Windows 7: Security Monthly Quality Rollup

I have been using W7 Pro x64 for ages and have been delighted with it and intend to stay with it until Microsoft eventually drives me to Linux. Now down to my question. I have been receiving a Security Monthly Quality Rollup and beginning to wonder if I really need to download it. The latest weighs in at a shade under 200 mb and it seems a bit OTT when the regular updates used to be a lot smaller. Surely there can't be that many holes to patch after so many years. I have never had a single freeze up or BSOD so what is the reason for such a huge update every month?

Microsoft changed about a year ago from individual updates to one big rollup update for each month.

I have Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, and I do auto updates on each of these computers. I figure that as a home user, there's less risk from the update than from some of the malware out there. I do regular backups, so I can reverse the effect of an update if it messes something up on my computer.

Like you, this is driving me to Linux. I have already set up a dual boot on my Windows 7 computer, with Linux Mint on one side and Windows 7 on the other side. I mostly work in Linux, going to Windows only if needed. I suggest that you get started soon with your transition to Linux, because it may take some time to get everything you need working in Linux. If you wait till January 2020 to begin making the switch, you likely won't be able to do all of the tasks you currently are able to do in Windows.

Thanks for your input and advice. You have given me something to think about. Start the change sooner rather than later. :)