I've been monitoring my Windows 8.1 OS since I got it, and I suspect that Microsoft is using an underhanded approach to force users to update their systems.
It appears as though they download the new OS patches to your box, and then the system will start "acting up" [if you don't have "update automatically". I desire the actual update process to be under my control, so I'm one of these users.].
Since many users have been trained, like Pavlov's dogs, to "reboot" to clear up unknown system problems, this accomplishes their object.
I have experience in the field, so I start looking for what's causing the issues. Usually, the cause is "indeterminate". :)
Yup— had drivers on multiple customers’ systems suddenly croak this past week despite updates being turned off.
What? I've been on Windows 8.1 for several years now, and I've never once seen or heard of this behavior myself or from anyone else. My system is joined to my lab domain and is updated using WSUS. Automatic updates are disabled. I have zero problems. If you have a serious issue, I suggest you post to TechNet or any of the myriad tech sites, because the behavior you describe is more like a virus or malware than legitimate operating system behavior.
I have to chuckle when people post this sort of crap to FR threads. I've been a Microsoft Certified Professional for a while now, and it never ceases to amaze me how people immediately point to Microsoft as the root of a problem.
Hint to ya, if you search any of the common search engines on the web and come across problems similar to yours universally, then it might be an OS issue. Since Microsoft (or Apple or Google for that matter) can't possibly account for the crap you're going to install on your machine, to blame the OS out of the box for your problems is like blaming auto manufacturers for your car troubles after you dump sugar in your gas tank.