No updates installed since 2010. Which updates do I need?

BestUsername · 19 Apr 2018

I've had automatic updates turned off on my pc since I got it in 2010, and have never installed any updates.

There are now 137 "important updates", and 46 "optional updates."

I have attached screenshots of these recommended updates.

Which of these updates do I really need and how may installing them change the way my computer performs?

Should I install the latest versions of certain updates, or do I need to install every version of them for the latest version to work? Or are each update unique? In other words, does the latest version of a security update already include the past updates from the former version?

Do I need these security updates if I am running another updated security program on the PC? (ESET NOD32)

(Of the optional updates, I know I personally do not need the language pack updates.)

Thank you.

mrjimphelps · 20 Apr 2018

Optional updates: If everything is working ok with your computer and with all attached devices, I suggest that you don't install any of the "optional" updates. If your computer has any issues which are addressed by any of the "optional" updates, and you have tried everything else to fix these issues, then install only those optional updates which are for the issues that you couldn't resolve any other way.

Important updates: I suggest you install all "important" updates prior to January 1, 2018. But don't install any of the "important" updates from 2018, because there are a lot of problems reported with many of the 2018 updates.

Jody Thornton · 20 Apr 2018

mrjimphelps said:

Optional updates: If everything is working ok with your computer and with all attached devices, I suggest that you don't install any of the "optional" updates. If your computer has any issues which are addressed by any of the "optional" updates, and you have tried everything else to fix these issues, then install only those optional updates which are for the issues that you couldn't resolve any other way.

Important updates: I suggest you install all "important" updates prior to January 1, 2018. But don't install any of the "important" updates from 2018, because there are a lot of problems reported with many of the 2018 updates.

Wow it's that bad, eh? (Referring to the post-2018 important updates). Is this besides having to do with Spectre and Meltdown mitigation patches?