The System updates have become a kind of silent tormentEveryone knows they need to be installed, everyone puts it off, and when they finally arrive, they often bring more headaches than they solve. Between promises of years of support, security patches that never seem to arrive, and users who hit the "remind me later" button almost reflexively, the issue is quite toxic.
Furthermore, everything gets mixed up: promises from brands like Samsung about “7 years of updates”The meticulous smoothness of iOS, the dramas of Windows 10 and Windows 11 with patches that break things, and the ever-present suspicion that updating will slow down your phone or computer. Let's calmly set the record straight: what these updates really are, why they take so long, why you delay them yourself, and what the risks and benefits are.
What do brands really promise when they talk about years of updates?
When Samsung announced that it would give “7 years of updates” on some of their mobile phonesMany people automatically interpreted this as "7 years of full support, with constant patches and updates." The reality is much more nuanced: in most cases, that promise refers to 7 operating system version jumps (7 "big" Android versions)not to an exact number of calendar years or a monthly cadence of security patches.
That means that if your high-end Galaxy came with a specific version of Android, The brand is committed to supporting it through seven subsequent versions.It's a very interesting compromise compared to what they were offering a few years ago, but it doesn't mean that you will receive each major update on the same day that Google releases it.nor that you have the latest security patch on the 1st of every month.
This is where the frustrations begin: some users complain that One UI 7 or the January security patch arrive in your country weeks lateror that they barely see a few minor updates to fix obvious battery problemsCamera or performance. The promise holds true on paper, but the path to each update is fraught with factors that the brand itself doesn't always control.
If you're coming from iOS, where Apple releases the new version on the same day for virtually all compatible devicesThis way of understanding support promises can be very disappointing. The user expects an "Apple-like" pace, and what they get is a gradual rollout by country, model, and carrier.
The long journey of an Android update: from Google to your mobile
The delay is not a coincidence: A new version of Android travels quite a long way before it ends up installed on your phone. And at every stage of that journey, someone adds time, changes, and potential problems.
The first thing Google does is release the source code of the new version of Android and give it to the major manufacturers months in advance. That code, as is, is a generic base: it has to be adapted to each processor, each screen, each modem, and each hardware combination that the manufacturer has in its catalog.
Manufacturers typically prioritize the new devices that are about to be launchedThey need to launch with the latest possible version so they can sell "the phone with the latest Android and the latest interface." Only then do they move on to... adapt that same version of Android to the mobile phones that have already been soldwhich requires managing a huge list of models, ranges, and launch years.
Added to this adaptation work is one of the main culprits behind the slowness: the customization layersSamsung with One UI (formerly TouchWiz), Xiaomi with MIUI/HyperOS, HTC with Sense, Sony with their own interfaces… They all add features, applications, and visual changes that They don't come in Google's "pure" Android. and that it also needs to be adjusted and tested in each update.
The result is that, before you even see a simple update notification, your manufacturer has had to invest months spent adapting Android and its own layer to each specific modelTest that everything works, correct internal errors... and only then can you consider pressing the "send update" button.
Operators, bloatware, and other factors that further slow things down
When you buy an unlocked mobile phone, the update It comes directly from the manufacturer.without intermediaries. But if your device is subsidized or "tied" to a carrier, another bottleneck is added to the equation: Telephone companies also touch on updates.
The operator receives the firmware that the manufacturer has already prepared and, in many cases, add your own apps and customizationsMusic apps, messaging apps, proprietary services, or even shortcuts to stores and tools you'll probably never use. It's the famous “bloatware”Pre-installed software that cannot be easily removed and rarely provides real value to the user.
Each of those modifications has to be integrated, tested and validatedThis translates to more weeks of waiting. Meanwhile, the same unlocked phone might receive the same update sooner, simply because it has not had to go through the operator's filter.
For many advanced users, the solution involves resorting to Unofficial alternative ROMsThe Android community tends to move very quickly: within minutes of Google releasing an update, developers are already working on versions adapted to different models, without layers or bloatware. However, it does require... a certain level of technical skill, unlocking the bootloader, and taking risks if something goes wrong in the process.
Google, for its part, offers the so-called “pure Google experience” on its Nexus (formerly) and Pixel (now) devicesHere, Google directly controls the rollout, with no manufacturer layer or carrier modifications. This is why these phones are usually the first to receive each new Android version and offer a more seamless and clean experience.
