Are These Windows Updates and Others Safe to Install ?

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Urgent. I haven’t updated since April 2022 my Win10 Pro Desktop. Are these NVIDIA Display and WU safe to install?

Will like to update before Nov. WU show up. Also, if past WU appear after install the current safe list of WU, which ones will be safe to install ?

NVIDIA – Display – 30.0.15.1215

Intel – Net – 12.19.0.16

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool x64 – v.5.106 KB890830

2022-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 21H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5018410)

2022-09 Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5, 4.8 and 4.8.1 for Windows 10 Version 21H2 for x64 (KB5017500)

I know to keep hiding KB4023057 and KB5005463

I still have under Optional Updates, a very long list of Intel – Other hardware – Intel(R) E7 v3/Core i7 type of Drivers that has been sitting for long time. Last winter I was told to be careful and not touch it because can’t uninstall if they cause issues afterwards.

@pkcano  The Pause updates for 7 days has the greyed out issue just like the last time I turned on my Desktop in April when I was updating to 21H2. I wanted to let you know..I guess I will wait for Win10 Pro to Check for Updates on it’s own then Click ‘Download’ Button, right.

-My Desktop is a Custom Built 2014 Desktop Windows 10 Pro 21H2 Build 19044.1586

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Monthly Cumulative Updates (CUs) are cumulative. You only need the latest one.
We do not recommend installing Preview updates.

In Group Policy, under Windows Update, there is a setting to NOT include driver updates with Windows Update. Enabling that will prevent those drivers from downloading/installing with the monthly updates even if you see them in wushowhide. We recommend obtaining the drivers from the PC OEm or the device OEM.

The Master Patch List is an excellent guide to what updates are /safe. to install. Susan keeps it updates several times per month with her recommendations. It comes in several flavors: .PDF, spreadsheet, etc. Check the updates you are offered against that list.

If the “Pause” option is grayed out, and you have not set Pause, or have NOT used any third-party update blockers like WUMgr, O&OShutup, etc., look in GP under Windows Update. There is a setting in there to not allow access to Pause – if the setting enabled, you should disable it. As long as Pause is enabled, you will not see any updates in the WU queue b/c Pause blocks the Windows Update Service. Use the GP setting “2” (notify download/install) to prevent automatic download/install. Reference AKB2000016 for settings. If you use the “2,” you should not use Pause

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I haven’t used any 3rd party update blockers and I haven’t touched the Pause button. In GP under Windows Update, I see “Remove access to “Pause updates” feature” and it’s not configured. Is this what you wanted me check?  And the GP Setting is 2.  In April, I had to wait for Win10 to check for updates by itself..but it would be nice to not have to.

I haven’t hidden any updates that’s listed above yet using wushowhide.

I have used your method in Reference AKB2000016.

Ok so hide the Intel – Net – 12.19.0.16. And For the Intel Drivers under Optional Updates, when you say OEM, I’m assuming that means going to Intel’s website and hopefully from there their website can detect my PC’s drivers and then can download and install the correct ones without hurting my PC ??  I’m scared..(if PC working then don’t mess it with/don’t rock the boat”…soo what will happen if I never install/update those Intel Drivers ?

Do I need to be worried about Win 10 Pro installing by itself those Intel Drivers that are under Optional Updates even though Win 10 has not installed (that I am aware of..at least) in the past/since building my PC ??

Is NVIDIA – Display – 30.0.15.1215 safe to install ?

I can’t see Master Patch List since I’m not a Plus Member.

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PKCano wrote:

In Group Policy, under Windows Update, there is a setting to NOT include driver updates with Windows Update. Enabling that will prevent those drivers from downloading/installing with the monthly updates even if you see them in wushowhide. We recommend obtaining the drivers from the PC OEm or the device OEM.

If you do this setting, you will not need to worry about the drivers in WU.

Check with Intel for the correct drivers for the Intel devices.

