updating Too?
It isn’t only Windows, macOS, Android or iOS that matters.
Individual apps contain software code too, and they can have bugs and security vulnerabilities.
Think about how much sensitive information passes through apps:
banking information, emails, photographs, messages, documents, passwords and personal account details.
Keeping the operating system updated while ignoring every app update therefore isn’t ideal.
Both need attention.
What Are Bug Fixes?
Not every software problem is a security problem.
A bug is an error or defect that causes software to behave incorrectly.
For example, a bug might cause an app to:
crash unexpectedly, display information incorrectly, consume excessive battery power or fail when using a particular feature.
Developers can identify the problem, modify the code and distribute the correction through an update.
That is why an app that suddenly behaves badly may improve after being updated.
Can Updates Improve Performance?
Sometimes.
Developers may optimise code, reduce unnecessary resource use or correct problems affecting performance.
An update could therefore improve speed, stability or battery behaviour.
But you should not assume every update will make an old device dramatically faster.
Newer software can also become more demanding as features evolve.
The main reason for keeping supported devices updated should be security and reliability, rather than expecting a performance boost every time.
Why Do Some Updates Make Things Worse?
Unfortunately, software updates are not perfect.
An update can occasionally introduce a new bug while fixing an old one.
Software has enormous numbers of possible combinations of hardware, settings, apps and user behaviour. Testing every possible scenario before release is extremely difficult.
Developers may therefore release another update to correct a problem introduced by an earlier one.
For ordinary users, occasional update problems do not usually outweigh the security risks of leaving important software permanently outdated.
Should You Install Updates Immediately?
For security updates, installing them promptly is generally sensible.
The NCSC recommends applying updates as soon as they are available and ideally enabling automatic updates.
For a major operating-system upgrade, some people prefer to ensure important files are backed up first.
A good routine is:
back up important data → connect to reliable Wi-Fi → plug the device into power if appropriate → install the update.
The exact process depends on the device.
What Are Automatic Updates?
Automatic updates allow software to download or install updates with little or no manual intervention.
They are useful because humans are very good at repeatedly pressing Later.
Automatic updating reduces the chance that an important security patch will be forgotten.
The NCSC recommends enabling automatic updates where they are available.
However, it is still worth occasionally checking that automatic updates are actually working.
Low storage, connection problems or other conditions can sometimes prevent an update from installing.
Why Does My Device Need to Restart?
Some files cannot easily be replaced while they are actively being used.
Restarting allows the operating system to finish replacing or modifying important system components in a controlled environment.
This is why you may see messages such as:
Restart required to complete update.
Until that restart happens, parts of the update may not be fully installed.
Read:How to Create a Strong Password You Can Actually Remember
Why Are Updates Sometimes So Large?
Not every update is simply a tiny security patch.
Major operating-system updates can contain new features, redesigned interfaces, updated system components and many other changes.
That can result in downloads several gigabytes in size.
Smaller security or app updates may require much less data.
If you have limited mobile data, downloading large updates over Wi-Fi can help avoid unnecessary data usage.
What Happens When a Phone Stops Receiving Updates?
This is particularly important.
Manufacturers do not support devices forever.
Eventually, an older phone, tablet or computer may stop receiving operating-system or security updates.
The device does not suddenly stop working the following morning.
You might continue using it normally.
The problem is that newly discovered security vulnerabilities may no longer be fixed.
The NCSC advises users to ensure important software remains supported and says unsupported devices and software should be replaced when possible.
Does an Old Phone Become Dangerous Immediately?
Not necessarily.
Reaching the end of software support does not mean a device instantly becomes compromised.
The risk generally increases because future vulnerabilities may remain unpatched.
How significant that risk is depends partly on what you use the device for.
A phone containing banking apps, email, saved passwords, personal photographs and access to important accounts deserves particularly careful consideration.
Are Smart TVs and Other Smart Devices Updated?
They can be.
Modern connected homes contain far more software than many people realise.
Smart televisions, security cameras, doorbells, speakers and other internet-connected devices may all contain software or firmware.
These devices can also develop security vulnerabilities.
The NCSC recommends enabling automatic updates on smart devices where possible and installing manual updates when prompted.
What Is Firmware?
