MS Updates: Install Now or Remind Me Later?
“Install updates for your computer”
“The newest Window feature update is here”
“We’ve got an update for you”
You probably have seen these pop-up windows several times on your screen. They tell you to update your system for your computer, mobile devices, tablets, or any devices.
You might be the type of person who updates immediately, sets the updates automatically, or the one who delays the software update. Whatever type of person you are, take note that software updates are important.
Why are Microsoft updates so important?
You received a notification saying “Your PC is running an outdated version of Windows”. What is the first thing that comes into your mind? Did you have an idea that this means you are vulnerable to malware, viruses, and cyber threats?
Running an outdated version of Windows is risky. You are prone to security flaws.
Cybercriminals love security flaws. They constantly upgrade their game by searching for security vulnerabilities which are found in software.
Updating your software has many benefits. One of the main reasons for updates is for cybersecurity. Updates keep you safe from security flaws that are discovered in the older version. They add new features and delete the older ones. They fix bugs and cover security holes to keep hackers away.
None of us wants to work with a slow device and poor features! Updates give you better functionality and speed enhancements. For example, MS Teams is now supporting new languages for real-time event translation. You can translate Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French Canadian, Spanish Mexican, and a host of other languages too. There’s up to 50 translation languages available.
Imagine how functional this feature is for companies with employees from different countries around the world.
What to expect for Microsoft in 2021?
Microsoft Teams
- Configuration Change in Guest Access
Timeline: February 8, 2021
- New Microsoft Teams meeting pre-join experience
Timeline: In the market
- Presenter View in Teams Presentation Sharing
Timeline: Mid-January until the end of January
- Introducing an enhanced Teams Calling experience
Timeline: Mid-January 2021 through late January
- Multiple number dialing available in Microsoft Teams chat
Timeline: Mid-January until by the end of January
- Block Download Permissions for Teams Meeting Recordings on OneDrive and SharePoint
Timeline: Early February until by the end of April
- Meeting Reactions in Teams Meetings
Timeline: Late January 2021 until early February
- Introducing Approvals in Microsoft Teams
Timeline: Mid-January 2021
- Add a shared calendar to a Teams channel
Timeline: Mid-January until by the end of January 2021
Microsoft Outlook
- Option to create all meetings online in Outlook for Windows
Timeline: Mid-to late-January
- Introducing text predictions in Outlook for Windows and iOS
Timeline: Early January to late January
- Update to Microsoft 365 and Outlook for Windows connectivity
Timeline: November 1, 2021
Microsoft Excel
- Antimalware Scan Interface (AMSI) to include runtime inspection of Excel 4.0 macros (XLM)
Timeline: February 2021
An update is not as annoying as you think.
Skipping an update is a mistake that keeps the door open for cybercriminals to access your information and files, putting yourself at risk of identity theft, and loss of money in your credit card.
Updating software gives you confidence that your device is secure.
Keeping your devices updated is a necessary part of using technology.
