Windows 8 Update failing at 15%

I have noticed a series of failures for recent important Windows 8 updates (including KB2769034, KB2769165, KB2770917, etc). My update history looks like this…

So what was the problem? A preinstalled application called Nitro Pro 7! I was patient enough (at first) to update the software by following the instructions over at the Lenovo support site. I know this kind of software install is lucrative to the OEM but it really wears on the experience of using the PC, new comers to the market appear to be getting the message though. I simply removed all the shovelware from my machine. What a pain!