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A. Ok I did that Driver Setting. So, I hide Intel – Net – 12.19.0.16 and the Intel – Net – 12.19.0.16 ??  Do I install NVIDIA – Display – 30.0.15.1215 ?  There’s a 31. something version of the display inside Optional Updates, fyi.

B. Since “Remove access to “Pause updates” feature” is not configured. Then..is my only option is to wait for my Win 10 Pro to check for updates? If yes, if the clock changing tonight back 1 hour make it unsafe to install updates if my PC ends up having the same Clock issue in the spring (which was that it didn’t auto changed the time even though all settings are correct) ?

B2. Or would changing my Network to “Metered Connection” and follow your Steps in the Reference AK2000013 could fix my Greyed Out Pause Text issue and clear WU Queue ??

If yes, in my case do I need to do this Step, Open Services – highlight Windows Update Service, set to Manual, Apply, DO NOT start the service. Close Services. ?  I just went to look at it and without touching anything in its Start Up Type Column it says ‘Manual (Trigger Start)’ and Status Column it is blank.

During the 1st time that I updated Win 10 Pro I didn’t need to change to Metered connection of set go into Services during the 1st time that I updated Win 10 Pro after following your steps in AK 2000016 and that one time the “Pause Updates” Text wasn’t greyed out.

 

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PKCano wrote:

We recommend obtaining the drivers from the PC OEM or the device OEM.

The PC clock needs to be the correct time.

If you have “2” set, you don’t need Metered connections b/c the updates won’t download. The only reason for Metered connections is to keep the updates from downloading.

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@pkcano ok..so the only question left is Do I install NVIDIA – Display – 30.0.15.1215 please answer about this update ? And I hide Intel – Net – 12.19.0.16 and the Intel – Net – 12.19.0.16, right ??

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Don’t install the Nvidia drivers that are offered from Windows Update.  The better method is to get the latest driver directly from your computer manufacturer (Dell, Lenovo, etc.) or go to Nvidia’s website, locate the appropriate driver for your machine (or video card) based on your OS and then download and install the driver.  At Nvidia’s website you can also read the “Release Notes” for the update driver and decide if you want to update it.

If you are unsure what type of video driver you need, you can find out the type of Display driver(s) by looking either in your “Device Manager” or “System Information”.  Either can be accessed by using the search box.  You will have to expand the categories.

https://www.nvidia.com/download/index.aspx

You might wonder:  Do I need to update my video driver?   It depends on your use.  If you use games or the latest software, then you might need or have to.  Also, in some cases the updated driver may fix security issues, so that might be a reason too.  However, if you are not experiencing any problems, then you might not have to update.  Personally, I update any drivers for my newer computers (less than 3 years old), otherwise I rarely update drivers for the older computers since those are rarely supported anyway.

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What I do many times is simply Google the driver number and name.  Most of the time, I’ll get some information that will help me decide if I want to install that version.

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I’m not a tech savvy person and I’m not a gamer my PC from 2014 and I never touched anything that Nvidia offers to update drivers. I googled driver even though WU list says Display, but I still don’t know if I should update Geforce gtx 970..it is still being supported.

WU says NVIDIA Display version 30.xx.xx.xxxx something (you can see above for exact ver.) and I hid it.  Should I only download and not install the newest Driver from their website (which I don’t remember doing before) or through Geforce Experience App(which I never opened) in order to save it for the future..so don’t need to worry not having a supported Driver Version. OR will having a Downloaded Version will cause issues later on if WU updates or how ever Display version was installed in 2020 ??

I guess I should also hide NVIDIA Display Version 31.xx.xx.xxxx seen in Optional Updates?

I’m assuming NVIDIA Display Version in WU is a Driver Update.

Nvidia’s support article does say if nothing is broken then really need to update or if you have old model.  My GTX 970 was updated in 2020, BUT not by me..I’m guessing by WU or Geforce Experience App.

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After a Google query, it didn’t take me more than 5 minutes to locate the display driver from Nvidia.

