There's no planned obsolescence built into Videopad. Occasional crashes can be due to numerous causes such as project errors or, perhaps, out of date video drivers. See this page. Prior to starting a new project, go to OPTIONS | DISC tab and Clear Unused Cache Files.
For protection Save Project File AS routinely, giving it a unique # or name, so as not to overwrite prior saves. Using Save Project Files (no AS) will overwrite. From the HOME tab, that choice is available by clicking the caret to the right of the Save Project button on the toolbar.
Upgrades are free for up to six months from purchase date. After that, VP will continue to fully function but a fee will be required in order to register the newest. Retain your old install file and registration info. Go here to download any release. Ignore virus warnings. Versions that are within the free upgrade window should install the same as the license that you purchased. No new cost. No need to uninstall - just overinstall. Takes only seconds.
There's no mandate to update. Newer releases can always be test driven, The VP home page has the latest, both the 'pro' that will be full-featured for a trial period and a limited free version. The link there may be to the 32- or the 64-bit release. To ensure that you're getting the 64-bit, use this link. It's less prone to problems with complex, lengthy or very high-def projects as it takes better advantage of Windows memory.
If you run into issues, please post specifics in a new thread. For licensing problems, go here.