Are Windows Security Updates Really Necessary?

[N3]

If an individual has the following incorporated in their computer are windows security updates necessary?

1. Appropriate antivirus, antispyware, antimalware & anti-ransomware programs.
2. Various adblock programs such as "WOT", etc.
3. Vigilant scrutiny of software downloads & intelligent/common sense web searching.
Concerning the above, I'm interested in the results, be it positive or negative from users with actual experience as opposed to general opinions.

 

[starbuck]

Hi N3,

1. Appropriate antivirus, antispyware, antimalware & anti-ransomware programs.
2. Various adblock programs such as "WOT", etc.
3. Vigilant scrutiny of software downloads & intelligent/common sense web searching.

Whilst the above will help to safeguard your system when using the internet, they do not address the vulnerabilities in the Operating System itself.
Windows security updates address the loopholes that M$ find.
Ok, some will say that they never install the windows updates.... in my mind these are total idiots.
M$ don't send out updates just for the sake of it...... most are there for a reason.
I say 'most' because not all updates address security vulnerabilities.... some are cosmetic changes.
But you asked about 'security updates'... so my answer would be, yes of course they are necessary.

 

[N3]

Thank you for your answer starbuck. Is there a means of knowing which updates are cosmetic?

 

[starbuck]

Is there a means of knowing which updates are cosmetic?

For Win7 - 8.1
The security Updates will always be listed under 'Important'...... so if you only select to install 'Important' updates, this will cover the security releases.

Cosmetic updates will normally be listed under 'Optional'.

The security updates are easy to see:

From the main Windows Update window, click on the important updates available for download and installation.

In the next window, you can go through the list and view a summary on the right-hand side.
At the bottom of the summary, you can follow a link to the in-depth KB article for each update.

For Win10

A new feature has been added:

Start >> Settings >> Update and Security
The new feature is: Looking for information about the latest updates?
Just click that option to get the relevant information.

 

[N3]

Thank you starbuck.