“Windows 10 version 1803 and Later Servicing Drivers, Windows 10 Version 1803 and Later Upgrade & Servicing Drivers …”

I suspect that both the Nvidia driver and the Intel driver are compatibility and/or security fixes for the latest versions of Windows 10 (since 1803).  So…..install both.  Whether you install them via Windows Update or the computer manufacturer is your choice.

If you’re not having any problems with the functionality of your computer, it is entirely up to you whether or not to install the newest drivers.

As Windows 10 slowly progresses with updates toward the end result which is Windows 11, newer drivers will be needed to be fully compatible.  However on older machines, with older hardware, the drivers will be unavailable.  And, at some point, you will be unable to use the newest Windows operating systems.

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There’s generic Intel Drivers and ones from Manufacturer Driver(which for me is the same manufacturer as my motherboard…which should I do?  Do I install Intel’s Driver Support Assistant or just use Intel website’s that checks what drivers you have and what to update?

I’m not Tech Savvy..I need my hand held with detailed steps before I do anything.

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@pkcano Forgot, what is your answer to B. Since “Remove access to “Pause updates” feature” is not configured. Then..is my only option is to wait for my Win 10 Pro to check for updates?

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Just being annoying….. it honestly doesn’t take much to be a Plus member.

That said I never recommend installing drivers from Microsoft update.  Rather I see it as a sign to look for an update from the vendor.

I should do an article about that 🙂  Thanks for the idea!

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

1 user thanked author for this post.

Mike

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O.k. so I hid NVIDIA Display update in WU list and the newer version in Optional List. That’s a good way of thinking as a sign/reminder instead. But..I’m confused…The Vendor NVIDIA Support Article says Nvidia’s Support article (Link Below) does says good rule of thumb is IF nothing is broken then really need to update or if you have old model. https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/34/kw/kepler%20support

Sooo, what should I do?

My GTX 970 was updated in 2020, BUT not by me..I’m guessing by WU or Geforce Experience App.

Should I only download and not install the newest Driver from their website (which I don’t remember doing before) or through Geforce Experience App(which I never opened) in order to save it for the future..so don’t need to worry not having a supported Driver Version. OR will having a Downloaded Version will cause issues later on if WU updates or how ever Display version was installed in 2020 ??

Now I am waiting for WU to auto check for updates in order to to clear the Queue since Pause button is greyed out.

I’m glad I gave you an idea for a future article =)

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I always get the “stable” Nvidia driver. With Windows 10, I tend to review video driver updates at least once a year.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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Video drivers can have holes for malware to exploit and therefore should be updated from the motherboard / Nvidia site. Check the update details to find out if it’s a security update.

Instead of waiting for WU to check, download and run WuMgr and click the “check” (circular arrows) button for an immediate check. You do not need to install the updates from WuMgr, the instant check alone is worthwhile.

For $5 per year you can be a plus member. Great value!

cheers, Paul

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@paul-t  I checked NVIDIA’s website again and for my GPU the update (my GPU still supported) it says this, “Effective October 2021, upgrades, including performance enhancements, new features, and bug fixes, will be available for systems utilizing Maxwell, Pascal, Turing, and Ampere-series GPUs. Critical security updates for only certain GPU series.”

So now what should I do..what’s your opinion??… since NVIDIA Support page says, “Good rule of thumb is IF your NVIDIA based graphics card is an older model, then we suggest you update your drivers only if you are experiencing problems while running newer software on your PC.”  Then other people say something else on what they do in regard of updating  gpu drivers.

I have a cooling fan system with big tubes(guessing is a water cooling sys.) My GPU’s temperature in the summer would increase quickly(like in 10 mins) after opening up Photoshop from few years back and then quickly cool down after closing the App. But, since I don’t know anything…I don’t know if Temperature in the 60s for NVIDIA GPU is normal ?

Also, do you know if it’s safe/not cause issues in the future with my idea of only downloading and not install the newest NVIDIA Driver from their website??.. in order to save it for the future..so don’t need to worry not having a supported Driver Version.

