Base de Conhecimento

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

1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates
3. 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:

1. Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update
3. 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