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Disable automatic updates in Windows Server 2019/2016

Hello! Microsoft’s product update policy is well known. That is, they are programmed to receive updates periodically and install them automatically. This mechanism is very useful for desktop systems, since it avoids making manual searches for updates. However, in the server environment this can have non-functional consequences. Since some of these updates may cause the system to reboot. In addition, rebooting the server is critical, since many services, processes and folders depend on server activity. Well, in today’s post we’ll see how to disable automatic updates in Windows Server 2019/2016.

How to disable automatic updates in Windows Server 2019/2016

All right, to do this you need to enter the server settings. With this intention, press the Win+X combination and launch a PowerShell with administrator privileges.

Launch a PowerShell with administrator privileges.
Launch a PowerShell with administrator privileges.

Then execute the following command:

SCONFIG
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Pressing enter will display an options console to manage the system parameters.

PowerShell running the server configuration.
PowerShell running the server configuration.

In this case, please select option 5. This option is related to the configuration of Windows Update. Well, once you select the number 5 and press Enter, two values will be displayed:

  • The current status of Windows Update.
  • The different options to be set.
Options available for the configuration of Windows Server
Options available for the configuration of Windows Server

Below are the available options:

  • A: Automatic. This sets up Windows Update to automatically download and install updates on your computer
  • D: Download Only. With this option, the updates will be downloaded, but will not be installed on the server. Consequently, the user will decide when to install it.
  • M: Manual. This is one of the most ideal options since no available updates will be downloaded. In effect, the administrator will determine when to download and install any updates.

In this case, please enable this option. With this in mind, enter the letter M and press Enter. The change will be applied immediately. Back to the previous screen, press the number 5, and validate that the updates are now manual.

Updates set manually.
Updates set manually.

Conclusion

All right, this simple way we’ve seen how to disable automatic updates in Windows Server 2019/2016. As mentioned, it is highly recommended maintaining control over this aspect on the server. Since some updates force a reboot of the system. Additionally, the nature of the system means that it must always be kept active. And this is because a great number of resources depend on the constant activity of the server. All right, that’s it for now. Sometimes, these little tips can make a difference in the optimal functioning of the system. I hope you find it useful. Before saying goodbye, I invite you to see our post about Shadow Copies in Windows Server 2019/2016. Bye!

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2 COMMENTS

  1. This works up to a point. However, if you ever click ‘check for updates’, windows will not only CHECK for updates, but will go right ahead, download and install them, without any request or authorisation to do so!

    Do you know how to stop this (apart from the obvious of never checking for updates…)

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