Why do you also delay updates (even though you know they are important)?
Beyond the problems of manufacturers and operators, there is another part of the story: We, the users ourselves, tend to procrastinate updates....even when we know they are good for safety and performance. This behavior has been studied and has a name: “adoption delay”.
Researchers such as Yazhen Xiao (University of Tennessee) and Jelena Spanjol (University of Munich) have analyzed why people postpones the installation of new versions of digital products that, on paper, are an improvementThe conclusion is that, when we perceive that an update may significantly change how something we already master works, the natural reaction is to avoid it or postpone it as much as possible.
People feel especially annoyed with Updates that significantly alter the interface, menus, or way of using an app or systemThat feeling of "everything has changed on me" generates rejection and makes many think: "I'll do it later, now is not a good time to get used to it again."
Furthermore, there's a very human component of sheer laziness. As cybersecurity expert Richard Forno explained, Many users see it as something they can leave "for when they have time"The problem is that that moment never comes: the notification pops up while you're working, shopping, or watching something, and you end up chaining "remind me later" over and over again.
Specialists usually recommend Do not delay the installation of a major update for more than a few days, at most a week.Both Android and iOS include options to automate installation during off-peak hours (early morning, for example), precisely because brands know that, if left to our discretion, many would never press the install button.
Real risks of using outdated mobile phones, PCs and tablets
Delaying or ignoring updates is not just a matter of convenience. Leaving an outdated system open the door to known security flaws. that the attackers will try to exploit as soon as they become public.
Once a vulnerability is announced and the corresponding patch is released, Cybercriminals get to work developing specifically designed exploits to exploit that vulnerability in systems that still haven't been updated. It's a cat-and-mouse game, but if you don't install the update, you're essentially stopping time and working against you.
The problems don't just stay theoretical: an obsolete operating system is susceptible to Malware that can access your personal data, record passwords, and spy through cameras or microphonesand incidentally increase battery consumption and make everything run much slower.
We have seen examples such as PrintNightmare in WindowsA serious flaw in Microsoft's printing system put many computers at risk. These types of vulnerabilities not only compromise privacy but can also be used to install ransomware, take remote control of a computer, or integrate it into botnets.
Security companies like Kaspersky often insist that, at a minimum, You should always keep certain sensitive programs updatedAntivirus software, web browsers, Java (if you still use it), and PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader are common entry points for malware, and outdated software can become open doors to attacks.
What your device gains when you upgrade: performance, compatibility, and lifespan
Beyond security, The updates bring a long list of practical benefits which we often overlook. It's not just about flashy new featuresbut rather small internal improvements that make the device run more smoothly on a daily basis.
In terms of performance, both on mobile devices and computers, Older software often falls short for modern tasksThe online services, apps, and games you use today are not the same as those for which the initial version of your system was designed. Updates adjust the use of memory, processor, and graphics resources to... Avoid crashes, freezes, and lag.
Another key point is compatibility. Keeping your system and drivers up to date is the best way to Ensure that your external devices, peripherals, printers, or USB storage are functioning correctlyLarge PC manufacturers like HP, Lenovo, and others often offer assistants that help keep drivers and firmware updated to minimize strange errors.
If you have a business, updates also impact the employee workflowReducing crashes, security breaches, and performance issues means fewer interruptions, fewer calls to tech support, and ultimately, more time actually spent working and not to fight with the computer.
All of this also contributes to extend the lifespan of the hardwareA system that receives patches, optimizations, and bug fixes is less prone to serious failures and operates more efficiently. This translates to... economic savingsYou're not forced to change devices as often or spend money on constant repairs.
Even energy consumption can benefit: better optimized systems They make better use of CPU and GPU, reduce freezes, and prevent processes from getting stuck and consuming resources.For a company with many devices running all day, that improvement ends up being noticeable on the electricity bill.
What's not talked about as much: updates that break things
There is another reason why many users are wary of updates: sometimes they cause problemsAnd it's not just a subjective impression; there are recent and quite high-profile examples, especially in the Windows world.
Windows 11, in its 24H2 version, is considered one of the most polished iterations of the system. However, Several mandatory cumulative updates have introduced bugs. which have affected thousands of computers. In fact, Microsoft has had to officially acknowledge stability and performance issues caused by certain security patches.
