Windows Server Update 2025: Everything You Need to Know 🔄 

If​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you are part of a team that is responsible for the security of an organization's servers, then you must be aware that updating Windows Server is very important to keep the environment safe and stable. The updates consist of security patches, bug fixes and performance improvements of the operating system, and therefore, fixing the vulnerabilities without delay is a good preventive measure against both attacker intrusions and malfunctioning of the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌system. For this reason, in this post from Mono VM, we will review the latest tips on how to manage, download, and install updates, as well as the tools used, so you can keep your servers secure and up to date. Stay with us.

What is Windows Server Update?

It​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is clear from the name that updating Windows Server is all about getting security updates, enhancements, service packs, and new drivers. These updates are the means by which servers are kept in touch with the latest patches from Microsoft all the time. The idea is to stop newly uncovered security loopholes and keep the service running smoothly. Microsoft provides handy tools like WSUS to make this task easy. These tools give you an option to download updates to a local server and then distribute them to other servers in the network. We will talk about this tool and its alternatives after this, but first, let’s find out why it is so important to keep a Windows Server up to ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌date.

If you’re new to the ecosystem, you can take a quick look at What is a Windows Server to better understand the foundation before moving forward.

The Importance of Update Management

Updates help you maintain operational efficiency, eliminate security vulnerabilities, and ensure the stability of your production environment.

• Reducing the Attack Surface: Delaying patch installation increases the chance of attackers exploiting known vulnerabilities. Cases such as RCE vulnerabilities show that the speed of patching directly impacts infrastructure security.
• Maintaining Stability: Quality updates and critical updates fix non-security bugs and instabilities, preventing unexpected system failures. Keeping servers on a consistent patch level is also a compliance requirement.

Finally, it’s worth noting that updates are so important that Microsoft occasionally releases out-of-band updates to address urgent issues outside the regular update cycle.

 You can also explore real-world Windows Server Use Cases to see how these updates impact everyday workloads.

Update Tools and Services for Windows Server

The most popular and widely used tools you can use to update Windows Server are listed in the table below. However, the choice of tool depends on the scale of your organization, your cloud strategy, and the complexity of your hybrid environment.

Tool / Service	Type of Solution	Advantages	Disadvantages	Best Use Case
WSUS	On-premises centralized update management	Full control, ideal for isolated networks, free	Development deprecated, requires maintenance	Offline networks, compliance-driven organizations
Windows Update Agent (WUA)	Built-in system update agent	Simple, works out-of-the-box	Limited control, best for small environments	Standalone servers, SMBs
Command-line Tools (PowerShell / sconfig)	Script-based management	High automation, ideal for Server Core	Requires expertise	DevOps and automated environments
Microsoft Update Service	Online update source	Access to the latest patches	Requires internet connectivity	Most online or hybrid servers
Azure Update Manager	Cloud / Hybrid	Modern features, Hotpatch support, centralized model	Requires Azure and internet	Cloud or hybrid infrastructures
Microsoft Intune / Autopatch	Modern endpoint management	Automated, scalable	More optimized for clients than servers	Cloud-first or remote environments
SCCM / MECM	Enterprise-grade management	Deep reporting, scalability, WSUS integration	Licensing cost, complexity	Large enterprise environments

 Below, we will provide a brief introduction to the tools in the table above.

WSUS (Windows Server Update Services)

WSUS is the classic on-premises solution that provides centralized control over patch deployment, manual approval policies, and detailed reporting. Although its development is deprecated after Windows Server 2025, Microsoft continues to support it for production environments. It remains a reliable option for offline, restricted, or high-security networks.

Windows Update Agent (WUA) and Microsoft Update

The Windows Update Agent communicates directly with Microsoft’s update servers to download and install patches. It is ideal for standalone servers and can be managed via the GUI, Group Policy, or command-line tools such as wuauclt /detectnow. It also supports server environments where manual or automatic patching is needed.

Command-line Tools (PowerShell, sconfig, etc.)

PowerShell and sconfig provide powerful options for Server Core and automation-centric environments. They allow you to scan, download, and install updates, enable or disable Auto Update, and manually install .msu or .cab update packages using commands or scripts.

Microsoft Update Service

This service is the primary online source for security updates, cumulative patches, hotfixes, and feature updates. It is the default and most commonly used method for servers that have internet access and need immediate patch availability.

