How many times have you seen a notification flag indicating Windows updates are available for installation and you ignored? Probably not once, but let’s face it, applying updates is not something we look forward to. Most often than not, we ignore Microsoft updates and patches, but they are extremely important in the times we live in.
What are Microsoft Updates?
Microsoft Updates are services that allow regular patching of system files to resolve issues with Microsoft products. Previously referred to as Windows Updates and focused on addressing issues with Operating System for Windows. They were later expanded to include all Microsoft products; hence the name Microsoft Updates. They now include updates of non-OS software such as Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer.
Microsoft Updates include the following categories:
- Security updates
- Critical updates – they fix issues in Microsoft products that could cause unexpected errors or software errors
- Software updates
- Service packs – a service pack is an update containing all the previously released updates and fixes.
Importance of Windows Update
They help to patch security flaws
Windows OS is made up of a code that contains outdated software elements, errors, incompatibilities, and security loopholes. Well, Windows is not perfect, and neither is any code. Weaknesses will always be identified. Cybercriminals love vulnerabilities. If hackers identify vulnerabilities in Windows, they will write a code packaged as malware to exploit the vulnerability within hours. Failure to apply available updates, you may suffer identity theft, loss of data, or damaged software. The good thing is that Microsoft discovers vulnerabilities and other issues in Windows Operating System and associated software before anyone else most of the time.
Usually, you will find that most people don’t use some of these programs, for example, Internet Explorer, but it could be the gateway to your computer if you don’t patch it. Note that updates are necessary even if you have antivirus or anti-malware software. Antivirus and anti-malware cannot protect you from Windows security issues.
Security updates patch these security vulnerabilities in Windows and associated software. Ensure you apply every update to protect your PC from malware attacks.
Updates address general Windows issues and bugs
General updates address more general bugs. They fix specific non-security-related issues. General updates consist of many fixes at a go. Although some errors may not be a threat to the security of your PC, they can affect the performance and stability of Windows. General updates are therefore necessary to ensure you have a pleasant and smooth Windows user experience.
You deserve the best
Windows updates not only fix security issues and general bugs, but they also come with new features and improve the existing ones. This means improved performance and stability. Nobody wants to fall behind the times, right?
As mentioned above, Windows updates are still necessary even if you don’t use some of these programs. For instance, let’s say you don’t use Internet Explorer. The problem is Microsoft will eventually stop patching older versions of Internet Explorer. So in case, new vulnerabilities are discovered, your PC security may be compromised.
Importance of Microsoft Upgrades
Updates and upgrades may sound similar, but there are key differences you should understand. An update is an improvement of the current version of a software or application, while an upgrade is an entirely new version. Normally, updates are free and easy to install. Upgrades, on the other hand, are often not free and are complicated to install.
Reasons why you should keep the latest versions of Microsoft products
- Keep hackers at bay
- Stay compliant with regulations: Businesses that must adhere to federal or industry regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA, need to update their technology and keep the latest versions to stay compliant.
- Compatibility with new products and services: Hardware and software firms design their products to be compatible with newer versions of Operating Systems.
- New features: Just like updates, upgrades come with new features for improved performance and streamlined user experience.
- Receive important updates: Microsoft no longer supports some older versions of some of its products. For instance, they stopped supporting Windows 7 and Server 20008 on 14th January 2020. So, if you are still using such older versions, you will no longer receive important updates.
If you need to upgrade your Windows Operating System or any other Microsoft product, you can purchase Microsoft Product Discounted Activation Keys here and stay up to date. Don’t be left behind!
Why should you upgrade to Windows 10?
You love Windows 7. We get it, but you no longer have a choice but to upgrade to Windows 10 unless you don’t want to receive security updates. Windows 7 came to its end of life on 14th January 2020. Well, you may still continue using Windows 7, but here are several reasons you should upgrade to Windows 10.
1. Security
Security is probably the biggest reason you should upgrade to Windows 10. We are living in interesting times as far as cybersecurity is concerned. We keep almost all valuable data in digital form, and it is not surprising that cases of cyberattacks are on the rise. Although there is no such thing as a 100% secure system, any opportunity to boost security against cyber threats should not be ignored. Here are security reasons why you should migrate to Windows 10.
Windows Defender Firewall
It is a security feature that reduces the attack surface to reduce the chances of someone hacking into your computer. Windows Defender Firewall is particularly important if you happen to use public Wi-Fi regularly. It blocks all unauthorized connection requests. It also ensures all communications from your computer are authenticated from end to end.
Windows Defender Antivirus
It protects against spyware and malware across apps, the cloud, emails, and the web. The good thing is you don’t have to pay for additional license costs, and it is as good as the best third-party antivirus available in the market.
Windows Hello
What an incredible biometric security system? You see, we human beings have one major problem when it comes to cybersecurity – managing several complex passwords. Thanks to Windows Hello, you can either use your face or fingerprints to unlock your device. Even better, you don’t need a password after unlocking your device using biometrics. The process is incredibly fast – normally faster than entering a complex password.
Secure boot
With Windows 10, every reboot is checked to ensure that the OS is complete and uncompromised. In case a threat is discovered, Windows Secure Boot uses either a previous, secure version of the boot process or rebuilds a new version which eliminates the threat before Windows 10 is allowed to run.
Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection
Windows Defender ATP uses Microsoft’s cloud-based security analytics to identify zero-day threats. In case anything likes like a potential threat, it is first checked before it is allowed through to the user device. This way, new threats are quickly identified, allowing Microsoft to update its security graph and quarantine such threats until permanent solutions are in place.
Windows Device Guard
Sometimes malicious links or files may still manage to bypass all of the perimeter security. Fortunately, Windows 10 Device Guard is there to add an extra layer of security. It locks the device down so that only trusted applications can run.
Windows Information Protection
Have you ever shared a sensitive file with a person outside your organization, but felt uncomfortable since you can’t control what they can do with it? Or you probably shared a sensitive file with someone by mistake? You will no longer need to worry if you upgrade to windows 10. Windows Information Protection enables you to encrypt all files you send from your PC, and you can rescind access if need be. Sounds incredible, huh?
2. Cortana
The first personal assistant by Microsoft, Cortana, is incredible. Who would not want to interact with technology hands-free? If you’ve used Siri, you know how convenient it is to interact with technology by just talking.
3. Universal Apps
Windows 10 has an App Store where you can find a huge collection of software you may need for your tasks.
4. Touch
Nowadays, every screen is a touch screen – your smartphone, your car navigation system, and even your tablet. So, why not use a touch screen for your PC. It is possible with Windows 10.
5. Microsoft Edge
Internet Explorer is not among the best browsers. It is much slower compared to other browsers. Windows 10 comes with a better and faster browser, Microsoft Edge. It has incredible features. You can even save webpages to read later. Microsoft claims it is even better than Chrome, but why don’t you find out for yourself?
6. Action Center
Smartphones have a notification feature for updates, messages, emails, breaking news, and more. This is possible in a PC with Windows 10. Action Center enables you to get all notifications on your screen.
Endnote
Microsoft Updates are important and should not be ignored. Apply them immediately they are available. Additionally, ensure the latest versions of Microsoft products for improved security and incredible user experience.
