Let’s be honest—how many times have you hit “Remind Me Later” when your device prompts you to install updates? It’s tempting, especially when you’re in the middle of something important (or just don’t want to deal with a restart). But skipping updates and delaying that restart can lead to bigger issues than you might realise.
Let’s talk about why those updates matter, why restarting is key, and what could happen if you keep putting it off.
Why Are Updates and Patches Such a Big Deal?
Think of updates as your device’s tune-up. Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your devices need updates to keep running smoothly and securely. Here’s why they’re so important:
- Closing Security Holes:
Hackers are always looking for ways to exploit software vulnerabilities. Updates include patches that seal these cracks, keeping your device (and your data) safe from cyberattacks. - Boosting Performance:
Updates aren’t just about fixing problems—they’re about improving your experience! Developers often roll out tweaks that make your apps faster, more reliable, or packed with new features. - Keeping Things Compatible:
Imagine downloading the latest app update only to find it doesn’t work on your device because your operating system is outdated. Updates ensure everything plays nice together.
Why Restarting Isn’t Just a Suggestion
So, you’ve installed the update but ignored the restart prompt. No big deal, right? Actually, it’s a huge deal. Restarting your device is what makes the update “stick.”
Here’s why that restart matters:
- Activating Changes: Updates often include new code that can’t fully take over until your device restarts. Without it, you’re basically running on old software.
- Refreshing Your System: Restarting clears out temporary files and resets your device’s memory, which helps it run more efficiently.
- Avoiding Conflicts: Some updates tweak the way your device communicates with itself. Restarting ensures everything works together without glitches.
Skipping that restart is like installing new tires but never driving the car to see how they feel—it defeats the purpose!
What Happens If You Don’t Update or Restart?
You might think ignoring updates saves time, but here’s the reality: it can create far more problems than it solves.
- You’re an Easy Target for Hackers:
Unpatched devices are low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals. Malware, ransomware, and other nasty threats often exploit outdated software to break in. - Your Device Gets Sluggish:
Over time, old software can slow down your system. That spinning wheel of doom? It’s a sign your device is struggling to keep up. - Things Stop Working:
Software and hardware developers build updates to work together. Skip enough updates, and you might find your favourite apps or peripherals (like printers) stop working altogether. - Your Productivity Takes a Hit:
Crashes, errors, and glitches tend to pile up when devices aren’t updated. Suddenly, that five-minute restart doesn’t seem so inconvenient anymore.
How to Stay on Top of Updates (Without Losing Your Mind)
We get it—updating and restarting your devices can feel like a hassle. Here’s how to make it easier:
- Turn on Automatic Updates: Let your device do the heavy lifting by downloading and installing updates in the background.
- Plan Restart Times: Schedule restarts for times when you’re not working, like during lunch or after hours.
- Don’t Snooze Notifications: Those reminders are there for a reason!
Let BITS Group Handle It for You
Managing updates across multiple devices can be overwhelming, especially for businesses. That’s where BITS Group comes in.
Our Managed IT Services include automatic patch management, so you’ll never have to worry about missing an update or a restart. We handle it all—security patches, performance updates, and even those tricky compatibility issues—so you can focus on what matters most: running your business.
Ready to stress less about IT? Contact us today, and we’ll keep your systems secure, up-to-date, and running like a dream.
Think of restarting your devices for updates like brushing your teeth—sure, skipping it once might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can lead to some serious problems. Make it a habit, and your devices will thank you with better performance, stronger security, and fewer headaches.
So, next time you see that “Restart Now” button, give it a click. Your future self will thank you!
Stay secure, stay productive, and let us know if you need help along the way. 😊