MS Updates: Install Now or Remind Me Later?

26 January 2021

“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You received a notification saying “Your PC is running an outdated version of Windows”.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Running an outdated version of Windows is risky.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.