Updates facilitate compatibility with new software.Some updates patch security holes, making it harder for cybercriminals to steal your personal information. Older versions of Windows may not be supported by Microsoft, increasing your risk of contracting viruses and other malicious programs. Malware evolves, and your operating system has to keep up. Taking the time to perfect your system’s update settings is worth doing for the following reasons: There are good reasons why Microsoft and other OS developers push for updates, though. Why Operating System Updates Are Important Even worse, these updates use valuable system resources during installation and often interfere with your workflow. Windows 7, 8, and 10 have made installing updates fast and user-friendly, but updating Windows might seem like a hassle, always popping up at the worst times. But how do these updates work, what triggers them, and how can you modify them? Operating system updates help keep your computer safe from the latest malware and other threats. Why? Because your computer is more vulnerable when it’s out of date. It can happen if you don’t keep Windows updated. What would you do if your entire digital life-work files, email accounts, social media accounts, and even your purchased music and your family photos-was held for ransom? You have 24 hours to pay $5,000 or lose it all. Updating Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 on Your Schedule.