Solved When are windows updates worth installing?

[jalnyc]

Hi everyone

I recently did a factory boot of my system so of course upon the first or second restart I was bombarded with about 140 windows updates! Maybe it's just me and my predisposed distrust for windows update, but my comp seems to be moving slightly slower now, but that isn't the issue right now.

Does anyone know how to tell when the recommended windows updates are a good idea to install? I usually just install the recommended ones. I'm doing this solely on the fact that the machine is telling me to since I don't know how to judge whether or not an update is needed. I would like to know if anyone has some sort of criteria before they accept a windows update.

Thanks!

 

[karlsnooks]

I am going to give you the correct answer.

I am not going to give you the answer you want to hear.

First, Win 7 is NOT eXPired.

Second, carry out the following procedure perfectly.

UPDATING YOUR WIN 7
1. ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE ALL UPDATES
WIN | type WINDOWS UPDATE | ENTER |
Change settings (left-hand column) |
checkmark all four of the boxes | OK button

Approve any dialog boxes presented. Let Windows install any update features.

WIN is the key with the Microsoft flag on top.

2. INSTALL CRITICAL UPDATES
Check for Updates (left-hand column)
Install ALL critical updates.
Restart your computer (even if not prompted)

Repeat this procedure until there are no more critical updates.

DO NOT TRUST the “Windows is up to date” in center of dialog. until you see that TWICE IN A ROW!

3. INSTALL IMPORTANT UPDATES
Use the “critical update” procedure until all important updates are installed.

4. INSTALL OPTIONAL UPDATES
Use the “critical update” procedure until all optional updates are installed.

Under Optional updates you will be presented with a list of about 34 language updates.
You can hide those updates so that aren't continually notified of those updates. When you click on 34 optional updates are available, then you
a) highlight all of the language updates,
b) right-click anywhere in the highlighted list.
c) click on Hide Updates,
d) OK button.


UPDATE GOLDEN RULES
Install ALL, yes, ALL updates.
This is Win 7 and not Vista or XP (eXPired).

UPDATE IS HUNG –TAKING FOREVER
Hung is very doubtful unless you interrupted updates.

CTRL + SHIFT + ESC key combo will pop-up the Task Manager.
Lo and behold, Windows Update is still running!

You hold down the CTRL and SHIFT keys.
While holding them down, tap the ESC key once.

 

[z3r010]

Install everything, they dont send them for the fun of it.

 

[jalnyc]

Ok, got it!

Karl- I only see 2 check boxes in step 1, not 4. Also, what do you mean is not eXPired? I get the windows xp reference, just don't see what you mean. Thanks.

 

[karlsnooks]

Let me know when you are finished with the updates.

 

[jalnyc]

Ok they are all done.

 

[pparks1]

I would like to know if anyone has some sort of criteria before they accept a windows update.

Thanks!

If it's a critical update, and my machine says it's needed, it gets installed. I don't have the time or interest to try to read about each and every update, and then determine exactly whether it's needed in my usage scenario or not.

Microsoft released an update for 1 reason or another. Therefore, I think it's important to run it whenever possible. These updates fix security and stability issues.

 

[legacy7955]

One suggestion regarding Windows Updates.

IF you have the time I suggest doing the updates in batches of 5 or so at a time, this way IF and it IS possible, you get an update that causes an issue you can isolate it easier and remove it.

NEVER use system restore to remove an update, always use the page that lets you remove the update properly.

As for whether or not you NEED all updates, well you CERTAINLY need all security updates, never fail to install these, at least then you have a pretty good assurance that you won't have other malware issues .

AGAIN DO NOT FAIL TO INSTALL ALL SECURITY UPDATES!

The other updates, again if you have the time peruse the description and decide if you need them.

 

[windude99]

Also, be sure to get the driver updates and any other optional updates (except Bing Desktop). Tose can help your pc. Be sure to have Windwos 7 Service Pack 1 and get Service Pack 2 when it comes out.

 

[jalnyc]

Ok I think I got all the updates on there and my comp is running great.

Thanks to everyone for all their help!

 

[Brds7t7]

Yes you should download ALL the updates. Microsoft has created these for a reason.
I've never once had a problem installing updates on Windows 7. Anyway windows 7 creates System Restore points before it installs them, so if anything did go wrong you can rollback your system.

I only ever had problems installing a couple of updates on XP. So I do get Karl's eXPired reference!

 

[karlsnooks]

Ok I think I got all the updates on there and my comp is running great.

Thanks to everyone for all their help!

thanks for the feedback and glad hear that all is great,
karl

 

[pparks1]

Also, be sure to get the driver updates and any other optional updates (except Bing Desktop). Tose can help your pc. Be sure to have Windwos 7 Service Pack 1 and get Service Pack 2 when it comes out.

I disagree about driver updates. I would be hesitant to upgrade my drives via Windows update. If I were to update drivers, I would do it from the manufacturer of my hardware itself.

Optional updates are just that, optional. It's your choice. personally, I skip them.

 

[karlsnooks]

MS will only suggest a driver update if it is more recent than your present driver.

Should you desire, after installing, you can always use Device Manager to roll back the driver update.

 

[pparks1]

^ All true and I agree. With respect to drives, I just choose to leave well enough alone if it's working fine.

 

[Brds7t7]

Sorry should have been a bit clearer on my earlier post.

I meant yes to all critical updates. Optional and drivers are completely up to the user.
I've always found the drivers for my hardware from the manufacturers site. With the exception of my tv tuner card, which seems to work better with the driver found by Windows Update. Not sure why though!