Which updates from each list are safe to install?

Topic

New Reply

[TheFamilyIT]

I haven’t updated my Dell laptop for awhile; last update 2018. I’ve attached screenshots below of the Recommended Updates, Important Updates, and Optional Updates.

I don’t know which are those stubborn/re-appearing Win 8.1 Updates that should be hidden?

Also, I have no way to install more RAM or SSD since it’s a solid case laptop and, even if possible, it’ll probably cost as much as the laptop.

• This topic was modified 4 months ago by TheFamilyIT.

Reply | Quote

Replies

My suggestions.
1) Make a full backup before updating.
2) I would only install the first 3 Important Updates. The Jan 2023 Rollup, the Dec 2022 .Net Rollup and MSRT. Even though Windows 8.1 is end of life, MSRT & Defender updates continue to be offered.
I would not install any driver updates without researching and confirming that you really need it. If you determine a driver update was really needed, I would try to download the driver from the manufacture or vendor’s website.
3) I would omit installing the recommended updates unless you want or need to upgrade to version 4.8 of .Net.
4) I would not install any optional updates unless they fix an issue that I was currently having.
I don’t see any stubborn re-appearing updates.

Reply | Quote

I don’t know if I need to upgrade to version 4.8 of .Net… I’m not that tech savvy.

Reply | Quote

Hello FamilyIT, The fact that you are being offered .Net 4.8 means you do not have it installed on your laptop. I do not have .Net 4.8 installed on any of my 3 Windows 8.1 PCs and do not plan to install it. The only reason I would upgrade to .Net 4.8 would be if a program I was using prompted me to install it. So if you are not sure, I would go with no you don’t need it. Hope this helps.

Reply | Quote

I tried to do the Windows update and clicked the Install button but got an Error 8009001D 2 seconds later. I didn’t turn off the firewall or anything, just clicked Install after doing a full image backup and Rescue media USB. Do you have any ideas to fix this?

Reply | Quote

Got an Error 404 when trying to download Windows USB/DVD Download Tool after clicking the next button and the “download manually” link. I even tried with another language.

What do I do?

FYI, I was able to download the Win 8.1 ISO File.

Reply | Quote

@alex5723 and @b, any ideas? Read my August post above. Is it safe to get it from someplace else?

Reply | Quote

You can use other download sites, but only those that download directly from Microsoft like https://heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-download-tool

1 user thanked author for this post.

TheFamilyIT

Reply | Quote

Oh, ok… like Major Geeks site?  How can you tell if a site truly got it from Microsoft?

Reply | Quote

Heidoc is not Major Geeks. Anyway, Major Geeks site usually has a direct download link from the developers sites.

Reply | Quote

I know it’s not Major Geeks. So… How can you tell if a site truly got it from Microsoft and/or is trying to fake it ?

Reply | Quote