- Read the details of the update to determine if it’s a security or feature update – or both.
- Install security updates right away.
- It’s best to wait to install feature updates for at least a few weeks after release.
We’ve all been there before. You’re in the middle of working on something important when a notification pops up letting you know there’s an update available for your phone or computer.
Should you stop what you’re doing and install it right away? Or can it wait?
It can be tempting to just ignore the notification and continue on with your work, but it’s important to remember that updates usually contain important security patches or new features that can improve your experience. So how do you decide when to install an update?
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the decision.
Why Updates are Important
There are two main reasons why it’s important to keep your devices updated: security and new features.
Security updates usually address specific vulnerabilities that have been found in the software. By installing these updates, you can help protect your device from being hacked or compromised.
New features, on the other hand, can improve your experience using the device. For example, a new operating system update might include a better interface, more efficient battery usage, or support for new applications
How to Decide When to Install an Update
So now that you know why updates are important, how do you decide when to install them?
If the update is a security patch, it’s generally a good idea to install it as soon as possible. These types of updates are usually critical and can help protect your device from any external threats.
If the update is a new feature, it depends on how important the new feature is to you. If it’s something that you really need or would improve your experience using the device, then it’s probably worth installing the update right away. However, if it’s something that you can live without, you may want to wait until you have some downtime to install it.
Why You Might Want to Wait to Install an Update
There are a few reasons why you might want to wait to install an update:
- The update is a major release: Major releases often contain a lot of new features and can take up a lot of space on your device. If you don’t have enough storage or you’re in the middle of something important, you may want to wait until you have some free time to install the update.
- You’re worried about losing data: If you’re worried about losing data or having problems with the update, you may want to wait until you have a backup or some free time to troubleshoot any potential issues.
- You’re not ready for the new features: If you’re not ready for the new features in the update, you may want to wait until you’re more familiar with the device or you have some free time to explore the new features.
How to Set Your Update Preferences
Most devices will allow you to choose when you want to install updates. For example, you can usually set your device to automatically install updates or to prompt you before installing an update.
If you’re not sure how to set your update preferences, you can usually find the option in the settings menu on your device. Once you’ve set your preferences, your device will usually handle the rest.
Always Keep Your Devices Up-To-Date?
There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. It really depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re someone who values security and always wants to have the latest features, then you’ll probably want to keep your devices up-to-date.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who values stability and doesn’t mind missing out on the latest features, you may want to wait until there’s a major release or you have some free time before installing an update.
Choose what’s right for you
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide when to install an update. Just remember to keep security and new features in mind when making your decision. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with your device’s update preferences so you can choose when and how you want to install updates.
If you have any other questions or need help setting up your updates don’t hesitate to contact us!