The operating system on your computer, tablet, or smartphone is the essential component that is responsible for managing all the hardware and software. Programs running on the digital device need to access the memory, storage, processing power, and other resources. The OS running on the device coordinates and controls the resources to ensure each application gets what it requires to operate smoothly. Installing an operating system is not enough to get the expected output from your computer; it demands more than that. You need to update the operating system with the latest available version to ensure better performance. In this article, we will discuss why you need to upgrade & update your operating system and what problems you may face during the process.
Why Are Updates Important?
Have you noticed those frequent reminders that pop up all of a sudden only to remind you that your operating system needs updating? Normally, users don’t bother and ignore them, which is incorrect.
The correct way to deal with the operating system or software updates is to deal with them with the utmost attention. And, if your computer or phone is running slow already, it’s time to install available updates.
A number of risks are involved in ignoring the available updates, and the consequences can be severe as you may end up losing all your data. Installing updates on time never harm; however, it helps keep the devices up to date.
It’s not certain that you are not ignoring the update; the changes are that you are not able to install them on your computer.
For instance, people sometimes wonder and keep asking themselves why can’t I update my mac, yet they either don’t know the right way to install the updates or they are dealing with a slow internet connection. Other than that, compatibility issues can be a potential reason.
Before we understand the risks that an outdated device brings along, let’s move on to learn the difference between an update and an upgrade.
Upgrade vs. Updates: Understand the Difference
Updates and upgrades are two different terms, though people usually use them interchangeably most of the time.
Windows and macOS users must be acquainted with the upgrades that launch once every one or a couple of years. A major operating system upgrade comes with significant features and functional changes.
Many Windows and Mac users normally wait for a couple of months after the new operating system is launched. Even if the OS upgrade is free, many users take time to install the latest version, as it gives them the time to understand any discrepancies in the software.
If there is a technical glitch in the latest upgrade, such as macOS Monterey or Windows 11, the manufacturers will release an update to improve the operating system.
Because of the mentioned reason OS update is recommended. Not only do they bring operational enhancements, but they remove bugs from the operating system.
Is It Time to Upgrade or Update the Device?
You don’t have to upgrade your operating system, particularly when you are comfortable using the existing one your device is most compatible with.
However, if you have difficulty in handling even the most average tasks and you need to install updates frequently, then upgrading is recommended.
Apart from that, you need to upgrade the operating system if you are involved in high-end gaming, graphic designing, coding, and similar demanding professions.
Most used applications are often more compatible with the latest version of the Operating system so it’s a good idea to update the system.
You may face problems like system slowdown, RAM overused, and similar issues that can slow down your PC when you’re running an older version of OS.
By upgrading the OS, you probably make your computer and mobile devices compatible with the latest apps and innovative programs. Updates enhance the device’s performance and let you handle even the most demanding tasks effortlessly.
Keeping the OS up-to-date also implies that you will not find any major problems in opening the files that your colleagues or friends have shared with you.
If anything unexpected happens to your mobile, computer, or tablet, having the latest version of the operating system will help the experts fix the error and recover data.
Moreover, up-to-date OS ensures that your files are safer and that no potential security threat prevails that can steal your data.
How to Install Updates?
On your Windows computer, click on Start, then navigate to the Control Panel, go to Automatic Updates, and toggle it to Automatic.
To get the latest update on Android, navigate to Settings, click System, and tap System Update.
To install the available updates on macOS, click on the Apple menu, go to System Preferences, tap Software Updates, and select Download Important Updates Automatically.
On iPhone, go to Settings, click General, and then tap Software Update to install the latest updates.
Setting your computer to install the updates automatically prevents you from the manual hassles of downloading the latest versions each time a new update is available. Manual processes are time-consuming and sometimes error-prone. I hope you enjoyed reading, “Why Do You Need to Upgrade & Update Your Operating System”