What Are Software Updates?
Software updates are changes a developer releases to improve installed software after you start using it. They fix bugs, patch security vulnerabilities, improve performance and compatibility, and sometimes add new features. Updates apply to every layer of a computer, including the operating system, apps, drivers, and firmware.
Most updates install automatically or with a few clicks. Understanding the different types and how to manage them helps you stay protected without interrupting your work.
Software update essentials at a glance
Security updates fix vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit
Feature updates add new tools or redesign parts of the software
Windows 11 receives monthly security updates and an annual feature update
ChromeOS updates automatically in the background every few weeks
Software that reaches end of support no longer receives security updates
Why Are Software Updates Important?
Software updates are important because they protect your computer from known security threats and keep it working reliably. No software is perfect when it's released. Developers continually find and fix problems, and updates are how those fixes reach your device.
Security: Updates close vulnerabilities that malware and attackers can use to access your PC or data. Once a vulnerability is publicly known, unpatched devices become easier targets.
Stability: Bug fixes reduce crashes, freezes, and errors.
Compatibility: Updates help software work with new apps, accessories, websites, and file formats.
Performance: Some updates improve speed, battery life, or how efficiently software uses system resources.
New features: Feature updates can add tools and improvements without buying new software.
Keeping software updated is one of the simplest ways to protect a laptop or desktop. Learn more about laptop security and safety.
What Are the Different Types of Software Updates?
Software updates fall into a few main types based on what they change. Security updates and bug fixes protect and stabilize software, while feature updates and upgrades change what it can do.
Update type | What it does | How often | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Security update (patch) | Fixes a specific security vulnerability | Often monthly, or immediately for urgent threats | A monthly Windows security update |
Bug fix (quality update) | Fixes errors, crashes, and reliability issues | Regularly; often combined with security updates | An app update that stops it from freezing |
Feature update | Adds new tools or changes how the software looks and works | Yearly for Windows 11; varies by app | A new Windows 11 version |
Driver update | Improves how the OS works with hardware | As released by the device or PC maker | A new graphics driver |
Firmware update | Updates the software built into hardware | Occasionally | A BIOS update |
Upgrade | Moves to a new major version or product | Every few years | Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 |
Update vs. upgrade
An update improves the version of software you already have, and it's usually free. An upgrade replaces it with a new major version, which may require a purchase or new hardware. For example, a monthly security patch is an update, while moving from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro is an upgrade.
For details on driver and BIOS updates, see drivers and firmware explained.
What Is a Security Patch?
A security patch is a software update that fixes a specific vulnerability, a flaw that attackers could use to run malicious code, steal data, or take control of a device. Patches are the most important type of update to install promptly, because the details of a vulnerability often become public once a fix is released.
How security patches work
A security researcher, the developer, or an attacker discovers a vulnerability.
The developer investigates and creates a fix.
The fix is tested and released as a patch, often with a public security advisory.
Devices download and install the patch, closing the vulnerability.
The time between steps 3 and 4 matters most for you. Attackers often study newly released patches to find devices that haven't installed them yet.
What is a zero-day vulnerability?
A zero-day vulnerability is a security flaw that attackers exploit before the developer has released a fix, leaving the developer "zero days" to respond. When a zero-day is discovered, developers often release an urgent, out-of-band update instead of waiting for the next scheduled release. Install these emergency updates as soon as they're available.
What is Patch Tuesday?
Patch Tuesday is the informal name for Microsoft's monthly release of security updates, which typically arrives on the second Tuesday of each month. Many other software companies release updates on a regular schedule too, while browsers and some apps update more frequently.
Security patches work best alongside other protections. Learn how security software protects your PC.
How Do Operating System Updates Work?
Operating system updates are downloaded from the OS developer and installed on your device, usually followed by a restart to finish. Windows and ChromeOS handle updates differently, but both aim to install them automatically with as little interruption as possible.
Windows 11 updates
Windows 11 uses Windows Update to deliver several kinds of updates:
Monthly cumulative updates: Released on Patch Tuesday, these include all previous security and quality fixes, so installing the latest one brings your PC fully up to date.
Optional preview updates: Non-security fixes and features released later in the month for people who want them early. They're included in the next month's cumulative update.
Annual feature updates: A new Windows 11 version released once a year. On supported PCs, recent feature updates have installed quickly, similar to a monthly update.
Driver and Microsoft product updates: Some hardware drivers and other Microsoft software can also be delivered through Windows Update.
Each Windows 11 version receives updates only for a limited time. Learn how Windows 11 versions and support periods work.
