First of all, one problem with some programs that come pre-installed (Norton for one) is that they are only trial versions and after a few weeks revert to cut-down free versions which do not necessarily auto-update.
So be careful and make sure you check either it is updating or you up-date on a regular basis.
Re Windows update, I to do not have it set for auto-update either simply because of the reason that it can slow down my PC at a time when I don't want it doing so or also that annoying message that says do not stop the install when you are trying to shut down the PC and therefore have to wait what seems a eternity before you can either shut down or open properly.
I prefer to update Windows manually then if it needs to re-start it will be at a time I am ready and waiting for it to do so.
As for the graphics problem, my only thought on that is if it has sorted itself, then there is not a lot you need to do, Ok I suppose you could check the driver to see if it needs updating, but that usually happens with Windows update anyway, providing you have not just selected the normal update.
(AV, Firewall and Sonar protection switched off)
Hopefully you have made sure these are now switched back on.