Keeping Windows Server updated is essential for security and stability. This guide covers checking, installing, and scheduling updates both through the GUI and PowerShell.
Prerequisites
- Windows Server VPS with Administrator access
Checking for Updates via GUI
- Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Click Download and install for any available updates
Checking for Updates via PowerShell
Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate -Force
Get-WindowsUpdate
Installing All Available Updates via PowerShell
Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot
Remove -AutoReboot if you want to control the reboot timing manually instead.
Checking If a Reboot Is Pending
Get-WURebootStatus
Rebooting Safely
Restart-Computer -Force
Your RDP session will disconnect during the reboot — wait a minute or two, then reconnect.
Scheduling Automatic Updates
Server editions default to notifying rather than auto-installing. To enable automatic installation:
- Open Group Policy Editor (
gpedit.msc) - Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update
- Configure "Configure Automatic Updates" and set your preferred schedule
Viewing Update History
Get-WUHistory
Or via GUI: Settings → Update & Security → View update history.
Checking Windows Version and Build
[System.Environment]::OSVersion.Version
Get-ComputerInfo | Select WindowsProductName, WindowsVersion
Common Errors
"Some settings are managed by your organization" — a Group Policy setting is restricting update behavior; check gpedit.msc for conflicting configuration.
Updates fail repeatedly — run the built-in troubleshooter:
Get-WindowsUpdateLog
Or reset Windows Update components via the Windows Update troubleshooter in Settings.
Server disconnected during a critical update and won't come back — wait several minutes (updates can take longer than expected to complete boot), then use your provider's console/VNC access if it doesn't recover.
Best Practices
- Schedule updates and reboots during a planned maintenance window, not peak hours
- Take a snapshot or backup before major cumulative updates
- Review update history periodically to confirm patches are actually being applied
FAQ
How often should I check for updates?
Weekly at minimum for security-critical patches; enabling automatic updates removes the need to check manually while still allowing controlled reboot scheduling.
Related Articles
- How to Secure RDP on a Windows VPS
- How to Configure Windows Firewall on a Windows VPS
- How to Reboot a Windows VPS Safely
