Windows Updates - Security, Creators Updates, and Poor Performance

By Katie S.
•
23 Feb, 2021

Windows updates now has 2 parts to it. We know you are familiar with the term "Windows Patch" or the process "Windows Updates" but they are doing more than that now. For once, in our opinion, Microsoft is actually doing a pretty good job of keeping your computer running well and secure.

Security Patches

Windows updates for security release each month. Some months (Feb 2020) have as few as 50 updates, and some months (Nov 2020) had 112. These security updates needs to be applied to keep your computer safe, but do not include drivers, performance improvements, or feature updates.

Creators Updates

Creators updates are what you may know as Service Packs. They contain a lot of updated performance improvements, drives, and some times new programs. For example in June 2019 they release 3D Paint in a creators update. These updates normally happen twice a year. Until 2020 they were numbered for the year and month they were released.

- 1507 (2015 - July)

- 1603

- 1609

- 1702

- 1709 (2017 - September

- 1803

- 1809

- 1903

- 1909

- 2004 - (2020 - April)

- 20H2 - ??????

Then Microsoft had to get creative again. The latest release is called 20H2. This is for 2020 Half 2. If they stick with that naming the next update will be 21H1 some time this year.

How do I know what I have?

Checking is easy!

- Right Click on your start menu icon

- Select "System"

- Find your version

Is this important any more?

Yes. Your computer should be updating automatically. That is how Microsoft designed it, but like so many things, it does not happen as it should. You need to make sure you are getting updates by checking. Your system is not protected if it is on 1903 or later and in September 1909 then you have no protection from new security risks. If a creators update does not run or gets stuck you stop receiving all updates.

Computer running slow all the time?

We often see creators updates that fail in the background and you are not notified. Then it downloads and tries again. And again. And Again..... so it can not only be a security risk, but suck all the performance out of your computer until you get it fixed.

Give us a call 920.674.6833 or email info@badgerlandpc.com and we can help out.