Surely there isn’t a computer user around the globe who hasn’t encountered a windows update pop-up. We’ve all come across it unless you’ve always been a Mac user. Mostly people ignore these updates and think of them as something not too important. Eventually after having denied an update request for the umpteenth time, users resolve is to disable the automatic updates feature and instead handle updates manually.

But, these updates aren’t unimportant, one major reason is the security issue that it can cause if ignored, and surely no one  would like their computer to be an easy target for hackers; that’s not all and there is more to it than security.

Therefore, we’ll discuss the factors which will enlighten you regarding how important it is to allow windows updates to install automatically?

Following are the factors which explain the importance of automatic updates:

1. Security Updates

Microsoft keeps improving any bugs and issues reported in its operating system. Therefore, patches are routinely released to fix these issues. After a patch is publicly released it becomes apparent where the loophole is; in such a circumstance quick action must be taken before hackers can make their move to unfairly benefit from the problem. If during this time you keep your updates on manual installation, then you’re providing hackers a golden chance to create a huge issue for yourself. Thence, automatic updates are important and essential, so that hackers can be prevented from harming your computer. Also, Microsoft adds malware definitions to Windows defender and Microsoft essentials; so if a virus hits your system, you’d surely want it to be detected before it infects and corrupt your system.

2. General Updates and Bug fixes

Whilst the most important part of Windows updates is related to security, there are also general issues of Windows operating system which are required to be fixed. Updates are also made to resolve bugs, windows has a complex coding and possibility of several bugs is always there. Therefore, these bug fixes can help in removing annoying issues and aid in stabilizing the operating system; as speed can also be affected by bugs and not necessarily by a virus or malicious file.

3. New Feature updates

Windows updates also introduce new features at times alongside the bug fixes and security patches. For instance, Internet Explorer is updated. However, we know that users rarely prefer using Internet Explorer, still these updates can come handy in times of dire need. Also, when support and patches for an older version are ceased, then the unfixed loopholes can pose a threat to your computer; just as it was mentioned earlier, security problems are identified on the regular basis in various parts of the Windows operating system, including ActiveX and .NET Framework, alongside the main platform.

Final Verdict

All in all, I’d conclude this by suggesting to enable auto updates. Previously people had faced issues with auto updates, like blue screen error or simply disliked it because by the time one came back from a short break, the windows update auto rebooted a computer within ten minutes and therefore, all important work on one’s PC used to vanish into thin air unsaved; this made them stop it altogether, but well gone are the days when that happened, and now that you are aware of its importance, you shan’t delay updates to refrain from being reminded by the continuous pop-ups. How important it is to allow automatic updates can also be defined by the fact that auto updates can no longer be disabled now; in windows 8 and above, windows updates may be delayed for almost 3 days before they finally install, but disabling them isn’t a choice.

Microsoft has a cool feature up its sleeves! A feature that will allow users to send text messages from Windows 10 through Cortana, will be released soon by Microsoft. This is a good news for Windows users who find it inconvenient to switch between their mobile phone and desktop while at work. But this new feature integrated in Cortana will make it easier for users to tackle their calls and texts from their desktop.

Those who aren’t using Windows 10 on their desktop or mobile phone device, might not be familiar with the name. Cortana is a virtual assistant, similar to Siri which was introduced by Apple. Now with Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced Cortana as a personal assistant for their users. And alongside the several tasks that “she” performs for you, one of it is this new feature of text messaging from Windows 10.

How to send text messages from windows 10 through Cortana?

Well, there are two ways to send text messages from Windows 10; whenever you receive a message from someone or wish to send a new message, you can either type your message or simply use voice input to reply back from Cortana’s desktop app. The message will be then transferred to your mobile phone where it will be saved as part of the conversation. Alongside this Cortana also informs you of a missed call, which you can either ignore or reply to by a text message. This works by using your Microsoft account on Desktop and mobile, and syncs them both. If you have multiple computers then the missed call alerts feature can be disabled as well.

When Cortana Windows Text Messaging will be available?