ChromeOS updates
ChromeOS checks for updates automatically and downloads them in the background. The update is applied the next time you restart, which typically takes only seconds. Major ChromeOS releases arrive every few weeks, with security fixes in between. Each Chromebook receives updates until its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date.
Windows vs. ChromeOS updates
Windows 11 | ChromeOS | |
|---|---|---|
Security updates | Monthly, plus urgent out-of-band updates | Every few weeks, plus urgent fixes |
Feature updates | Once a year | With regular releases every few weeks |
How they install | Automatically through Windows Update; restart required | Automatically in the background; applied at restart |
User control | Pause updates, set active hours, choose optional updates | Limited; updates install automatically |
End of updates | Per version support period | Device's AUE date |
How to Manage Software Update Settings
The best update setting for most people is to leave automatic updates turned on and adjust when updates install, not whether they install. Windows 11 offers the most control, while ChromeOS and most apps handle updates for you.
Windows 11 update settings
Open Settings and select Windows Update to find these options:
Setting | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
Check for updates | Looks for and installs available updates now | Anytime you want to confirm your PC is current |
Pause updates | Temporarily delays updates for a set number of weeks | During travel or an important project; resume soon after |
Get the latest updates as soon as they're available | Receives some new non-security features early | If you want new features before the wider rollout |
Active hours (in Advanced options) | Prevents automatic restarts during the hours you usually use the PC | Set to match your typical work or school day |
Optional updates (in Advanced options) | Shows extra driver and feature updates that aren't installed automatically | If a device isn't working correctly or you need a specific driver |
Download updates over metered connections (in Advanced options) | Allows downloads over a limited or mobile data connection | Leave off if you pay for data by usage |
Update history | Lists installed updates and lets you uninstall some of them | Troubleshooting a problem that started after an update |
Setting names and locations can change between Windows 11 versions, and work or school PCs may have settings managed by an IT department.
ChromeOS update settings
Chromebooks install updates automatically. To check manually, open Settings, select About ChromeOS, then select Check for updates. When an update is ready, restart the Chromebook to apply it.
App updates
Microsoft Store apps: Update automatically by default. You can check for updates from the Store's Downloads or Library page.
Apps installed from websites: Many update themselves or prompt you when a new version is available. Others must be checked from the app's settings or Help menu.
Web browsers: Usually update automatically in the background and apply the update when you restart the browser.
HP software: On HP Windows PCs, HP Support Assistant can check for updates to HP apps, drivers, and BIOS.
Remove apps you no longer use. Fewer installed apps means fewer updates to manage and fewer potential vulnerabilities. Explore common PC utilities.
What to Do When a Software Update Fails
Most failed updates can be fixed by restarting, freeing up storage space, and trying again. Updates commonly fail because of low disk space, an unstable internet connection, a pending restart, or a conflict with other software.
Steps to fix a failed Windows update
Restart your PC and check for updates again. Many updates need a restart to finish before the next one can install.
Check your storage. Free up space by deleting files you don't need or running Storage Sense in Settings → System → Storage.
Check your internet connection and switch to a reliable network if you can.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter, found in Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
Disconnect unnecessary accessories, such as external drives, and try again.
Note the error code shown in Windows Update and search for it on Microsoft's support site.
If an update causes a problem
If something stops working right after an update, you can uninstall some recent updates from Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates. For a driver problem, roll back the driver in Device Manager. Reinstall the update later, after a fix is available, so your PC doesn't stay unprotected.
Never turn off a computer while it's installing an update, especially a BIOS or firmware update. See more laptop troubleshooting tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Software Updates
Should I turn off automatic updates?
Turning off automatic updates isn't recommended, because it can leave a computer exposed to known security threats. Instead, use settings such as active hours or a short pause to control when updates install.
How long does a software update take?
Software update times vary by update size, internet speed, and device. A typical monthly Windows security update or ChromeOS update often takes a few minutes plus a restart, while larger upgrades can take longer.
Do software updates slow down a computer?
Software updates usually don't slow down a computer, and many improve performance. A PC can feel slower briefly while an update installs or finishes in the background. Newer feature updates may run better on newer hardware.
Why does my computer need to restart after an update?
A computer needs to restart after many updates because some system files can't be replaced while they're in use. Restarting lets the operating system finish installing the update and load the new files.
Can I use software that no longer gets updates?
Software that no longer gets updates may keep working, but it becomes riskier over time because new vulnerabilities won't be fixed. It may also stop working with newer apps, files, and hardware. Plan to upgrade or replace it.
