Why restart after installing software

Both DLLs assume that its partner comes from the same matched set. This is probably as much a decision of the bean counters as it is of the developers.

Ultimately, there are very few updates that could not, in an ideal world, be done without restart, but it takes a lot of pre-planning, and there are some risks, given the wide variety of possible configurations a system might have. It has to do with the fact that it is very hard to change code as it is running without causing some major problems.

The solution: stop everything before changing the code, that way you can be sure nothing is running. It is a brute force hack that is largely unnecessary a lot of the times that it is supposedly required, but it can be absolutely necessary, especially if you happen to be updating particularly important code. There is actually an entire company that specializes in making updates that DON'T require a reboot for this particularly important code. You're required to restart when important system files for Windows are being modified, because Windows does not allow these files to be modified while they are in use.

So most updates from Windows Update require a reboot, as do programs that integrate themselves into Windows like antivirus. Until you reboot, Windows cannot perform the last few steps necessary to "install" the program. You can compare this to Linux, which rarely requires you to reboot. Even when you are asked to reboot, you usually only need to log out and back in. This is because a typical Linux environment is comprised of many different separate programs that work together to create a complete OS.

If an important file is modified during an installation, you usually at best only have to restart the one specific program that uses the file. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top.

Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams?

Learn more. Why do I need restart computer after installing new software? Ask Question. Asked 11 years, 3 months ago. Active 4 years, 11 months ago. Viewed 62k times. Is there any reason why it needs this reboot or why it's not always one way or the other? Improve this question.

It's basically to update the registry — Dwayne Samuels. In some cases you can just restart a service instead of rebooting. The registry is being used to tell windows the files to replace on the restart but is not the reason the restart is needed. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. It depends. Improve this answer.

Neal Neal 8, 1 1 gold badge 27 27 silver badges 33 33 bronze badges. I agree. While, in case of Windows, Microsoft has done a great job minimizing reboots, but, as a precautionary measure, the company as well as 3rd party software publishers will prompt you for a reboot whether or not one it is required from the software install.

As computer usage moves increasingly into web apps and cloud interfaces, the idea of needing to restart may seem more and more mysterious. Technology News Security news Gadgets Guide. Sign in. Forgot your password?

Get help. Privacy Policy. Password recovery. For more information about command-line switches for Windows and IExpress software update packages, see How does Windows Update work? When you use Windows Installer, a security update that uses the. For more information about command-line options, see Command-Line Options.

In certain cases, you must restart your computer to fully apply the security update. Your computer may remain vulnerable if the security update isn't fully applied.

Your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for xbased versions of Windows. Your hardware manufacturer provides support because an xbased version of Windows was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the installation of Windows with unique components.

Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with your xbased version of Windows. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware. The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft.

Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products. Feedback will be sent to Microsoft: By pressing the submit button, your feedback will be used to improve Microsoft products and services. Privacy policy. Skip to main content. This browser is no longer supported. Download Microsoft Edge More info.