What Do Windows Updates Actually Do?
Windows updates are not just about adding new features. Most updates fall into one of three categories.
- Security updates: Fix vulnerabilities that hackers and malware could exploit. These are the most critical and should never be skipped.
- Quality updates: Fix bugs, improve stability, and resolve performance issues. These are released monthly.
- Feature updates: Add new features and make larger changes to Windows. These are released once or twice a year.
Tip: Security updates are released on the second Tuesday of every month — sometimes called Patch Tuesday. Staying current with these is one of the single most effective things you can do to protect your computer.
Why Skipping Updates Is Risky
When Microsoft releases a security update, it is essentially publishing a list of vulnerabilities that exist in older versions of Windows. Hackers read those announcements and immediately start targeting computers that have not installed the fix. The longer you wait to update, the more exposed you are.
- Most major malware outbreaks exploit vulnerabilities that already had patches available
- An unpatched computer on a home network can put other devices at risk too
- Some updates fix problems that could cause data loss or corruption
- Older, unpatched Windows versions eventually lose support entirely and stop receiving security fixes
Warning: Windows 10 reaches end of support in October 2025. After that date, it will no longer receive security updates. If you are still running Windows 10, now is the time to plan an upgrade to Windows 11 or a new computer.
How to Check for and Install Updates
Checking for updates takes less than a minute and is worth doing regularly.
- 1Click the Start menu and open Settings (the gear icon)
- 2Click Windows Update
- 3Click Check for Updates
- 4If updates are available, click Download & Install
- 5Save your work and restart when prompted — some updates require a restart to take effect
Tip: If you see a large update (like a Windows 11 feature update) and you are not ready to install it, you can pause updates for up to 5 weeks. Just do not pause them indefinitely.
Managing Updates on Your Schedule
The most common complaint about Windows updates is that they interrupt work at inconvenient times. You can take control of when updates happen.
- 1Open Settings → Windows Update → Advanced Options
- 2Set Active Hours to the times you typically use your computer — Windows will not restart during these hours
- 3Turn on Notify Me When a Restart Is Required so you are never caught off guard
- 4Schedule restarts for evenings or overnight when you are not using the computer
What to Do If an Update Causes Problems
Occasionally, a Windows update introduces a new bug or causes a program to stop working. This is uncommon but does happen. If your computer starts behaving strangely right after an update, you have options.
- Wait a day or two — Microsoft often releases a follow-up fix quickly for widespread issues
- Search online for the specific update number (shown in Windows Update history) to see if others are reporting the same problem
- In Settings → Windows Update → Update History, you can uninstall a specific update if it is causing problems
- If the computer will not start after an update, Windows has a built-in recovery mode — a technician can help you access it