Three Key Considerations

Operating system updates are generally benign, except when they involve hardware changes. If your device isn’t a Microsoft-branded PC, such as a Surface, you must verify that any hardware updates are safe and officially sanctioned by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), not Microsoft.

As of now, Windows 11 is the latest version available. However, don’t be deceived by its novelty—it's riddled with issues that could leave you regretting the upgrade.

BIOS Updates: A No-Go

Updating your BIOS? I highly advise against it. Unless your laptop or desktop manufacturer explicitly requires this update, it is unnecessary and could introduce more complications than benefits.

Updates: Necessary but Not Always Welcome

While OS updates are essential for any system, this article primarily focuses on Windows-based machines. Updates are not just a nagging feature Microsoft pushes on us every time we boot up our PCs.

Indeed, Windows Home versions limit your control over updates, and while this might seem frustrating, it's a strategy to safeguard the most vulnerable systems—those that lack necessary updates.

These automatic updates not only secure your system by closing security gaps discovered by vigilant users or professionals but also enhance your system's capabilities by activating pre-existing features or adding new ones. Usually, these updates pose no significant risk.

However, I’ve witnessed too many hardware updates released by Microsoft that shouldn't have been. While they often come from a good place, they can lead to disastrous outcomes due to the myriad variables that can cause a seemingly minor hardware update to fail.

These variables encompass whether your device is a laptop or desktop, the variety of hardware manufacturers, the purpose of the update (is it just for new features or security?), and the compatibility with the current Windows version.

In short, be cautious with hardware updates from Microsoft. I've had to troubleshoot numerous PCs that malfunctioned due to faulty hardware updates.

Firmware vs. Software: Understanding the Difference

You might think both firmware and software are just types of software. While that's technically correct, the main distinction lies in how closely they interact with the hardware. Firmware is usually produced by the OEM and acts as an intermediary between the operating system and the hardware.

Firmware is embedded and provides the necessary instructions for hardware functionality. In contrast, software can be updated or removed without affecting the hardware’s core functions.

Here's a critical point to remember: if a firmware update is interrupted, it could render your hardware completely inoperable. This is because the update process removes old firmware while installing new code.

Windows 11: Latest, But Not Necessarily the Best

Windows 11 may be the latest operating system, but unless you have an urgent need for it at work or your new PC comes with it, I suggest sticking with Windows 10.

Many users wonder why I recommend this. The answer is simple: Windows 10 offers better compatibility and stability, especially for gamers and users of production software.

Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements, including a TPM 2.0 chip that may not be present in many existing systems. This could lead to unnecessary expenses for businesses that would otherwise prefer to keep their functioning systems.

Microsoft's Shift to Advertising

It's evident that Microsoft is keen on monetizing user data. With Windows now freely available, they have shifted focus from software sales to data collection. This means every action you perform on your PC contributes to a profile that they can utilize for advertising and software improvement.

The BIOS Update Warning

Unless your computer is experiencing severe instability, avoid updating your BIOS. BIOS updates should be a last resort after addressing all easier troubleshooting options.

Mistakes during a BIOS update can "brick" your device, rendering it completely non-functional. I’ve seen many clients learn this lesson the hard way, requiring extensive work to recover their data and restore their systems to factory settings.

In conclusion, pay close attention to your updates. Although many are automated, you can still selectively manage them to avoid unnecessary complications. Not all updates are beneficial, and some may prompt you to seek professional assistance for repairs.

The first video titled "Things To Know Before You Update The BIOS" provides essential insights on the critical aspects to consider before proceeding with any BIOS updates.

The second video, "How To Update Your BIOS! (And Should You?!)", discusses the procedures and potential pitfalls of updating BIOS, helping you make informed decisions.