Software Updates: What to Install Now and What to Delay

Install security updates and critical bug fixes right away, but wait briefly before installing major feature updates.

This helps you patch vulnerabilities sooner without rushing to install a version that could disrupt how your device or apps usually work. The right approach differs for phones, computers, and home appliances: consider the update’s purpose, whether you can roll it back, and the cost of downtime.

When reviewing software updates, look beyond the version number and read the release notes. Delaying a security fix is risky; if an update changes the interface or adds features, it makes sense to check reviews and compatibility with the apps you rely on first.

• 128 critical updates in 2024 Windows 10 updates released by Microsoft
• through 2032 how long updates will be available for specialized Windows editions

How can you tell if an update fixes a vulnerability or a serious bug?

Check the release notes to find out whether an update fixes a vulnerability or a serious bug: look for an explicit mention of a security vulnerability, crash, or compatibility issue.

The developer’s release notes are the first place to look. Installing a new version doesn’t, by itself, tell you what has changed: check the list of fixes and the update’s purpose.

• Vulnerability: The developer explicitly says that a security issue has been fixed. Install this update without delay on any device connected to a network.
• Bug or compatibility issue: The release notes identify a crash or conflict with an app, device, or system. If you need the device for work, don’t put off this fix either.
• New interface and features: These changes affect appearance or functionality. On their own, they don’t mean the update is urgent.

Urgency depends on the update’s purpose.

The download size doesn’t tell you how important a release is: a small package may contain a fix, while a large one may bundle new features. Compare the update’s purpose and list of fixes, not its size in megabytes.

When updating drivers, use the hardware manufacturer’s dedicated software to help avoid system instability. For other updates, refer to the release notes for that specific version.

Which updates shouldn’t you put off?

Install an update without a long delay if the release notes explicitly say it fixes a vulnerability: until the patch is installed, the known issue remains on your system.

In 2024, Microsoft released 128 critical updates for Windows 10. This illustrates why security fixes shouldn’t be treated as a low priority: check the update details and install it if it fixes a vulnerability.

When to wait—and when not to

• Vulnerability. The update fixes a vulnerability—install it without a lengthy delay, especially if your device is connected to the internet.
• A bug with noticeable consequences. Don’t put off a fix if an app won’t launch, a device isn’t working properly, or data isn’t being saved. Make sure your important files are saved before installing.
• New features. If an update only adds optional features and your system is stable, you can check the release notes first and wait to install it.

Use the hardware manufacturer’s dedicated software to update drivers: this reduces the risk of system instability. If the release notes are unclear, first check the developer’s notification to find out what the update is for.

When does it make sense to wait, and what should you check before installing?

It makes sense to wait on a feature update if you need your computer right now and the release notes mention a device or app you rely on: check compatibility first, then choose a time to install.

Save important files before installing and make sure you can actually open your backup. The fact that a backup is in progress doesn’t confirm that your data has been saved and can be restored.

If the developer warns of possible conflicts, check your connected peripherals and installed apps before restarting. For example, find out whether the update affects a printer, scanner, or app you need for work.

Drivers: use the manufacturer’s software first.

Use the hardware manufacturer’s dedicated software to update drivers. This helps reduce the risk of system instability; after installing, check that the device you need is detected and working.

• You need your computer right away: Wait to install a feature update if its release notes mention an app or device you use.
• Before installing: Save important files and check that your backup is accessible.
• There’s a conflict warning: Check peripheral and app compatibility before restarting.
• You’re updating a driver: Use the hardware manufacturer’s software and check that the device works after installation.

When does putting off an update become a risk?

Putting off an update becomes a risk when a vulnerability remains unpatched and the update that fixes it is never installed: postponing it doesn’t replace having an update plan.

Windows 10 and ESU

To enroll Windows 10 in ESU for free, set up OneDrive backup through Windows Backup. Once it’s set up, check your eligibility in the terminal:

reg.exe query “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\ConsumerESU”

Look for the ESUEligibility value in the results: the expected value is 0x0. If you see a different value, check your ESU eligibility settings before treating your enrollment as confirmed.

• Standard Windows 10: Free enrollment requires setting up OneDrive backup through Windows Backup.
• Specialized Windows editions: Updates will be available through 2032. This end date does not automatically apply to standard editions.

If you put off an update, note which specific fix is still missing and when you’ll come back to it. Until the update is installed, the vulnerability remains unpatched.

What should you do if an error appears after an update?

If an error appears after an update, note the name of the installed package and exactly what went wrong, then check the installation status in Windows Update.

The update name and error description can help you find the cause—in the app, the driver, or Windows itself. Record exactly what stopped working and when it started. For an app, follow the developer’s instructions; first make sure the update installed without an error.

If the issue is driver-related or disrupting your work

Use the hardware manufacturer’s software for drivers. Don’t install packages from different sources one after another: it makes it harder to identify which driver caused the problem and can disrupt the system.

If you need the computer for work, first restore access to your backup. Then decide whether to try the installation again or roll back the update: don’t start reinstalling packages while important files are inaccessible.

Frequently asked questions

Key takeaways

• Look for explicit mentions of vulnerability and bug fixes in the update description.
• Update drivers using the hardware manufacturer’s dedicated software.
• Before installing, check your backup and compatibility with important devices.
• For Windows 10, set up OneDrive through Windows Backup if you’re enrolling in ESU for free.
• The through-2032 update period applies to specialized Windows editions.