Cortana windows text messaging feature currently works on Desktop with build 10565. However, two of the new Windows 10 mobile phones which were recently launched running build 10549 do not support windows text messaging through Cortana.  For this, users who are currently using Windows mobile build 10549 will need to wait until Windows 10 mobile build 10565 is released, so it is expected that by December this feature will be available for Windows users. Another question is, whether this feature will work solely with Windows 10 mobile phones, or will it also work on Cortana for Android and iOS? However, that only time will tell!

An upgrade to Windows 10 requires your hardware to be upgraded as well. There are chances that you fall short of hardware requirements to run the latest operating system. In case your system is capable enough to run it but not smoothly, there are various options available to maintain the smoothness of your system. These options disable or partially disable the non-recommended features to ease the load on your system and make it work faster. Following is the list of options through which you can optimize your Windows 10 to run faster than fast.

Disable Shadow and Animation Effects

Windows 10 offers some eye-catching transition effects and shadows  by default which make it look more beautiful and smooth. But these effects slow down your system’s performance if you have a low end system. It takes a lot of RAM and GPU to load which makes your system to lag. Thankfully, there is an option available to disable these effects to boost the performance a little. Simply navigate to System> Properties> Advanced. From there under the Performance group click on Settings.

Uncheck all the options available in visual effects. Once disabled, you will feel a huge boost in performance.

Disable Transparency

Transparency is another cool looking feature available in Windows 10. Like Shadow and Transition effects, it also consumes a lot of memory and GPU resulting in low system performance. But again there is an option available to disable this. Navigate to System> Personalization> Colors, scroll down and disable Make Start, taskbar and action center transparent.

Though you will lose some visually appealing features of Windows 10 but you will gain a lot in terms of performance.

Disable Unnecessary  Services

Windows 10 is not all about visually appealing user interface, but it has lots of features and services which are running in the background to help you maintain your comfort and ease of working. But not all services and features are necessary for all. There are too many services which are not of any benefit to a normal user but still they are running and eating up your memory. You can disable these services which you do not want to use. Head on to Computer Management> Services and Application> Services. You will be shown a list of services running in your system. To close any service just right-click on it and select Stop.

It is recommended that you first search about the service you want stop before doing so because various services are core applications of Windows 10. You might not be able to use your Windows without that service until you start it again.

Disable Startup Applications

Some applications are set to launch automatically when your system starts up. Not only it makes your system to take more time to load, but also affects the overall performance of your system. But Microsoft has provided a tool named as Task Manager to control the application and processes. To prevent those applications from launching automatically, run the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del. Click on the Startup tab and you will be shown a list of applications which launch automatically.

Right-click on the application which you want to prevent from loading automatically and select disable.

Disk Defragment

One of the major cause of system slowing down is the inefficient allocation of memory units on hard drives. Same is the case with Windows 10. Like all previous versions of windows, Windows 10 is also equipped with defragmentation tool which not only creates space in your hard drive but also speeds up your system by increasing the read/write speed of data in and from hard drive.

To maintain the smoothness of your Windows 10, run this defragmentation tool at least once a month.

Disable Search Indexing

Searching no doubt is a must have utility feature for any operating system. Windows 10 integrates a more effective search option which even accesses your indexed files to show you relevant search results. But do you really need anything from indexed files? Most commonly, NO is the answer. It takes more time to show you results and memory as well as resulting in other programs to slow down. To get rid of that effective searching, simply disable search indexing or tune your indexer according to your requirement.

To do so, run “control.exe srchadmin.dll” command. Indexing window now opens. Go to Modify and uncheck all options or do according to your requirement.

Increase Virtual Memory

If you run too many applications simultaneously you might see your system slowing down, that’s the sign that your operating system needs more RAM. Windows 10, with so many services running in background, requires more memory to run smoothly. To fulfill the requirement of more memory for Windows 10 to run faster, you need to increase the virtual memory (paging file), which utilizes the memory of your hard drive to work along with RAM to store temporary files. To do so, open System Properties, go to Advance tab and click settings under Performance tab. Go to advance tab and select change. Uncheck  “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” and check custom size.

Fill in with the amount of memory you want to relocate to virtual memory and select apply. Changes will take effect after you restart your system.