Windows 7 Updates: Optional updates are displayed in Italics 64-bit

Question

original title: Windows 7 Updates in Italics 64-bit

I just got a new computer with Windows 7 Home Premium, IE8, and have been installing updates. I finished the Important updates and looked at Optoinal.  There are 14 under Optional that are all listed inItalics and they have 64-bit with each one.  These were not there several weeks ago when I first started updating this computer (that I remember).

The are two directories on the system for Program Files, C:\Program Files\ and C:\Program Files (x86).  x86 is 32-bit, correct?  The few  programs I have installed so far, I have discovered, installed in the C:\Program Files (x86).  Malwarebytes has installed there, CCleaner installed there......

Why are these updates in Italics with 64-bit.  I assume I need to install these too?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Optional yet recommended updates are displayed in italics.

The "Windows Update->Optional" category of updates contain both fully optional ones (e.g. updated help files, more recent drivers) and others that are optional in the sense that they don't fix a security threat or widespread stability problems, but are however recommended because they can solve actual issues people are facing (e.g. KB2522422: Cannot print from Internet Explorer 9 using some Canon printers).

Answer 2

There is a saying if it ain't broke don't try to fix it.

Optional Updates, are new features, updates, or Ultimate Extras that arenot necessary to install for proper functionality of the operating system or applications

Source: <http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial140.html#updates>

Do not install any driver updates offered by Windows Update. Get them from the manufacturer's website instead.

Answer 3

This does not answer the question, and should not be listed as an answer.  The question is related to the significance of the italics, not a request for an explanation of optional updates. 

If you don't know, don't answer.

Answer 4

Thank you for your reply.  I totally agree with that saying.  I only asked because they wereItalicized and I had never seen that before.  I have also seen enough warnings from you guys in these and other forums, including the extinct Newsgroups, that I would never install the drivers from WU.

Thank you again for your help