Azure Update Manager

Azure Update Manager is Microsoft’s modern cloud solution for hybrid and cloud environments. It supports advanced features such as Hotpatching (installing updates without reboot), centralized scheduling, and unified reporting. It can manage both Azure and non-Azure servers, making it a future-ready patching solution.

Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch

Intune and Autopatch are focused primarily on client systems, but they can support certain update scenarios for servers in cloud-first environments. These tools offer automated patching workflows and remote management, provided there is stable internet connectivity.

MECM / SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager)

SCCM (now MECM) is an enterprise-level management suite used for patching, deployment, and compliance reporting. It still relies on WSUS as its backend update engine. Due to its cost and complexity, it is best suited for large corporate environments.

How to Download & Install Windows Server Updates?

Whether you use WSUS, Azure Update Manager, Intune, or even a fully offline server, one thing never changes: if you don’t fully understand how to download, install, and validate updates, you risk system errors, incompatibilities, and even service outages.

1. Downloading Updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog

One of the most important methods for obtaining updates, especially for offline servers or sensitive environments, is using the Windows Server Update Catalog. This official Microsoft repository provides all MSU, CAB, driver, and Hotfix packages, allowing you to download specific patches without relying on Windows Update.

Follow these steps to download updates:

1.     Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
2.     Search for the desired update code (e.g., KB5031364).
3.     Select the appropriate version for your Windows Server edition.
4.     Download the .msu or .cab file.
5.     If the server is offline, transfer the file to the server manually.

Now you have the update installation file. Remember that different Windows Server versions may require different updates. for example:

• Server 2016 → CU for build 14393
• Server 2025 → CU for build 26100

So always make sure you download the correct KB.

2. Installing Windows Server Updates (All Methods)

After downloading the necessary files, it’s time for the critical step: installing them. Below we cover all common update installation methods.

2.1) Installing via GUI (Recommended for Beginners)

If you are using the Desktop Experience edition, the easiest installation method is through the graphical interface. Steps:

1. Open Settings

 2. Go to Update & Security

3. Click Check for updates

4. Wait for updates to be detected

5. Select Download & Install

6. Restart the server

This method is suitable for non-experts, but it cannot be used in professional environments or on Server Core. Also note: if updates do not appear, the server may be using GPO and must receive updates from WSUS.

2.2) Installing via PowerShell (Preferred by Professionals)

In Server Core environments or when you need full control, installing updates via command line is essential.Install an MSU file with PowerShell:

wusa.exe "C:\Updates\KB5066835.msu" /quiet /norestart

Parameters:

• /quiet → no UI
• /norestart → prevents automatic restart

This is crucial in enterprise servers, as an unexpected reboot can interrupt critical services.

2.3) Installing via DISM (Official Method for Server Core & Offline Installation)

DISM is the most powerful built-in tool for managing packages. To install an MSU using DISM:

Dism /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:"C:\Updates\KB5066835.msu" /PreventPending

The above command consists of several important parameters, the explanation of which is given below:

Parameter	Description
/Online	Install on the running Windows OS
/Add-Package	Add the update package
/PackagePath	Path to MSU or CAB file
/PreventPending	Stops installation if there are pending ops

 If you intend to use a CAB file for installation, the following command will be suitable.

Dism /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:"C:\Updates\patch.cab"

DISM is often the most reliable tool, especially when Windows Update is broken, WSUS is unavailable, or you need to install multiple patches via script.

2.4) Installing Updates via WSUS (Essential for Datacenters)

If you downloaded an update from the Catalog, you can import it into WSUS for organization-wide deployment. WSUS allows you to download, schedule, approve, and report on updates for server groups. To import an MSU or CAB update into WSUS:

1. Open the WSUS console

2. Select Import Updates

3. The Catalog page will open

4. Search for the KB

5. Click Add then Import

6. The update is now available inside WSUS

7. Approve it for the target server groups

This method is crucial for isolated datacenters and air-gapped environments.

3. Checking Installation History and Update Status

After installing updates, you should always check the installation status to avoid potential issues.

Method 1: Quick Check Using Get-HotFix (For Regular Users)

This command is sufficient and useful for normal users.

Get-HotFix

This command shows installed updates, dates, and KB numbers.

