4 Advantages of running latest OS versions on your devices

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Whether it is a tablet, a smartphone, or a computer, it is recommended to update to the latest operating system version as soon as it becomes available. It is no secret that many people are reluctant to do that because these updates can take quite a while, particularly if they are major. 



However, ignoring the notifications and delaying an update does more harm to your device than you expect. Even if an update requires time to download and install itself, you should still prioritize it. Why? Well, there are quite a few reasons behind it.

This article will give you a summary of why OS updates are necessary to get, and the four advantages below ought to be more than enough to convince you.

Optimal performance

Let’s start with optimal device performance. In case you notice that it takes longer for your computer or smartphone to load after you restart them or that random applications crash or freeze, it is possible that missing an update is precisely why these issues are happening in the first place.

OS developers often react to problems that manifest on users’ devices, and a small hotfix is a way to rectify the situation.

Downloading and installing an OS update makes even more sense if it is small and could potentially solve significant performance problems, right?

An optimized performance can also do wonders in other areas of using digital devices. For example, if there are problems with the battery of your laptop, you might have to use an outlet to charge it more frequently than you would like.

Well, according to a blog post about MacBook battery problems and solutions, there are multiple ways to optimize the battery, but it also helps to update the operating system that affects different elements of the computer, which, consequently, can minimize problems with the battery.

Fewer security holes

Continuing from the point about performance, security threats are another major reason why you should run the latest operating system version. 

It is true that some devices and operating systems are not as prone to malware or viruses, but that should not be enough to stop worrying about potential threats. Nor should you neglect this point if you are aware of potential threats and can identify them or have reliable antivirus software.

Sometimes, the most recent cybersecurity threats are developed to target a particular OS version, and unless operating system developers react to such threats actively, the users and their devices get exposed.

At the same time, failing to react as a consumer and not installing an update just because you are not bothered with it also puts the device and your data at risk. 

It is necessary to establish a proper cybersecurity strategy for your computers and mobile devices, and prioritizing operating system updates should play a prominent role in that strategy.

4 advantages of running latest OS versions

Compatibility with software

There are a few instances when running the latest OS version causes some problems. For example, and keep in mind that this happens rarely, you might encounter screen flickers on your laptop because of the incompatibility between the graphics processing unit and the operating system.

However, the problem mentioned in the previous paragraph is really just an exception. For the most part, operating system updates are necessary for compatibility purposes.

It is not just OS developers that are pushing for new and improved versions for their product. Regular software or something like video games benefit from updates as well. And since new and improved versions for these often depend on not just the device but its operating system, it is necessary to find a way for neither to fall behind.

If the software is outdated compared to the operating system and vice-versa, the odds are that you will encounter problems using it. Some of them might not be too major, but if software starts crashing or not launching, then do not be surprised to fix the issue by installing the most recent updates.

Latest features

The last significant benefit of updating operating systems is to enjoy the latest features. Now, as for what these features are, it often comes down to how major an update is.

If you were to look at some of the most recent examples, MS Windows 10 to Windows 11 seems like it is going to be a major change. Of course, considering the significance of this update, it is more like an entire OS changing, which is labeled by the number “11”.

Not all major updates introduce new features. Smaller ones can also add a new built-in tool for an operating system or offer more functions to one that already exists. For example, a digital assistant like Siri getting new functions and expanding her repertoire.

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