Why is it important to keep my router's firmware up to date, and how can I easily update it?

Question

Hello everyone,I've recently been told that I need to update the firmware on my router, but I'm not entirely sure why or how to do it. In our connected world, routers play an important role in our daily lives, and I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to keep my network secure and efficient. Can anyone provide some insight on the importance of firmware updates and offer some advice on easy and safe ways to keep my router software current? I would really appreciate it.

microchip8 · Answer

Updates can contain bug fixes and security updates. These 2 alone are enough to keep updating when new versions come out.

As for updating itself, read this: https://kb.netgear.com/23442/How-do-I-update-the-firmware-on-my-NETGEAR-router-with-a-web-browser

plemans · Answer

what router do you have? Many of them automatically update the firmware if its enabled.&nbsp;
https://kb.netgear.com/000038662/How-do-I-enable-disable-auto-firmware-update
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

michaelkenward · Answer

plemans&nbsp;wrote:
what router do you have? Many of them automatically update the firmware if its enabled.&nbsp;
https://kb.netgear.com/000038662/How-do-I-enable-disable-auto-firmware-update
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

And many of us turn off that feature because it can cause grief ...&nbsp; and dead routers.

michaelkenward · Answer

microchip8&nbsp;wrote:Updates can contain bug fixes and security updates. 
New firmware can also add new features that were not available in the original release.

Forum Discussion

Why is it important to keep my router's firmware up to date, and how can I easily update it?

4 Replies