Windows Update vs. Microsoft Update

JackNaylorPE · 30 May 2015

When Microsoft Update came out, my general understanding was that it was Windows Update + "All Other MS Products Update", however, I have noticed when running a check with Belarc Advisor on a machine, that there is usually from one to a dozen or so "missing" windows updates. If it was a matter of just going to the KB page and downloading a fix, wouldn't care but last machine I looked at for someone (right after running WU) had 15.

I looked at the 1st 5 or 6 and they were all security fixes that stated MicroSoft Update had to be used. Again, w/o any MS products other than the OS, wondering why this is happening. It was just a quick visit and if I had time I would done more investigating but have been hearing this more and more of late. Note, I do get NET updates from WU tho I oft see it stated that you need MU for that.

NoelDP · 31 May 2015

While Belarc is generally pretty good, it is not infallible, and sometimes decides that certain patched which aren't relevant should be present.
I suspect that mostly this is because their target audience is primarily the Domain user, rather than the Peer networking user - or perhaps because they didn't read the small print on the KB article concerned

You may be surprised at what gets installed outside the Windows Update framework that is covered by Microsoft Update - and how little of it is obvious to the user.
Many third-party programs will install various versions of the C++ runtimes, or other language runtimes - the most obvious possibly being the Nero stable of products, which last time added three different MS libraries, which all qualify for Microsoft Updates, but not Windows Update - I think!
You'll get updates for .NET 3.5 through Windows Update - but I haven't looked to see whether you'll also get the v4.5 updates or not. (I always have Microsoft Updates switched on, on any machine I work on)