MC never (almost) updates on windows 8

Let me think, I wonder where I can finally begin. First off, my MC browser is still on Version 1.6.4 and my friend has her server on 1.7.2. Here's the problem that occurs time and time again for me. IT NEVER UPDATES. The MC launchers have caused me nothing but trouble ever since the first one was released. Then after about at least one to two months of not playing MC, my launcher updates some time in between. This has driven me crazy for months and I began my search for a bug report and finally found one. I am beginning to HATE MC with a burning passion. It is in my top five of most hated games