Resolved "Windows updates" vs. "MS Security updates"?

I'm a little confused. I run a small 2-machine LAN & after reading about the WANNACRY incidents decided to check my setup. Both my windows updates are current, and by far the greatest number of installed apps are up to date. But Belarc adviser profiles of both machines show missing security updates. I checked out some of these security updates at the MS site, but it's unclear to me if I actually need these and, if so, how to install them. Do I have to install these, or are they only meant for large enterprise systems? I'd appreciate some advice on the relationship ofsecurity updates to small LANs. Thanks - edo

 

Sadly, you did not tell us the operating systems these systems are running. If W7, W8, or W10 and Windows Update reports your systems current, then you are protected against the WannaCry ransomware threat.

Your issue is not unique. Many have reported similar issues with Belarc. Not all updates are required, in spite of what Belarc reports.

I would trust Windows Update over a third party app.

Do make sure you have the latest version of Belarc though.

 

Thanks, Bill. My machine(s) specs are in my profile. Maybe they didn't show 'cause I was updating just now to make mention of the second machine. Anyway, they are both win7, one to a 64 bit Dell Inspiron 360S & the other a 34 bit Shuttle XS36VL.
Interesting that others have had the same experience as mine with Belarc's reporting of missing security updates. But I'm still interested in knowing in general if MS security updates are applicable to home LANs, regardless of what Belarc reports. - edo

 

Thanks but I never assume System Specs shown go to the machine in question unless the poster mentions it. People often come here seeking help for a friend or relative's computer, or they have several computers. I have 6 systems here - all different. And as you noted, you have two different computers - quite different - with one running 32-bit and the other 64-bit.

That said, I don't see them in your profile. In fact, I don't see where they can be viewed by anyone but you.

MS security updates deal with all sorts of different aspects of the operating system. It all depends on the specific update. It may have nothing to do with networks at all. Depending on your settings, it may have nothing to do with Windows at all, and may be related to Microsoft Word or another Microsoft product.

Note that many updates are superseded by subsequent updates. It is possible Belarc is reporting a no longer needed update is what is missing.

Again, we would need to know the specific update in question in order to provide a specific answer. But again, Windows Update is a very refined product these days and if it is reporting your systems are current (at least for Microsoft products), I would trust that.

 

And for sure, there are new updates coming out all the time. Today is Tuesday so there are a couple more. Keep checking both Windows Update and Belarc. There's a good chance it will all work out on its own.

And for that matter, since Microsoft wants you to update to W10, those updates you see may be for that.

 

Hm, I don't know why my profile can't be read by others. Some miss-setting I suppose, but offhand I can't find it.
I mainly get from your reply that I needn't bother myself about MS updates as long as the windows updates are current. So I'll forget about them unless someone else chimes in otherwise. Thanks again - edo

 

I am not saying don't bother with them because keeping our systems current is one of most important ways to keep our systems secure from the latest threats. I just am saying don't worry about Belarc saying you are missing them.

Every time Windows Updates runs, it scans your computer to see what is needed. If you are missing something old that is needed, it will download and install it.