 

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Make that setting in Group Policy.
Do NOT install ANY drivers from Windows Update. Not Intel, Not Nvidia, NOT any other driver.

Get your driver updates from the device OEM.

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Do this before updating? And When you say, make that setting in Group Policy, do you mean changing “Remove access to “Pause updates” feature” Setting from Not Configured to Disabled ?

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That is about DRIVERS, not Pause.

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Oh, ok. Do you think changing that GP setting that mentions Pause to Disable from not configured would fix my Pause for 7 days Text is Greyed Out issue ??

 

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I am getting conflicting info here on if there’s a need to update Intel Drivers on a Desktop built in 2014. For example, Post #2495631 on November 5, 2022 at 11:52 pm said this like,Old hardware may not have support for intel drivers and “…eventually on old PC will not be able to use latest Windows…”

Another example,  last Nov. 6, 2022  Post #2495819 says, that updating drivers can break what is working..but bugs and security vulnerabilities can remain present. BUT “For Old PCs circa 2015, Drivers are not updated unless there’s an observed problem.”

 

Sorry for all the writing below –

And me just reading About Drivers in Intel’s Website, I’m overwhelmed/scared and with many questions like, since there’s generic Intel Drivers and Intel Drivers from Manufacturer Driver(my manufacturer is my Motherboard’s Brand company)…which should I install? Website says generic isn’t configured/customized..but what happens if only option for my 2014 PC is generic version. Do I install Intel’s Driver Support Assistant or just use Intel website’s that checks what drivers you have and what to update?

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For what it’s worth, I use Intel’s Driver & Support Assistant and keep Intel’s drivers up to date. (It’s useful in that I don’t have to go hunting for Intel’s updated drivers.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download-center/home.html

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Updating critical device drivers such as video or network should be done carefully. I update critical drivers one at a time. Then rebooting between each individual critical update. Before starting this manual process, I take an image backup and I take a system checkpoint. You have to be ready to recover from a bad driver update. Sometimes driver rollback is a recovery option.

Updating drivers can break what is working. For example, updating the NVIDIA driver and the Intel Net drivers via Windows Update have both broken my configuration in the past. Driver installers may not anticipate all the variability in users configurations. So in Group Policy, updating drivers automatically from Windows Update, is disabled.

But by not updating drivers, security vulnerabilities or other bugs can remain present. What to do then?

For old PC’s, circa 2015, drivers are not updated unless there is an observed problem.

For new PC’s, drivers are individually updated. (Hardware gets released before the required software device driver matures to high quality.)

Windows 10 22H2 desktops & laptops on Dell, HP, ASUS; No servers, no domain.

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I blocked drivers update in Windows 10 Pro (GPEdit).
I update my PC with every new release of Intel and Nvidia GPU DCH driver directly from the source.

I keep an updated list of Intel, Nvidia and AMD GPU drivers at Lenovo’s Gaming laptop forum.

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Nvidia give the same advice as we do, “if it aint broke, don’t fix it”. This means you don’t need to download the driver as you are not going to install it.

60 degrees is nothing for a GPU, but 80 may be indicate your cooling is not working as well as it might. Does the GPU ever get over 60?

cheers, Paul

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TheFamilyIT wrote:

I checked NVIDIA’s website again and for my GPU the update (my GPU still supported) it says this, “Effective October 2021, upgrades, including performance enhancements, new features, and bug fixes, will be available for systems utilizing Maxwell, Pascal, Turing, and Ampere-series GPUs. Critical security updates for only certain GPU series.”

Just FYI, your GTX 970 uses their Maxwell architecture so it’s still supported.

As for whether or not you should update your Nvidia driver, it’s best to actually take a look at the release notes to see what was fixed in the new version that might apply to your particular setup.

Also, as Susan pointed out, it’s a good idea to update the driver if the one you’re currently using is more than a year old as it may contain bugs that would allow someone to hack into your system (the current driver for your GTX 970 is 526.47 released on 10/27/22.)

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