That update notification pops up, and your first thought is probably “not now, I’m busy.” We get it. Updates are annoying. They interrupt your work, they take time, sometimes they change things you’re used to. It’s tempting to click “remind me later” and forget about it.
But those updates aren’t just adding new features or changing the interface. Most of them are fixing security holes that attackers are actively trying to exploit. Every day you delay an update is another day your systems are vulnerable.
We’ve helped businesses recover from security incidents that could have been prevented with a simple update. The vulnerability was known, the patch was available, but the update never got installed. It’s frustrating, and it’s expensive.
Here’s why updates matter and how to handle them without driving yourself (or your team) mad.
Why Updates Exist (And Why They Matter)
Software has bugs. It’s a fact of life. Some bugs are annoying but harmless. Others create security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to break into your systems.
When security researchers or software vendors discover these vulnerabilities, they create patches. Code that fixes the problem. These patches get released as updates. If you don’t install them, you’re leaving the vulnerability open.
Here’s the scary part: when a vulnerability is discovered and patched, the information often becomes public. Attackers know about these vulnerabilities too, and they actively look for systems that haven’t been updated. Outdated software is like a neon sign saying “attack me here.”
But updates aren’t just about security. They also fix bugs that cause crashes, improve performance, and sometimes add useful features. Keeping software updated means you’re getting the best, most stable, most secure version available.
The Compliance Angle
If you’re in a regulated industry (healthcare, finance, legal, etc.), keeping software updated isn’t just good practice, it’s often required. Compliance audits check that you’re running supported, patched versions of software. Outdated software can mean failing an audit, which can mean fines or losing certifications.
Even if you’re not in a heavily regulated industry, many contracts and insurance policies require reasonable security measures. Keeping software updated is part of that. If you have a security incident and your software was years out of date, your insurance might not cover it.
What Actually Needs Updating?
Not everything needs the same update frequency, so here’s how we prioritise.
Operating systems are critical. Windows, macOS, and Linux are the foundation everything else runs on, so security updates should be installed as soon as possible, usually automatically.
Security software needs to be current, including antivirus, firewalls, and security tools, because these need to be current to protect against the latest threats. Most update automatically, but check that they’re actually doing it.
Web browsers are a major attack vector, so keep Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, or whatever you use updated. Most browsers update automatically, which is good.
Business applications need updates for security and compatibility, including your accounting software, customer management system, and industry-specific tools. Check with your vendors about their update schedule and support policies.
Network equipment firmware often gets forgotten, but it needs updates too, including routers, switches, and access points. Check your equipment manufacturer’s website periodically for firmware updates.
Mobile devices need operating system updates, including phones and tablets. These are usually automatic, but make sure they’re actually installing.
Making Updates Less Painful
We know updates are disruptive, but there are ways to minimise the pain.
Enable automatic updates where possible. For operating systems and security software, automatic updates are usually the way to go because they install in the background, often overnight, and you don’t have to think about them.
Schedule updates for low-activity times. If you need to do updates manually, schedule them for times when it won’t disrupt business, maybe after hours or on a quiet day. Some updates require restarts, so plan for that.
Test updates when possible. For critical systems, test updates on a non-production system first. This isn’t always practical for small businesses, but if you can do it, it prevents surprises.
Backup before updating. Especially for major updates, because if something goes wrong, you can restore. Most updates go fine, but having a backup is cheap insurance.
Prioritise security updates. Security patches are more important than feature updates, so if you have to choose, install security updates first. Feature updates can often wait.
When Updates Go Wrong
Sometimes updates cause problems. A feature stops working, something breaks, performance degrades. This is why people are hesitant to update.
But these problems are usually fixable. You can roll back an update, or install a patch that fixes the issue. The problems caused by not updating (security breaches, data loss, system compromises) are often much worse and harder to fix.
If an update causes problems, don’t panic. Most operating systems let you uninstall recent updates. Or you can restore from a backup. Having a plan for when things go wrong is important, not avoiding updates entirely.
Managing Updates Across Your Business
If you have multiple computers, managing updates can be a challenge. You need to make sure everything gets updated, but you also need to coordinate so updates don’t disrupt business.
For small businesses, we usually recommend a combination of automatic updates (for operating systems and security software) and scheduled manual updates (for business applications that might need coordination).
Create a simple schedule. Maybe the first Monday of each month is “update day.” Check for updates, install them, test that everything still works. Having a routine makes it less likely updates get forgotten.
If you have an IT support contract, they should be handling updates for you. Make sure they’re actually doing it. Ask them about their update process, and verify that systems are current.
The Bottom Line
Software updates are annoying, but they’re essential. They’re your first line of defence against known security threats. Skipping them to avoid inconvenience is like not locking your doors because it’s a hassle. It might be fine most of the time, but when it’s not fine, it’s really not fine.
Set up automatic updates where you can, schedule manual updates for low-impact times, and make updates part of your regular IT maintenance routine. It’s not exciting, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your business.
If you need help setting up an update management process, or if you’re not sure your systems are current, get in touch. We’ve helped businesses establish update policies and ensure their systems stay protected and can help you too.