14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft offers automatic updates as a way to keep devices running Windows fully up-to-date, but even so, there are many computers out there still running older versions of the operating system while also missing the latest security patches.
Microsoft explains in a recent tech document that the company spent a lot of time lately in an attempt to figure out what exactly happens, especially because keeping devices up-to-date has become a critical mission, especially from a security perspective.
The software giant says it all comes down to what it calls Update Connectivity, which is essentially how long a device is powered on and connected to Microsoft services. Microsoft calculates Update Connectivity in hours, and the company says that nearly half of all devices out there are and currently not running a serviced build of Windows 11 do not qualify for the minimum measurement.
How to improve the whole thing
“One of the most impactful things we explored was how much time a device needs to be powered on and connected to Windows Update to be able to successfully install quality and feature updates,” the company explains.
“What we found is that devices that don’t meet a certain amount of connected time are very unlikely to successfully update. Specifically, data shows that devices need a minimum of two continuous connected hours, and six total connected hours after an update is released to reliably update. This allows for a successful download and background installations that are able to restart or resume once a device is active and connected.”
The company says that improving the update management comes down to several approaches, including keeping the devices plugged in and connected and using the proper power settings and related settings. Putting a device to sleep very fast or entering a hibernation mode means the updates wouldn’t be able to install, Microsoft emphasizes.