We have all been there. You are in the middle of an important email, streaming your favorite show, or just scrolling through social media when that little box pops up.

“A software update is available for your device.”

The options are usually simple: “Install Now” or “Update Later.” Without a second thought, your finger hovers over “Update Later.” Maybe you choose “Remind me tonight” or “Tomorrow.” You tell yourself you are just too busy right now. But what actually happens in the background when you hit that snooze button on your digital health?

Delaying an update feels convenient, but it’s a gamble. You aren’t just pausing a download; you are telling your device to hold the door open for problems a little longer. Let’s break down exactly what goes on behind the scenes when you delay those patches and why “later” is often too late.

The Security Gap: Leaving the Front Door Unlocked

Imagine you live in a house where the lock on the front door is broken. The manufacturer of the lock sends you a brand new, unbreakable deadbolt for free. It’s sitting on your porch. But instead of installing it, you leave it in the box because you are busy watching TV.

That is exactly what happens when you ignore a security patch.

Software updates—especially the minor ones like iOS 17.1.2 or Windows KB5034441—are rarely about new emojis or cool wallpapers. They are almost always about plugging security holes.

When developers find a vulnerability in their software (a bug that hackers can exploit), they race to write code to fix it. Once that update is released to the public, the vulnerability is no longer a secret. Hackers now know exactly where the weak spot is. They also know that millions of people will click “Update Later.”

By delaying, you are operating a system with a known weakness that bad actors are actively scanning for.

The “Zero-Day” Threat

Sometimes, the situation is even more urgent. A “Zero-Day” vulnerability means hackers found the flaw before the software company did. They might already be using it to steal data. The update you are ignoring isn’t just a precaution; it’s an emergency seal on a leaking boat. Every minute you wait is a minute your data is exposed.

Performance Drain: Why Your Device Feels “Sluggish”

Have you ever noticed your phone or laptop starting to act weirdly slow? Apps crash, the battery drains faster than usual, or typing feels delayed. Our instinct is often to blame the hardware: “My phone is just getting old.”

While hardware does age, the culprit is often outdated software.

Software isn’t static. It interacts with a massive ecosystem of apps, servers, and networks that are constantly changing. When you click “Update Later,” you are forcing your device to run old instructions in a new environment.

The Analogy of the Old Map

Think of your operating system (OS) like a map your phone uses to navigate tasks. If the city roads change (new apps update, network protocols shift) but your phone is still using a map from 2021, it’s going to take longer to get anywhere. It will take wrong turns. It will overheat trying to figure out the route.

Updates often include:

Battery optimizations: Code that helps the processor run more efficiently.
Bug fixes: Repairs for glitches that cause apps to freeze or crash.
Driver updates: Essential instructions that tell your screen, speakers, and Wi-Fi chip how to work correctly.

Ignoring these fixes is a recipe for frustration. You aren’t saving time by skipping the 10-minute update; you are losing time every single day to a slower, glitchier device.

The Compatibility Nightmare

There is a ripple effect to clicking “Update Later” that many people don’t consider until things break completely. Software is a house of cards. Your operating system supports your apps. Your apps support your files.

When your OS falls too far behind, apps stop working.

You might have seen this happen. You try to download a new productivity tool or a game everyone is talking about, only to see the message: “Requires iOS 16 or later.” Or perhaps your banking app suddenly refuses to open because it no longer supports your outdated version of Android.

Developers cannot support every version of software forever. It’s too expensive and complex. Eventually, they cut off support for older versions. If you have been hitting “Update Later” for six months, you might suddenly find that essential tools—work email, banking, two-factor authentication apps—stop functioning right when you need them most.

Missing Out on the “Hidden” Features

Not every update is a boring security patch. Often, companies bundle quality-of-life improvements into those generic-looking updates. By waiting, you are using a worse version of the product you paid for.

Updates often bring:

Better camera processing: Your photos could look sharper just by updating.
Smarter predictive text: Typing could become faster and less annoying.
New organization tools: Features that help sort emails or files automatically.

You paid hundreds (or thousands) of dollars for your device. Why use a version of it that operates at 80% capacity?

The Drawbacks of Updating — and Why You Should Do It Anyway

While updates are important, it’s fair to acknowledge some common frustrations:

Occasional temporary bugs may be introduced.
Minor compatibility issues can appear with certain apps.
Updates sometimes require a restart at an inconvenient moment.

It’s understandable to feel frustrated by these brief disruptions.

But here’s why you should still hit “Update”:

The dangers of delaying—security gaps, sluggish performance—far outweigh a rare glitch.
Each update closes critical security holes and helps protect your data.
You’ll benefit from a smoother, more efficient device.
Only by updating do you gain new features and improvements.

Ultimately, the long-term rewards of updating make any temporary inconvenience well worth it.

Why We Delay (And How to Stop)

Psychologically, we delay updates because of “present bias.” We value the immediate convenience of not being interrupted more than the long-term safety of our data. We also fear that the update itself might break something—a fear that stems from older days of computing when updates were indeed riskier.

While bad updates do happen occasionally, modern software deployment is rigorous. The risk of an update causing a problem is tiny compared to the guaranteed risk of leaving your device vulnerable to malware.

Make It Automatic

The best way to break the “Update Later” habit is to take the decision out of your hands.

Enable Automatic Updates: Go into your settings right now. Turn on “Install iOS Updates” or “Windows Update.”
Schedule for Overnight: Most devices allow you to schedule installations for 2:00 AM while you sleep. You wake up to a fresh, secure phone without any interruption.
Change Your Mindset: Stop viewing that notification as an annoyance. View it as regular maintenance, like brushing your teeth or changing the oil in your car. It’s maintenance that keeps your digital life running smoothly.

The Verdict: Don’t Wait

Clicking “Update Later” gives you a false sense of control. In reality, you are losing control. You are ceding control to potential hackers, accepting slower performance, and blocking yourself from the best version of your technology.

Next time that box pops up, take a breath. Save your work. Plug in your charger. And click “Install Now.” Your future self—with a secure, fast, and functioning device—will thank you.