KB3078667: how do I know if I really need a particular update or not?

Hi, This is listed as an optional update, but it sounds potentially important:

System malfunction because memory leak occurs in dwm.exe in Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2.

I only recently upgraded from XP to a refurbished computer running Win7, so I'm still getting used to this seemingly endless round of updates. :s After the first few hundred, I called it a day: now I'm only doing Important Security Updates (don't want Win10, either).

Is there a way to actually tell, please, if I "need" an update or not? How do I even know if I *have* a memory leak? I understand that, broadly speaking, Security Updates are a must and Optional means... well: optional. Still, it would be nice to know (without becoming an IT professional) how to figure this stuff out. Thanks very much.

MS package descriptions are pathetic. If that's how they're going to organize it, then I'm not going to worry about it. I don't trust them particularly, and they have had several problematic updates over the past year or so.

Consequently, I run a good AM (Panda) and secure browser (Slimjet), and check Windows Updates Only and leave it at that. I'll scan the Optional ones looking for hardware drivers sometimes. And if I'm running MS Office once in a while I'll check Recommended but also "Check but do not install", just to see what might be there, and then I'll return to the basic settings.

paul1149 said:

MS package descriptions are pathetic. If that's how they're going to organize it, then I'm not going to worry about it.

! Same here - thanks very much for your thoughts on the matter, I felt like I was just flailing around. Arguably, if they're oh say running one of the world's largest software businesses, it is kinda their job to translate clearly to the little guy.

paul1149 said:

Consequently, I run a good AM (Panda) and secure browser (Slimjet), and check Windows Updates Only and leave it at that.

I hadn't heard of Panda or Slimjet, and am always looking for good lightweight browsers in particular so I'm going to check that out. Cheers!

Awesome, ccharlie. Good hunting!