Is it important for Windows to automatcially install updates on my computer?

Question

What are the consequences (significant/insignificant) if you choose not to utilize these updates? Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

No, it is not important, if you pay attention.

I have seen cases in the past where the automatic update "allows" as many attacks as it solves.



Whether you have Win98SE or XP Professional, it may be to your advantage to scan for and perform the Operating system update when you want, instead of setting up the Automatic update so the computer does them without you getting to choose what to do or when to do it.



An intelligent humans usually make better decisions than a "programmed robot" written by an employee of a major software company. This is true for Microsoft, Symantec (Norton) or others.



By doing the updates manually, you can investigate whether or not the update is needed and when to do them if they are.

Answer 2

Well, the updates are there to patch the holes (and there are many) in the security of the operating system. If you use dialup, it's probably not much of a problem and you really don't need to install them unless there is software that requires them.



If you are on a LAN or on a hardwired connection (DSL, T1 or other dedicated line) it is highly advised that you perform the updates. They don't have to be done automatically, you can set windows XP up to prompt you before the installations. That's what I do. But it's up to you. I always install them. None of the updates collect private information if that is a concern.

Answer 3

No, it's not important in the least. I've been using computers for 26 years now, and I've never once let Microsoft do anything to it. If I need something updated, then I do it when I need it. There are no consequences. The only consequences would be from letting Bill Gates have control over your computer. The same Bill Gates responsible for releasing operating systems that have more holes in them than a cheap sponge.

Answer 4

Yes and No. The reason for the updates are mostly to stop people from hacking into your computer using software exploits. So if you don't browse strange Internet sites and have a good Anti-virus and firewall you are probably ok.

Very rarely are the updates detrimental and only a few have been recalled. SO I say let the updates accumulate and apply them every 3 or so weeks.

Answer 5

If you need to ask this question, then you have little, to no knowledge of OS patches, security fixes, and the like.

Please, do not take this the wrong way!

I tell you this only because I constantly have to repair systems for clients (90% do not make sure their software is up to date/turn off automatic updates).

If you want the best possible odds against emerging security threats, I strongly suggest you let MS do the checking for you.

It is not like they are snooping through your personal files. This process is done through a server that makes sure your computer has the relevant updates/patches.

Answer 6

You do not have to let MS automatically install updates as long as you check for updates frequently. I check maybe once every few weeks. You can turn off automatic updates, then when you're ready to update, you can do one of a few things:



Open Internet Explorer, click 'Tools' - 'Windows Update'.

Open any browser and go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Open any browswer and go to www.windowsupdate.com, which will redirect you to windowsupdate.microsoft.com



Having automatic updates running in the background unnecessarily uses valuable system resources that you could be using for other applications. Though automatic updates is there for convenience, it's much simpler to just update whenever you are ready.

Answer 7

that is common for homestead windows to quickly installation updates on your OS, in case you have computerized Updates enabled. homestead windows downloads the updates and installs them everytime you're on line. in case you at present offered your laptop, that is common for it to place in different updates to get closer each and all the updates that have been released as a results of fact the laptop grew to become into synthetic to the time you certainly began using it. that is considerable which you permit your laptop installation those updates and restart it whilst mandatory as they are often meant to improve overall performance and protection. the explanation you're seeing a lot of of them top now's as a results of fact it seems such as you're on your laptop very quickly at a time so homestead windows basically gets an excellent gamble to acquire a number of the required updates. you will see much less with time yet as long as your OS is supported by ability of Microsoft, you will proceed to acquire updates each now and then. the explanation you at the instant are not seeing updates on your mothers laptop must be that vehicle updates at the instant are not grew to become on on hers (no longer reported), or hers is greater recent and has later updates put in, or she's on hers greater and downloads and installs greater updates at a time so as that they do no longer seem to be as universal. i'm hoping this enables. it may help to be certain for updates manually and installation each and all the considerable ones. this might cut back the activates. reliable success

Answer 8

Yes. But take the option that Windows will download the updates but allow YOU the option to install them when YOU want to. Go to Control Panel and see Automatic Updates feature.

Answer 9

Very Important!

MS releases patches to fix security holes in there products.

Much easier to stop a Virus or spyware from getting into your system than to fix the damage after the fact.

Answer 10

There are security updates once in a while. I don't know how important these updates are. I haven't updated in a while and my computer is still working. *shrug*

Answer 11

Updates are really helpful, new protection against any threats of any kind, but if you want to and if you are not sure what kind of update is, first choose which one to download and then which one to install, i wouldn't recommend automaticlally, better do it by yourself

Answer 12

Yes you need to update your computer to fix bugs and to stop hackers(well to help) but they dont have to be auto matic you can turn that off and do it manualy just remember to do it

Answer 13

It depends on how much you trust Microsoft.