Windows Optional Updates

[Raizinman]

I just repaired a Windows 8.1 computer and reinstalled the operating system. The Windows updates took about an hour or two, but what about the optional updates? There were about 25 or so optional updates. Is it normally just OK to click on all the optional updates and let them install? Can it hurt anything? What does everyone else do?

 

[Ketchup]

I click on the link for details and see if I need it or not.

 

[ronbo613]

I have Windows 7, but it's pretty much the same updates. After the Win10 invasion, I check every single Windows Update. So far, all the optional or recommended updates have been Windows 10 related, save for a couple obscure language or other non essential updates. My advice, if you don't want to check every single update, is to install the critical updates and forget the rest.

 

[nerp]

There usually is no reason not to get an optional update unless it's a driver or software tool that you specifically are tying to avoid. Often they are minor, non-security tweaks to the OS and supporting applications and you'll eventually get them anyway the next time MS pushes a new major build of the OS. And that's coming this summer.

 

[MustISO]

I don't typically install any of the optional updates unless they fix a specific issue.