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Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
I’m a Group B user, firmly in the less-is-more camp.
Windows Update is offering me this:
December, 2016 Security and Quality Rollup for .NET Framework 3.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1, 4.6.2 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64 (KB3205402)
Should I install it?
Thanks!
SC
Hi SC – welcome!
Group B do not install “quality updates” generally, unless they are .net or Office-related. The general advice has been to install .net updates.
Based on Woody’s article last month, if you haven’t installed a .net Security Only December update, that could be installed. It is unlikely to be urgent, so you may prefer to wait for another opinion, before proceeding 🙂
If you abide by Woody’s DEFCON rules (ie, wait till the number is 3 or above) the .NET Rollups that appear checked in the WU important updates are safe to install.
If you are in Group B, the updates you want to avoid are “Security Monthly Quality ROLLUP” for Windows.
The security-only updates for Windows do not show up in Windows Update. They are titled “Security Only Quality UPDATE” for Windows and have to be downloaded from the MS Update Catalog and manually installed.
The difference here is in the terminology: ROLLUP vs UPDATE.
Providing you wait for the MSDEFCON number to be 3 or above, the rest of the updates should be safe including the ROLLUP for NET, any for IE, Office, etc.
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