Is it necessary to download the new bitcoin update?

[matteumayo]

I've never updated my bitcoin, and I'm on 3.20 BETA.

How does the update process work? 

I'm just wondering because I sent coins quite a while ago and they're still unconfirmed, with 8 connections.

[Hawkix]

I think it is not necessary.

The update simply replaces the installation with new version. It does not touch your wallet.

There need to be created 6 blocks to confirm the transaction, it can take 1 hour or more.

[jimbobway]

I recommend updating to 0.3.21 since it has important bug fixes. I would update on a case by case basis depending on what fix or features added.

[error]

I've never updated my bitcoin, and I'm on 3.20 BETA.

How does the update process work?  

I'm just wondering because I sent coins quite a while ago and they're still unconfirmed, with 8 connections.

This is WHY you need to update your client. The new version would have informed you that the transaction needed a fee to be processed. Now, it may take several hours or even days before it gets processed.

[mewantsbitcoins]

matteumayo you can use any version you like, but .21 has some new features that you may take advantage of. Like UPnP for example. To update first backup your wallet. Then download the binary or source from bitcoin.org, unistall the previous version and install the new one. Thats it. If something goes wrong you'll still have your backup wallet and will be able to restore your coins.

Regarding unconfirmed coins, it may be due to several reasons:
1. Like Hawkix said, you need to wait for six blocks to be generated.
2. If it was a low amount and you did not include a fee it may be delayed, because we have more and more transactions and priority is given to big, old and paid for transactions

If you download new version and turn on UPnP, your node will be better connected with the network and you should see more than 8 connections. This should help the process too

[cypherdoc]

matteumayo you can use any version you like, but .21 has some new features that you may take advantage of. Like UPnP for example. To update first backup your wallet. Then download the binary or source from bitcoin.org, unistall the previous version and install the new one. Thats it. If something goes wrong you'll still have your backup wallet and will be able to restore your coins.

Regarding unconfirmed coins, it may be due to several reasons:
1. Like Hawkix said, you need to wait for six blocks to be generated.
2. If it was a low amount and you did not include a fee it may be delayed, because we have more and more transactions and priority is given to big, old and paid for transactions

If you download new version and turn on UPnP, your node will be better connected with the network and you should see more than 8 connections. This should help the process too

how do u turn on UPnP?

[k]

matteumayo you can use any version you like, but .21 has some new features that you may take advantage of. Like UPnP for example. To update first backup your wallet. Then download the binary or source from bitcoin.org, unistall the previous version and install the new one. Thats it. If something goes wrong you'll still have your backup wallet and will be able to restore your coins.

Regarding unconfirmed coins, it may be due to several reasons:
1. Like Hawkix said, you need to wait for six blocks to be generated.
2. If it was a low amount and you did not include a fee it may be delayed, because we have more and more transactions and priority is given to big, old and paid for transactions

If you download new version and turn on UPnP, your node will be better connected with the network and you should see more than 8 connections. This should help the process too

how do u turn on UPnP?

in the settings -> options -> there is a check box

[CydeWeys]

As a general best practice you should be running the most recent version of software that doesn't introduce show-stopping regressions.  Things do indeed get fixed over time (generally; some software projects are better at this than others, of course).