Cybersecurity is one of the biggest reasons we encourage employees to leave their computers powered on, even overnight.
Microsoft regularly releases updates that address newly discovered security vulnerabilities, including some that cybercriminals are actively attempting to exploit. Our CAES Office of Information Technology team uses Microsoft Intune to deploy software upgrades and updates to help keep your computer protected.
The sooner those updates are installed, the sooner your computer is protected.
Here are some facts about your university computer:
- Your computer may receive updates while you’re sleeping.
OIT uses Intune to deploy updates, security patches, software installations, and configuration changes during off-hours whenever possible. Leaving your computer powered on allows these updates to be completed before your next workday. - Microsoft releases security updates every month—and sometimes more frequently.
Known as “Patch Tuesday,” Microsoft typically releases security and quality updates on the second Tuesday of each month. However, critical security vulnerabilities may be patched at any time if an immediate threat is identified. - Your computer protects itself every day.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus regularly downloads new threat intelligence and security definitions to defend against the latest malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. These updates occur automatically when your computer is connected and available. - Updates aren’t just for Windows.
Applications you use every day—such as Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, OneDrive, Adobe Acrobat, and other University-approved software—receive regular updates that improve security, reliability, and performance. - Restarting and shutting down are not the same thing.
Many people assume they do the same thing, but they don’t. A Restart completely reloads Windows and is often required to finish installing updates. A Shut Down on modern Windows 11 computers may not always perform a full system restart because of features like Fast Startup. That’s why, if Windows or our OIT team asks you to restart your computer, it’s important to choose Restart rather than simply shutting it down. - Leaving your laptop plugged in helps.
If you’re taking your university laptop home or leaving it at the office overnight, keeping it connected to its charger helps ensure updates can install without interruption. If the battery becomes too low, Windows may pause updates until adequate power is available.
How you can help
Leaving your computer powered on overnight is one of the easiest ways you can help protect university data, improve your own computing experience, and support the work of the CAES OIT team.
It only takes a few seconds before you leave for the day:
- Save your work.
- Lock your computer (Windows + L).
- Leave it powered on.
- Plug in your laptop if you’re using one.
- Let Windows, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Defender, and OIT take care of the rest.
You’ll come back the next morning to a computer that’s secure, updated, and ready for work.
Frequently asked questions
The short answer? Not usually.
If you work at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), leaving your computer powered on overnight is one of the easiest ways you can help keep it secure, updated, and ready for the next workday.
Years ago, shutting down every night made sense. Computers generated more heat, used more electricity, and didn’t require the constant stream of security updates they do today.
Technology has changed. Today, your work computer can perform some of its most important maintenance after you’ve gone home.
Modern computers don’t really need a “good night’s sleep.”
When idle, Windows can reduce power usage while still allowing scheduled maintenance to occur. If you use a laptop, leave it plugged into its charger before leaving for the day.
The small amount of electricity used overnight is outweighed by the benefit of keeping your computer secure and up to date.
Absolutely.
Restarting is still important and is recommended at the start of each workday. Many Windows updates aren’t fully installed until after a restart. Restarting also refreshes Windows services and can resolve many common issues reported to the Help Desk.
If Windows asks you to restart, please do.
There’s a difference between restarting regularly and shutting your computer down every evening.
Final thoughts
One thing I’ve learned after nearly three decades in IT is that the best technology is the technology you never have to think about.
When everything is updated, secure, and working properly, you simply sit down and get to work.
That’s exactly what we want for every faculty member, staff member, researcher, and Extension professional here at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Leave it on. Lock it. Plug it in if it’s a laptop. Let OIT do the heavy lifting while you enjoy your evening.