Resolved Updating Windows 7

What are the best practices for updating Windows? I have heard some argue that using the automatic updating feature will allow MS to push a lot of unnecessary updates that will end up slowing down the computer. Is this true? For a computer (running Windows 7) that runs Windows Defender 24/7 with WD set to update automatically, is there still a strong need to update Windows itself every day or week, as opposed to a manual update once a month?

 

For the general population, setting Windows to auto update would be the safest & fastest way.

MS doesn't push a lot of unnecessary updates. I believe MS knows best what's necessary & what's not, so there is no point in debating that. If it publishes an update it means there is a problem. End of story.

 

Agree with rsinfo.

I have had all versions of Windows set this way since day one. It works so I didn't change it.

 

Even if an update makes Windows slightly slower, I would live with that. Security is much more important than speed.

 

Unfortunately one of the problems with my first computer (running Win 98) was that it was a bit slow, and of course Windows Update was a convenient target. If the experts here are doing this themselves (running automatic update) I guess I can do it. In the back of my mind I was wondering if the advice to run automatic update was a shotgun approach, for those who didn't know what a mouse was, you know. But if this is the advice that the folks who have responded here follow themselves, its good enough for me.

I'd like to let this thread run a day or two just to get everyone's opinion, and then I'll mark it as solved.

 

It may have been slow, but you needed them as soon as they came out anyways.