Windows Update: Does a gamer who just installs Steam/Origin/etc. on a PC need to run updates? I've never heard of an essential update that improves performance, or fixes anything related to gaming. What is the point of windows update for a strictly gaming system? Say I install your basic final version of Microsoft Windows 7. Can anyone list an update that is a good idea to download for a gaming pc?
Windows 10 won't be force-downloaded if you neuter WU, that's for sure lol. If all you would do is play legit games, I wouldn't care either tbh if SP1 and IE11 are installed.
This should be self explanatory, updates aren't just performance related. They improve stability, security, and a whole host of other things. If your computer is using Steam, it's connected to the internet. Of course you should be running updates.
Sensible people only ever apply security updates and updates that fix specific problems that affect them.
For Windows 7 or 8.1 install updates with Autopatcher,its much better than automatic/manual updates from Ms.
Some updates are critical for gaming. For example, you can't really play on Windows 8.1 RTM without installing general availability and first comulative update because of mouse issues. Some games require newer versions of DirectX so you need a platform update from WU. Anyway, why are you asking? NOT installing updates is veery bad idea on all platforms..