Method 2: Detailed Review Using PSWindowsUpdate (For Specialists)

For deeper inspection and reporting, use the PSWindowsUpdate module. Install the module:

Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate

View complete update history:

Get-WUHistory

Export to JSON for reporting:

Get-WUHistory | ConvertTo-Json | Out-File "C:\Logs\update-history.json"

By reviewing the history, you can operate your system with greater confidence.

4. Configuring Auto-Update

Auto-Update ensures servers always receive the latest patches, but automatic installation without planning may disrupt critical services.
Therefore, this feature must be configured based on organizational policies.

To modify the Auto-Update behavior, use this built-in Windows script. Example: enable level 4 (auto-download + auto-install):

Net stop wuauserv

cscript %systemroot%\system32\scregedit.wsf /AU 4

Net start wuauserv

The table below shows the automatic update performance levels:

Value	Description
1	Notify only
2	Auto-download, manual install
3	Auto-download + scheduled install
4	Auto-download + auto-install

Best practice for organizations: Servers should automatically download updates, but install them only during a defined maintenance window. Centralized management should be performed using WSUS or Azure Update Manager

Common Update Issues & Troubleshooting 

Although the Windows Server update process usually runs smoothly, in practice you may encounter errors that require careful investigation and sometimes command-line intervention. In this section, we review the most common issues and how to resolve them.

1. WSUS Configuration Errors (Configuration Failed for WSUS)

One of the most common WSUS problems is server desynchronization or failure to respond to clients, often accompanied by an HTTP 503 error.

Memory Shortage Error (HTTP 503)

This error often occurs when the Application Pool in IIS runs out of memory. To fix this issue:

1. Open IIS Manager.
2. Locate the relevant Application Pool.
3. Increase the Private Memory Limit to between 4 and 8 GB.
4. Restart the Application Pool to clear the “Busy” status, allowing WSUS to respond again.

This must fix the issue.

Checking Connections and Logs

If you encounter 403 or 404 errors, check the IIS logs in C:\inetpub\logfiles and ensure that TCP ports 8530 and 8531 are not blocked by the firewall. Addressing these issues ensures the server responds to clients without problems.

2. Common Installation Errors and Resolving Them via Command Line

During update installation, you may encounter common errors usually caused by missing files or access restrictions. Typical examples include:

•         0x80070002 – File not found
•         0x80070005 – Access denied

To resolve these issues, one comprehensive and effective method is to reset Windows Update components. First, stop the services related to updates using the following commands:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

Next, rename the temporary directories and update database so Windows can create fresh versions:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Finally, restart the services so the system can properly download and install updates:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

This process often resolves issues caused by corrupted temporary files or incomplete update databases and allows updates to be installed successfully.

3. Issues Caused by Duplicate Client IDs

Sometimes multiple servers appear under the same name in WSUS. The usual cause is a duplicate SUSClientID, often due to improper imaging.

Steps to resolve the issue:

1. Delete the SUSClientID registry key.
2. Generate a new unique ID using these commands:

wuauclt /resetauthorization /detectnow

wuauclt /reportnow

After this, each client will have a unique identifier, and synchronization with WSUS will work correctly. For a broader perspective on choosing the right server platform, you may also want to explore Best Windows Server Versions.

Best Practices & Update Strategy for 2025

Before concluding, let’s review some key points for managing updates to ensure both server security and minimal operational disruption.

• Define Maintenance Windows: Set specific times for applying updates, preferably during low-traffic hours such as 2–5 AM, to minimize operational impact on servers.
• Test in a Staging Environment: Each patch, especially cumulative roll-ups, should first be tested on non-critical or parallel servers to identify compatibility issues before deploying them on the main infrastructure.
• Backup and Rollback: Before applying updates on critical servers, create a complete snapshot or backup. The rollback plan should allow the system to be restored to its previous state within minutes.
• Focus on Priorities: Security patches should always be applied before quality or feature updates to ensure system security and stability.
• Intelligent Automation: Automate the download and distribution of updates as much as possible, but keep the final installation and verification under control to prevent unintended instabilities.

To further strengthen your defense strategy, consider reviewing How to Secure Windows Server for additional practical guidance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, by using the right tools, following best practices, and staying proactive with your updates, you can protect your infrastructure from vulnerabilities and ensure smooth, uninterrupted performance. If you're looking for a reliable web hosting provider to support your update strategies, MonoVm offers 24/7 support, instant setup, and affordable pricing for Windows VPS and dedicated servers. Our global data centers and responsive support team ensure your systems stay online and secure.

Category: Windows Tutorials