

Once Windows completes its search, it will prompt you to install any available updates. Under Windows Update, click Check for Updates.Regularly updating your operating system ensures your computer runs more efficiently and stays safe from viruses.įor devices with a Windows operating system, follow these steps. Depending on the type of software and device, you’ll need to follow different steps to update. However, not all software will show you a notification or automatically update when something needs to be fixed. Some types of software even update automatically, fixing security flaws without requiring action from you. Notifications and reminders to update your operating system or other software help keep your systems secure. They also can update the program’s performance, giving you faster speeds. Updates improve stability so that software doesn’t crash while being used. Software updates give you new features and improve existing ones. While security patches are the most important reason to update your software, it’s not the only benefit. If your computer is infected, hackers can use your device to infect your friends, family members, and colleagues through phishing emails or computer worms. Not only do software updates keep your devices secure, but they also prevent viruses and malware from spreading to other systems.

By updating your software, hackers won’t be able to infect your devices and access your personal data. Cybercriminals may use your information to commit fraud or identity theft. Any documents or personal information on your devices, including email log-ins and bank account information, can be accessed through software vulnerabilities. Malware targets software vulnerabilities to access your device and steal data. Updating your software and operating systems should be one of the most important parts of your cyber hygiene routine. Luckily, software updates include security patches that fix software vulnerabilities and keep malware out of your system. Malware damages and destroys your devices, allowing hackers to access data, gain control over your computer, or slow down your system. Software vulnerabilities are weaknesses or holes in software programs that allow malicious software to infiltrate your devices. “Software updates include security patches that fix software vulnerabilities and keep malware out of your system.” Patch Security WeaknessesĬybercriminals exploit security flaws, also known as software vulnerabilities.
