Should i install windows optional updates

Microsoft Windows update lists an optional driver update available: nVidia Geforce GTX display software update size Should I download and install these kinds of optional driver updates? My graphics card is working properly, why should I install something that might mess things up? Become a Patron of Ask Leo! Driver updates can be tricky beasts.

Because they deal with hardware at a fairly low level, they can have a fairly dramatic impact on system performance, both good and bad. Now, of course, the Microsoft haters will point out repeatedly and vehemently that update so-and-so completely hosed their machine, or that Windows Update regularly causes them grief. Now figure that according to Microsoft predictions by now there are well over a billion Windows installations.

I backup of course. Every night. Subscribe to Confident Computing! Use Google Fonts in Word. Use FaceTime on Android Signal vs. Customize the Taskbar in Windows What Is svchost.

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Best iPad Air Cases. Awesome PC Accessories. Best Linux Laptops. Best Wireless iPhone Earbuds. Typically, going from an older to the newest release requires full reinstallation, and this process can sometimes cause unexpected problems. In addition to possible unknown and known issues resulting from the new system changes, you may also see software and compatibility problems if the computer has outdated drivers, poorly designed apps, programs designed for an old version of Windows, or use third-party security software.

It is never a good idea to rush the upgrade to a new version of Windows 10 since during the initial rollout, unknown bugs, errors, and compatibility problems are expected. Once a new version releases, you will eventually receive a notification in the Windows Update settings letting you know if the feature update is ready. If you do not get the notification, you should not try to force it using the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant because the chances of running into issues will be higher.

If the computer in question uses an older version of the operating system and does not have any issues, you should wait. However, you should not skip the update completely. Eventually, that specific version will be discontinued and will no longer receive maintenance updates, leading to other problems and making the device vulnerable. If you have a specific problem, one of these drivers might help.

Otherwise, automatic drivers will keep your drivers up to date. The optional drivers should not be installed on devices that don't have any issues or problems that may be associated with the devices that the listed drivers power, e. Wi-Fi connectivity or the printer. They are to be ignored if everything works as expected.

If problems or issues are encountered, then it is possible that these drivers may resolve these issues as they provide an alternative to the drivers that are used on the device currently. Windows administrators may uninstall the alternative drivers again after they have been installed, e. The drivers offered under optional updates are usually older or default drivers, and that is one reason why some of them are backdated as they might be installed otherwise, e.

Microsoft will push updated drivers to devices via Windows Updates if manufacturers release new driver versions that pass certification; this is an automatic process that happens behind the scenes. Drivers that are installed automatically via Windows Update are rolled out gradually. Drivers in Optional updates provide an option if a device that is powered by one of the offered drivers is not working properly.

Administrators could also hunt down a driver on the manufacturer's website instead. Older drivers, beta drivers, or new drivers may be offered there and they may resolve the issue as well. Now You : Do you install drivers manually on your devices? Block drivers updates. This is not really the case in , while you are correct in the best drivers available are from the OEM. Microsoft since 64bit WHQL driver signing which is essentially Windows 7 going forward Microsoft driver updates via Windows Update have been overall quite good and a lot easier on the average consumer computer user and also helps the average computer user from trying to accidentally update the wrong driver for the hardware version then trying to force them because the user got it wrong, not Windows.

The article provided here is really just reflecting the recent change in updates. This recent change with optional drivers are for those who experience issues with current drivers as an alternate quick fix. Most blue screens these days from from bad RAM or from bad power supplies. Then you can go investigate. The DCH graphics drivers are a real piss-off. Unless you knew better, you basically were being coerced into needing a MS Store account to get the nvidia control panel.

Screw them and their drivers. I have that junk turned off in gpedit. There are non-DCH versions available now. Article raises the question why some driver updates have dates from Then defers to an MS quote that does not answer this question.