Q: Do I really need to update Windows?

Yes. It’s incredibly important to keep your Windows system updated. Windows firmware updates include important bug fixes and security patches that prevent hackers from exploiting your system, accessing your private information, or deploying hidden malware to track your activity. Thankfully, Microsoft has made updating your PC or laptop pretty easy, but you can follow our step-by-step guide to ensure you’ve properly updated your system.

Q: Do I have to pay for Windows updates?

No, you don’t have to pay for Windows updates. If you already have Windows 10 installed, you don’t have to pay for Windows 10-related updates. However, if you want to upgrade to a newer version of Windows (e.g. from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10), then you’ll have to pay for the upgraded version.

Q: How do I know if I need to update my PC?

To check for Windows 8.1 updates, click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates. The window will show any available updates. If there are available updates, click on Install updates and follow the instructions. While Windows 10 systems are set to update automatically, you can check for Windows 10 updates accessing the Windows settings from the Start menu, then click Updates & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Question 1

Do I really need to update Windows?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It’s incredibly important to keep your Windows system updated.

Windows firmware updates include important bug fixes and security patches that prevent hackers from exploiting your system, accessing your private information, or deploying hidden malware to track your activity.

Thankfully, Microsoft has made updating your PC or laptop pretty easy, but you can follow our step-by-step guide to ensure you’ve properly updated your system.

Question 2

Do I have to pay for Windows updates?

Accepted Answer

No, you don’t have to pay for Windows updates. If you already have Windows 10 installed, you don’t have to pay for Windows 10-related updates.

However, if you want to upgrade to a newer version of Windows (e.g. from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10), then you’ll have to pay for the upgraded version.

Question 3

How do I know if I need to update my PC?

Accepted Answer

To check for Windows 8.1 updates, click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates. The window will show any available updates. If there are available updates, click on Install updates and follow the instructions.

While Windows 10 systems are set to update automatically, you can check for Windows 10 updates accessing the Windows settings from the Start menu, then click Updates & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Question 4

Does Microsoft still provide Windows 7 updates?

Accepted Answer

No. In January 2020, Microsoft discontinued Windows 7 software updates, including system security patches.

While it’s still possible to use Windows 7, users will become increasingly vulnerable to malware and other cyberattacks.

If you still use Windows 7, I highly recommend you to upgrade to a newer version of Windows, such as Windows 10, which provides regular software and system security updates.

Mercy Pilkington

Other Articles

How to Update Windows 8 & 10 (FAST & EASY) in 2024