Software Update and Software Upgrade: What’s the Difference?

Are you one of those who have never even imagined there may be any difference between a software update and a software upgrade? Then you may have considered them interchangeably many times that’s wrong. Software updates and upgrades are two entirely different things.

A software update, in general, is a release consisting of enhancements to the existing version of the software. An upgrade, on the other hand, is a wholly new version of the current software that brings significant changes in its features and functionalities and the way it works.

The software upgrade is sometimes defined as migration– as it brings massive change to the existing software. As we gauged the basics, let’s dive deeper into the difference between a software update and an upgrade. You’ll end up getting a crystal-clear view of the topic.

What’s Software Update?

Software updates or patches are a kind of software that’s improved and free to download for an existing system, application, and operating system. The software update aims to fix the features not working as expected and add some improved features and capabilities.

The preliminary purpose of a software update is to address security issues and minor bugs in the software and peripherals and add new models of equipment to improve its robustness against vulnerabilities. In most cases, it is required to re-architect your existing software, though it comes with various factors to understand how it is done.

The Importance of Software Updates

Software updates are small and free; it doesn’t mean they aren’t significant. They are simple and small but play a vital role and influence software to a massive extent. Software updates are often known for troubleshooting issues; let’s know why you should consider software updation.

A Software Update_

Why Do You Need Software Update?

Which Devices Requries Software Updates?

From the application and operating system running on your mobile, computer, and tablet to the smartwatch you wear on your wrist along with numerous peripherals, every one of these requires getting updated frequently.

How do You Know You Device Need an Update?

Your device will notify you when a new update comes unless you’ve selected an option that enables automatic updates.

The device defines all the information regarding the update, like why the update is essential and when it’s available to download. In order to update the software, you need a stable internet connection, as most of the updates are applied over the internet.

Smart Gadgets Updates vs Computer Software Updates

When it comes to tablets and smartphones, the software takes the form of an application. You get notified either by message or a visual indicator on the app’s icon as soon as any updated version of the application is available. Updates are free and require only and stable internet connection once you permit it to get installed.

Smart Gadgets

Operating system updates for the devices like tablets and smartphones are usually made through the devices’ settings. The update process takes more time compared to an app download; hence, in some cases, the device needs to be plugged into the power outlet during the installation process.

Computer Software

Unlike these systems, when you subscribe to an internet app or a suite of applications, for instance, Microsoft 365, the software modernization and updates may occur on their own automatically. This means you won’t need to follow a software update procedure manually.

With Adobe Creative Cloud, you’ll have a notification when an update is available for the app. You can choose to install it at your convenience.

What’s Software Upgrade?

Unlike software updates, the software upgrade is something different. It’s a new and upgraded version of existing software embedded with significant changes that provide a massive improvement to the existing version of the software.

You need to purchase the new and upgraded version of the software. Sometimes, however, when an upgrade comes soon after you purchase software, the service provider may provide it to you for no cost. In other scenarios, you’ll be liable to pay for the upgrade and the latest version.

The Importance of Software Upgrade

Similar to software updates, software upgradation has numerous benefits; here are some of them, if we name a few.

Why Do You Need Software Upgrade?

What Are the Key Difference Between Software Updates and Upgrades?

Simply put, when there are considerable changes made to the software, for instance, the addition of features, changes to the UI, and so on, it’s a software upgrade. In simple terms, switching from an existing version to a new and upgraded version is a software upgrade.

On the contrary, making improvements to an existing software system to fix bugs and enhance its capabilities against potential vulnerabilities is something called a software update. The table given below compares both software updates and upgrades based on different factors.

Final Thoughts:

Software updates and software upgrades seem similar; however, they have some differences in their nature. A software update is just for the improvement of the features and the security strength of an app. Software upgrade, on the other hand, is more than just an update.

Upgrading software replaces the existing software entirely, embedding it with a new and next version of the existing one. Simply put, upgrading means you get something new, whereas updates lead to fixing the same software you already have. Whether you want to upgrade your VB6 to .NET Core or update your VB.NET modern platforms, we are here for help.

We’ve examined the software update and upgrade in detail, including what they are, what are the importance of software update and upgrade, along with the reasons why one should do that. Furthermore, we put a comparative list for both of these two consisting of end-to-end differences.