Windows product always changes and improve by the time, as a result our software are not up to date every time any changes on the windows product or component. The changes on the windows component can affected to access some feature on the internet, or even protection from new kind of viruses. Because of this reason your windows need to update from the internet.
For new windows like windows 7 and Windows Vista users don't need to sign up for microsoft update, account will automatically reated by Microsoft while you registration and Windows update will automatically installed on your computer as default setting, but you can change this setting if you want.
If you do not select recommended automatically updating option you must download and install every critical update. If you download the update feature and forgot to install them, your computer will not be protected with the latest enhancement.