Among the detected flaws are Errors installing updates with codes such as 0x800f0922, 0x80070002 or 0x800f0991which prevented the application of critical patches; instability in popular games like Fortnite or CS:GO, with FPS drops and sudden system restarts; and interface errors, such as the taskbar freezing when waking from sleep or delays when switching windows with Alt + Tab.
They have also been seen fake warnings in the Windows Event Viewerwith Firewall error messages that confused users. Initially, some in the community blamed NVIDIA drivers, but Microsoft eventually confirmed that the root of the problem lay in security updates for May and June 2025 which caused some teams to become slower or stop responding in specific situations.
Microsoft's response has been to launch a Optional update (KB5062660) that corrects these errorsHowever, since it's optional, it won't be installed automatically: you have to manually go to Windows Update and apply the patch. Its deployment will only become mandatory and widespread when it's included in the next cumulative security update.
These types of incidents fuel the perception that Updating is riskyAnd many users choose to block or delay patches "just in case." It's an understandable reaction, but also dangerous if it becomes the norm, because it leaves you exposed to known and documented vulnerabilities.
Why does an update sometimes take hours (or a whole day)?
Another source of uncertainty is itself time it takes to complete an updateThere are cases where users see their PC seemingly locked for hours, not knowing whether to turn it off, wait, or start to really worry.
According to Microsoft's own documentation, the time required to download and install a Windows update It depends on the speed of the internet connection, the network configuration, the patch size, and the computer's resources.It's not the same to apply a small update on a modern PC as it is to install a new version of Windows on an old, overloaded computer.
The Microsoft support community uses fairly broad ranges: there are official answers that mention processes that can last up to 24 hours In some cases, especially when migrating to a major version like Windows 10 or 11 with modest hardware.
Factors like the processor speed, the amount of RAM, the condition of the hard drive (especially if it is mechanical and not an SSD) And the existence of background processes influences the total duration. A "clean" installation on a computer with 4 GB of memory and a quad-core processor could take around half an hour, but if the system has many accumulated patches, the time increases significantly.
Experts generally recommend Do not interrupt the update unless it is clear that it has become unrecoverably stuck.If you see activity on the hard drive LED, it's likely still working even if the progress bar appears frozen. Shutting down your computer mid-process can leave your system in an inconsistent state and force you to repair or reinstall it.
However, it's also not normal for an update to be stuck for days without making any progress. In those cases, Restart and let Windows attempt to recover the state This is usually the appropriate way to determine what stage it has reached and what recovery options are available.
Why do many people say “it’s okay not to update”?
When users are asked why they don't update, the answers are quite repetitive. Surveys of thousands of businesses and individuals in different regions They show that the perception of risk and benefit is highly distorted.
A significant portion of those interviewed stated that He sees no problem in delaying or avoiding updatesMore than half say they notice no changes after installing them, reinforcing the feeling that "they're useless." Not perceiving any visible improvements, many conclude that The safety warnings are exaggerated. and that they can continue using the device without consequences.
Others argue that They take too longAccording to data cited by Kaspersky, the average installation time for some updates is around 20-25 minutes, which many users consider excessive in the middle of their workday. Almost half admit to postponing them because they "disrupt the flow" or because they believe that others (the IT department, their boss, the company itself) should handle it.
It also doesn't help that there are cases where the updates They introduce new errors or bugs in other parts of the system. Around a third of those surveyed complain that, while some things improve, others break down, reinforcing the idea that upgrading is like playing Russian roulette.
Another frequently cited reason is the timing of notifications: a significant percentage of users admit rejecting the update because it pops up when they are working, in a meeting, shopping, or paying billsThe immediate priority outweighs a theoretical medium-term benefit.
Finally, there are more tangible reasons such as lack of storage spaceMany prefer to keep photos, videos, and documents rather than free up system space, which results in updates that are never downloaded and security patches that remain permanently in limbo.
Ultimately, what we observe is that Most users do not directly associate the lack of updates with a specific risk.As long as the device turns on and the apps open, it is assumed that "everything is fine", even though there may be exploitable vulnerabilities and performance problems underneath that could be avoided.
Therefore, to understand What lies behind every update notification, manufacturers' promises of support, and our own tendency to procrastinate? It is key to making better decisions: neither installing everything blindly without informing ourselves, nor living eternally in "remember later" leaving public vulnerabilities open on our devices.
