You always have to be careful installing hotfixes because they can break things, however KB2510636 and KB2617858 are awesome generic updates that everyone should have installed in their systems, because they speed up Windows 7 startup and boot times.
Often times it is not recommended for regular users to install Windows hotfix updates manually, because it can send people to a different servicing track versus just getting your updates from Windows Update all the time. They are really specific pieces of code that are intent to solve specific issues and most of the time these updates are released for particular customers, although in some cases Microsoft has generics ones that could help to improve your system like the two I am going to mention today.
KB2510636
This KB update fixes startup boot times making Windows boot faster. This specific update comes preinstalled in most OEM computers (e.g., HP, Acer, ASUS, Toshiba, etc.), so don’t be surprised if when you try to apply this update, you get a notification that the fix doesn’t apply to your system. Basically, this hotfix can short the startup time anywhere from 5 to 8 seconds.
You can install this update in Windows Server 2008 R2 or in Windows 7.
To download this hotfix and get more information visit this Microsoft resource: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2510636
KB2617858
This KB update fixes unexpected slow Windows startup or logon process. For example, your PC takes longer than 3 minutes to start. This problem may occur because Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) performs unnecessary validation process.
You can install this update in Windows Server 2008 R2 or in Windows 7.
To download this hotfix and get more information visit this Microsoft resource: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2617858
Instructions
The process to install these updates are pretty simple, just visit two links specified above, request the downloads, check your email and download the hotfixes. Then double-click the file to install.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].