KB3054476 offered as "Important"/"Recommended"/"Optional"

Hi:

Looking for insight/advice re: KB3054476.

According to Infoworld, it was "Optional" in May, but I was not offered it then.
This week, it was offered as "Important" and "Recommended" (!), but only for one of my 2 Win7/64 boxes.

I have read the MS KB article, as well as THIS FORUM THREAD, the latter of which includes a report of a BSOD due to this particular update.

However, there isn't much out on the web about it.
And most of the discussion about it is overly technical for me.
And I am confused as to why it was previously offered as "Optional", but now is "Important" or "Recommended".

I don't *think* I "need" it (as I have no webcam on this box). And I don't like to tempt fate by fixing things that are not broken.

So, 3 questions:

1. Is it safe to install?
2. Is it really necessary/important?
3. Or would I be OK to hide it?

Thanks very much in advance!

The status of updates changes with circumstances.
If an update isn't relevant, it won't be offered at all.
If however it's relevant but the related software is not apparently in use, it may be 'optional' - and gravitate to 'Recommended' or 'Important' if the related software is in use.
It can also be promoted through the hierarchy by MS depending on feedback through WU and error-trapped feedback.


If you have (and use) a webcam, then it's probably best to install the update.

I install all optional updates. Hasn't affected my installation. May not really need it now, but sometime down the line I may.

Hi, Noel:

Thanks for quick and informative reply.

NoelDP said:

The status of updates changes with circumstances.
If an update isn't relevant, it won't be offered at all.
If however it's relevant but the related software is not apparently in use, it may be 'optional' - and gravitate to 'Recommended' or 'Important' if the related software is in use.
It can also be promoted through the hierarchy by MS depending on feedback through WU and error-trapped feedback.

That makes sense.

If you have (and use) a webcam, then it's probably best to install the update.

Nope, this system has no webcam.
So I think I might hide this patch for now.

Much obliged, as always.

You're welcome - and thanks for the rep!