Short answer: Software updates matter because most of them include security patches that close weaknesses attackers already know about. Installing them promptly, ideally with automatic updates turned on, is one of the cheapest ways to keep your phone, laptop and accounts safe. Delaying them leaves a known, published gap open.
Verizon's 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 31% of breaches now start with software vulnerabilities, overtaking stolen passwords as the top way attackers get in. Unpatched software is exactly the kind of gap an update closes.
Few things are more tempting to dismiss than an update prompt. It always seems to appear at the wrong moment — just before a meeting, halfway through a film, or when the battery is low. So we tap "remind me later", and later becomes next week. But updates are one of the cheapest and most effective forms of protection any device gets, and putting them off has real costs.
What's actually inside a software update?
Updates come in a few flavours, and they're not all about new features. A single update can include several of these at once:
- Security patches — fixes for weaknesses that could let someone access your device or data
- Bug fixes — corrections for crashes, battery drain or features that don't behave as intended
- Compatibility changes — keeping apps, accessories and websites working as standards evolve
- New features — the visible changes, which are often the least important part
Why is delaying security fixes risky?
When a company releases a security patch, it effectively confirms that a weakness exists. Once that's public, attackers can study the fix to work out what was broken and target people who haven't installed it yet. That means the window between a patch being released and a device being updated is exactly when it's most exposed. Some flaws are already being exploited before the fix even arrives, which makes installing it quickly even more important.
This isn't only about dramatic hacks. Many common threats — malicious websites, booby-trapped attachments, compromised apps — rely on old, already-fixed vulnerabilities simply because so many devices never get patched.
Making updates painless
Turn on automatic updates
Phones, computers and most apps can update themselves. Turning this on removes the decision entirely. Many devices let you set a window, such as overnight while charging, so updates install when you're not using them.
Restart now and then
Some updates download in the background but only finish installing after a restart. If a laptop hasn't been fully restarted in weeks, it may be sitting on fixes it has never applied.
Don't forget the quiet devices
Routers, smart TVs, cameras and other connected gadgets get firmware updates too, and they're easy to overlook because they rarely nag you. Checking their app or settings occasionally, or enabling auto-update where offered, closes a common gap.
Watch out for fake update prompts
One caution: scammers sometimes imitate update messages, especially pop-ups in a web browser claiming your device needs an urgent fix. Genuine operating system updates come through the system settings, and app updates come through the official app store or the app itself. If a website tells you to download an update, close it and check through settings instead.
When a device stops getting updates
Every device eventually reaches the end of its support period. It won't stop working overnight, but new security problems will no longer be fixed. That's the point to think about replacing it, or at least keeping sensitive tasks like banking on something still supported. When buying a new phone or laptop, the length of the manufacturer's update commitment is worth weighing alongside the price and specs.
An update takes a few minutes. Recovering from a compromised account or a device that's been taken over takes far longer. Next time the prompt appears, let it run — or schedule it for tonight rather than "later".
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an update ever make things worse?
Occasionally, yes — a bug can slip through, and some people prefer to wait a few days after a major release. But security patches fix known weaknesses that attackers may already be using, so delaying those for long carries more risk than installing them.
Is it safe to turn on automatic updates?
For most people, yes, and it's the simplest way to stay protected. You can usually schedule installs overnight so they don't interrupt work. Keeping a recent backup covers the rare case where something goes wrong.
What happens when my device stops getting updates?
It will keep working, but newly discovered security flaws won't be fixed, so it becomes gradually less safe to use for banking, email and anything sensitive. Many manufacturers publish how long a device will receive updates, which is worth checking before you buy.
Do I need to update apps as well as the operating system?
Yes. Browsers, messaging apps, office software and even router firmware all get security fixes. The operating system is important, but attackers often target popular apps too.
Related reading on Guru X Blog:
- Two-Factor Authentication: Why SMS Codes Are the Weakest Option
- The 3-2-1 Backup Rule: Protecting Your Photos and Files Without Being a Tech Expert
Originally published at Guru X Blog. More easy-to-follow tech guides at guruxurl.tech/blog.
This article was written with the help of AI and fact-checked and edited before publishing.
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