Keeping Windows Updated: A Love-Hate Relationship
As a seasoned IT professional, I’ve had a long and tumultuous relationship with Windows updates. On one hand, I understand their importance in keeping our systems secure and running smoothly. But on the other hand, the unpredictable nature of these updates can be a constant source of frustration, especially for small businesses like ours.
You see, I’m in charge of the IT infrastructure for a small, 20-person company. We’ve got a handful of Windows 10 PCs and a couple of Windows Server 2012 R2 machines running our virtual environment. And let me tell you, trying to wrangle those automatic Windows updates has been a real challenge.
The Struggle with Windows Server 2022
Now, with our servers coming up on end-of-life, we’ve been testing out the new Windows Server 2022. And let me tell you, the update situation feels like a whole new level of headache.
As I discovered on the Spiceworks community, the Windows Update settings in Server 2022 are a far cry from the level of control we had with 2012 R2. Gone are the days of being able to choose whether to automatically install updates or just download them and decide when to apply them.
Now, it seems like updates just install automatically, and the servers will restart outside of “active hours.” But for us, that’s not good enough. We’ve got critical processes running overnight, and we need to be able to schedule those restarts on our own terms, like on the weekends when the office is empty.
Mastering the Art of Windows Update Control
So, I set out on a mission to find a way to regain the level of control we once had. And let me tell you, it’s been a bit of a wild goose chase, but I think I’ve finally cracked the code.
After scouring the Microsoft forums, I discovered a little-known tool called SConfig. It’s essentially a command-prompt-based menu system that gives you granular control over Windows Update settings, even on Server 2022.
With SConfig, I can choose whether to automatically install updates, download them but let me choose when to install, or simply never check for updates at all. And the best part? I can schedule those restarts on my own terms, making sure they happen at a time that works for our business.
Putting the Pieces Together
But wait, there’s more! As I discovered on the Microsoft Answers forum, Group Policy is another powerful tool in my arsenal. By configuring the appropriate Group Policy settings, I can fine-tune the behavior of Windows Update, controlling everything from the delay on quality updates to the reboot schedule.
And for those of you who are part of a larger organization, the folks on the Spiceworks community recommended looking into WSUS (Windows Server Update Services). This nifty little tool allows you to centrally manage and control updates across your entire Windows ecosystem, right down to which specific updates get installed and when.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But WSUS is so complicated and time-consuming to set up!” And you’re not wrong. But in my experience, the peace of mind and level of control it provides is well worth the initial investment.
Striking the Right Balance
Of course, the key to all of this is striking the right balance between security, stability, and control. We don’t want to be the company that’s always a step behind on the latest patches, but at the same time, we can’t afford to have a rogue update bring our entire operation to a screeching halt.
That’s why I’ve settled on a strategy of delaying quality updates by about 30 days, using Group Policy to give us that extra buffer to vet the updates and make sure they won’t cause any issues. And for those pesky feature updates that Microsoft loves to push, I’ve configured our systems to hold off on those for as long as possible.
The Importance of Vigilance
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “This all sounds great, but isn’t it just a lot of extra work?” And you’re absolutely right. Maintaining this level of control over Windows updates is not a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. It’s an ongoing battle that requires constant vigilance and attention.
But you know what they say – “With great power, comes great responsibility.” And in the world of IT, that couldn’t be more true. By taking the time to master the ins and outs of Windows update management, I’ve been able to keep our systems running smoothly, without the constant fear of a rogue update causing chaos.
The Importance of Continuous Improvement
And speaking of mastering the ins and outs, I’m always on the lookout for new and better ways to manage our Windows updates. Just the other day, I stumbled across a free cloud-based patch management service that promises to take a lot of the heavy lifting off my plate.
With features like real-time patch compliance dashboards, the ability to selectively schedule updates, and even secure remote control capabilities, it’s got me intrigued. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of automating those mundane patch management tasks, while still maintaining full control?
Embracing the Challenge
So, there you have it – my journey to regaining control over Windows updates. It’s been a long and winding road, but I’ve learned a lot along the way. And you know what? I kind of enjoy the challenge of it all.
Sure, it can be frustrating at times, but there’s something satisfying about being the master of your own update destiny. And who knows, maybe one day Microsoft will finally take pity on us IT pros and give us the level of control we truly deserve. But until then, I’ll keep fighting the good fight, one SConfig command and Group Policy tweak at a time.