Firmware is software closely associated with controlling a piece of hardware.
Your router, television, camera and many other electronic devices may contain firmware.
Manufacturers sometimes release firmware updates to fix security problems, improve reliability or add functionality.
So when thinking about updates, don’t limit the idea to phones and laptops.
Your home Wi-Fi router can need updating too.
Related: Read How Does Wi-Fi Actually Work? A Simple Explanation.
Can Fake Update Messages Be Dangerous?
Yes.
Because people recognise software-update warnings, scammers can imitate them.
A website might display a frightening message claiming:
Your browser is dangerously out of date — click here immediately.
That does not automatically mean the warning is genuine.
Avoid downloading supposed updates from random pop-ups or unfamiliar websites.
For operating-system updates, use your device’s built-in update settings. For apps, use trusted official app stores or the software developer’s legitimate update mechanism.
This is particularly important because fake update prompts can be used to distribute malicious software.
Related: Read How to Spot a Phishing Email Before You Click.
Should You Back Up Before Updating?
Regular backups are useful regardless of updates.
For routine app updates, most people will not manually create a special backup every time.
For major operating-system upgrades or important devices containing irreplaceable information, checking that your backup is current is sensible.
The NCSC recommends regular backups and notes that before updating can be an ideal time to ensure your data is backed up.
What If You Don’t Have Enough Storage?
Updates need space.
If your device’s storage is almost completely full, the update may be unable to download or install.
Removing unnecessary downloads, large videos or unused apps can free space.
Be careful not to delete important photographs or documents without ensuring you have another copy.
Cloud storage can help with some files, although syncing and backup are not always the same thing.
Related: Read What Is Cloud Storage and How Does It Work?
Do Updates Delete Your Photos and Files?
Routine updates are designed to preserve your personal data.
You would not normally expect an ordinary software update to erase your photographs, contacts and documents.
Nevertheless, no technology is completely immune to failure.
That is another reason important files should have backups rather than existing in only one place.
Why Security Updates Matter More Than New Features
New features receive most of the attention.
A redesigned interface or clever new tool is easy to advertise.
A security patch fixing a vulnerability may be almost invisible.
But that invisible change can be far more important.
You might install an update and notice absolutely no difference in how your phone looks.
Behind the scenes, however, the update may have closed a weakness that could otherwise have been exploited.
How Often Should You Check for Updates?
If automatic updates are enabled and working properly, you should not need to obsessively check every day.
It is still sensible to occasionally verify that your operating system and important apps are current.
If your device tells you an important security update is available, repeatedly postponing it for weeks or months is generally a bad habit.
The Bottom Line
Software updates are not merely manufacturers trying to change your device.
They are an essential part of maintaining modern technology.
Updates can fix security vulnerabilities, repair bugs, improve reliability, maintain compatibility and introduce useful features.
The most important reason to keep software updated is security.
A vulnerability that has already been fixed by the developer remains a vulnerability on your device if you never install the fix.
So the next time your phone or computer says an important update is ready, don’t automatically press Remind me later for the twentieth time.
Give the device a chance to patch itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are software updates important?
They can fix security vulnerabilities, repair bugs, improve stability and compatibility, and add or improve features.
What happens if I never update my phone?
The phone may continue working, but over time you could miss important security fixes, compatibility improvements and bug fixes.
Should I turn on automatic updates?
For most ordinary users, enabling automatic updates is a useful way to receive important fixes without having to remember to install each one manually.
Can software updates contain viruses?
Legitimate updates delivered through your device manufacturer, trusted app store or genuine software provider are intended to update the software. Be cautious of fake update pop-ups and downloads from unknown websites.
Why does my phone need Wi-Fi to update?
Large updates can use substantial amounts of data, and some devices are configured to download them over Wi-Fi rather than mobile data.
Do software updates slow down old phones?
Not necessarily. Updates may improve performance or fix problems, although newer software can sometimes demand more from ageing hardware.
Is it safe to use a device that no longer gets security updates?
It may continue functioning, but its security risk can increase because newly discovered vulnerabilities may no longer receive fixes. Replacing unsupported devices is advisable when reasonably possible.
External source for publication:
National Cyber Security Centre — Install the latest software and app updates
Leave a Comment