Are Windows Updates Really Necessary?

Are Windows Updates Really Necessary?

It's the notification everyone loves to hate: 'Windows Update is ready to install.' Your computer is working fine right now. Updates always seem to come at the worst time. They take forever to install. And you've heard stories about updates that broke things instead of fixing them.

So can't you just skip them? The short answer is no—but let's talk about why, and what you actually need to know about Windows updates in 2026.

The Quick Answer: Yes, Updates Are Essential

Here's what you need to know right now:

Security updates are non-negotiable. These fix vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit. Running Windows without security updates is like leaving your front door unlocked in a high-crime neighborhood.

You can't stop them forever. Microsoft has designed Windows so that updates will eventually install whether you like it or not. You can delay them, but you can't avoid them indefinitely.

The risks far outweigh the inconvenience. A few minutes of update time is nothing compared to the disaster of a ransomware infection or data breach.

Why Windows Updates Matter in 2026

January 2026's Patch Tuesday alone fixed over 110 security vulnerabilities across Windows, Office, and related components. Several of these were rated 'Critical,' meaning attackers could potentially take complete control of your computer remotely without you clicking anything.

At least one vulnerability was already being actively exploited in the wild before the patch was released. Computers without that update were—and still are—sitting ducks.

What Updates Actually Do

Security fixes: These patch holes in Windows that could allow viruses, ransomware, and hackers to compromise your system. Microsoft discovers or is notified about dozens of these vulnerabilities every month.

Feature improvements: Updates add new features and improve existing ones based on user feedback and changing technology needs.

Bug fixes: These resolve crashes, glitches, compatibility problems, and performance issues.

Driver updates: These ensure your hardware continues to work properly with the latest version of Windows.

What Happens If You Don't Update

Let's be clear about what you're risking by avoiding updates:

Security Vulnerabilities Pile Up

Every month you skip updates, you accumulate more unpatched security holes. Hackers know exactly which vulnerabilities exist in older, unpatched systems. They specifically target these systems because they're easy prey.

Cybersecurity researchers estimate that 60% of data breaches exploit vulnerabilities for which patches were already available. In other words, the victims could have prevented the attack simply by updating.

Compatibility Problems Increase

As software vendors update their programs to work with the latest Windows version, older unpatched systems increasingly run into compatibility issues. New programs might not install. Existing programs might stop working correctly.

Performance Degrades

Many updates include performance optimizations. Without them, Windows runs less efficiently over time. Updates to core Windows components like the WinSqlite3.dll in January 2026 improve both security and performance.

Loss of Support

Windows 10 reaches its end of support on October 14, 2026. After that date, systems running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, making them increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats.

Once support ends, using that version of Windows becomes genuinely dangerous. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for a fee, but it's expensive and meant for businesses that need extra time to upgrade, not as a long-term solution for home users.

Common Concerns About Updates

"Updates Break Things"

This does occasionally happen. Microsoft has pushed updates that caused problems for some users. However, these cases are rare and usually affect specific hardware configurations or software setups.

The number of systems protected by updates vastly outweighs the small number that experience update-related issues. Additionally, Microsoft can often roll back problematic updates remotely.

If you're concerned about a specific update, wait a few days after it's released. Browse tech news sites or forums to see if others are reporting problems before you install it.

"Updates Take Too Long"

Modern Windows updates are faster than they used to be. Most monthly security updates install in 10-20 minutes. Larger feature updates take longer but only happen a few times per year.

Schedule updates for times when you're not using your computer. Windows gives you options to delay installation to a more convenient time.

"My Computer Works Fine Now"

Security vulnerabilities are invisible until they're exploited. Your computer might feel fine right up until the moment ransomware encrypts all your files or a keylogger starts stealing your passwords.

Waiting until you have a problem is too late when it comes to security.

How to Manage Updates Properly

Best Practices

1. Enable automatic updates: This ensures critical security patches install as soon as possible without you having to remember.
2. Set active hours: Tell Windows when you typically use your computer so it won't restart for updates during those times.
3. Schedule restart times: When Windows notifies you an update needs a restart, schedule it for a convenient time rather than clicking 'Remind me later' repeatedly.
4. Keep your system backed up: Regular backups protect you in the rare case an update does cause problems.

Checking for Updates Manually

1. Open Settings and click 'Update & Security'
2. Click 'Windows Update'
3. Click 'Check for updates'
4. Install any available updates
5. Restart when prompted

Make this a monthly habit if you've disabled automatic updates.

Windows 10 Users: What to Do Before October 2026

If you're still running Windows 10, you have until October 14, 2026, to either upgrade to Windows 11 or sign up for Extended Security Updates. Here are your options:

Upgrade to Windows 11: If your PC meets the requirements, this is the best long-term solution. Windows 11 will receive support and updates for years to come.

Buy a new PC with Windows 11: If your current PC can't run Windows 11, it's likely several years old anyway. A new PC will be faster and more secure.

Sign up for ESU: This paid program extends security updates through October 2027, giving you one more year. This is a temporary solution, not a permanent one.

Don't do nothing: Using Windows 10 after support ends without ESU is genuinely dangerous and should be avoided.

The Bottom Line

Windows updates aren't optional if you care about security, stability, and compatibility. The inconvenience of installing updates is minimal compared to the risk of malware infections, data breaches, or system failures.

Set up automatic updates, keep your system backed up, and let Windows do its thing. Your future self will thank you.