How to Check Installed Updates on Windows Server 2016

In today’s digital age, keeping your computer system up to date with the latest software updates is essential. These updates not only enhance the performance and security of your system but also ensure that you have access to the latest features and functionalities. Windows Server 2016, the popular operating system for servers, regularly releases updates to address bugs, improve system stability, and fix security vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is crucial to keep track of the installed updates on your Windows Server 2016 to ensure that your system is running smoothly. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to check the installed updates on Windows Server 2016 and discuss some additional tips to help you manage your system effectively.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Check Installed Updates on Windows Server 2016

Checking the installed updates on your Windows Server 2016 is vital for several reasons. Here are a few:

1. Security: Keeping your server up to date with the latest security patches is crucial to protect your system from potential threats and vulnerabilities. Regularly checking the installed updates ensures that you have the latest security fixes and patches installed.

2. Performance: Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can enhance the overall performance of your server. By checking the installed updates, you can identify any performance-related issues and ensure your system is running optimally.

3. Compatibility: Software updates may also include compatibility enhancements, ensuring that your server is compatible with the latest applications and technologies. By checking the installed updates, you can ensure that your server is compatible with the latest software releases.

Now that we understand the importance of checking installed updates on Windows Server 2016 let’s explore different methods to accomplish this task.

Method 1: Using the Control Panel

Checking installed updates on Windows Server 2016 can be easily done through the Control Panel. Follow the steps below to see the installed updates on your server:

1. Open the Control Panel by clicking on the Start menu and selecting "Control Panel."

2. In the Control Panel, click on "Programs" or "Programs and Features," depending on your Control Panel view.

3. In the Programs window, click on "View installed updates" located on the left side of the window.

4. A list of all the installed updates on your Windows Server 2016 will be displayed. You can browse through the list to see the update names, installation dates, and other relevant details.

Method 2: Using Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell is a powerful command-line shell and scripting language that can be used to manage and automate various tasks in Windows Server 2016, including checking installed updates. Here’s how you can use Windows PowerShell to check the installed updates:

1. Open Windows PowerShell by pressing "Win + X" on your keyboard and selecting "Windows PowerShell" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu.

2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
Get-WmiObject -Class "Win32_QuickFixEngineering"

3. A list of installed updates along with their names, installation dates, and other details will be displayed in the PowerShell window.

Method 3: Using the Windows Update Catalog

The Windows Update Catalog is an online repository where you can find and download updates for various Microsoft products, including Windows Server 2016. Here’s how you can use the Windows Update Catalog to check the installed updates:

1. Open a web browser and navigate to the Windows Update Catalog website (https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx).

2. In the search box, enter your Windows Server 2016 version (e.g., "Windows Server 2016 Standard").

3. Click on the "Search" button to view the available updates for your Windows Server 2016 version.

4. Scroll through the list of updates to find the installed updates. You can identify the installed updates by comparing their version numbers with those displayed in the Control Panel or PowerShell methods.

Method 4: Using Windows Update PowerShell Module

Windows Server 2016 includes a Windows Update PowerShell module that allows you to manage Windows updates using PowerShell commands. Here’s how you can use the Windows Update PowerShell module to check the installed updates:

1. Open Windows PowerShell as an administrator by pressing "Win + X" on your keyboard and selecting "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu.

2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter to install the Windows Update PowerShell module if it’s not already installed:
Install-Module -Name PSWindowsUpdate

3. After the module is installed, import it by typing the following command and pressing Enter:
Import-Module -Name PSWindowsUpdate

4. To check for installed updates, type the following command and press Enter:
Get-WUInstall -KBArticleID "*" | Where-Object {$_.Installed -eq $true}

5. The PowerShell window will display a list of installed updates along with their KB article IDs, installation dates, and other details.

What to Do If You Can’t Check Installed Updates on Windows Server 2016

If you are unable to check the installed updates on your Windows Server 2016 using the methods mentioned above, here are a few possible fixes:

1. Restart the Server: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary system glitches and allow you to check the installed updates. Try restarting your Windows Server 2016 and then attempt to check the installed updates again.

2. Update Windows: If you are unable to check the installed updates due to outdated Windows or missing system files, consider updating your Windows Server 2016 to the latest version. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address the issue at hand.

3. Check Windows Update Service: Ensure that the Windows Update service is running on your server. To do this, open the Services console (press "Win + R," type "services.msc," and press Enter), locate the "Windows Update" service, and verify that its status is set to "Running."

4. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter: Windows Server 2016 includes a built-in troubleshooter to diagnose and fix common Windows Update-related problems. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.

Bonus Tips

Here are three bonus tips to help you better manage the updates on your Windows Server 2016:

1. Schedule Automatic Updates: To ensure that your Windows Server 2016 stays up to date, consider configuring automatic updates. You can schedule the server to automatically download and install updates at a convenient time, minimizing manual intervention.

2. Enable WSUS for Centralized Update Management: Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is a Microsoft tool that allows you to centrally manage the distribution of updates within your network. By configuring a WSUS server, you can have better control over the update management process, ensuring consistency across multiple servers.

3. Maintain a Testing Environment: Before applying updates to your production environment, consider setting up a testing environment to evaluate the impact of updates on your applications and services. This can help identify any compatibility issues or system behavior changes before rolling out updates to your production servers.

5 FAQs

Q1: How often should I check for updates on Windows Server 2016?

A: It is recommended to check for updates on a regular basis, preferably monthly. Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of each month, commonly known as "Patch Tuesday."

Q2: Can I roll back installed updates on Windows Server 2016?

A: Yes, you can uninstall or roll back installed updates on Windows Server 2016. In the Control Panel, go to "Programs" or "Programs and Features," click on "View installed updates," and select the update you want to uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the update.

Q3: Are all updates necessary, or can I selectively install them?

A: While security updates are crucial for maintaining the security of your system, some updates may not be necessary for your specific environment. You can selectively install updates based on your requirements, but critical security updates should never be ignored.

Q4: Can I download updates manually and install them on Windows Server 2016?

A: Yes, you can manually download and install updates from the Windows Update Catalog or other trusted sources. However, it is generally recommended to use the built-in Windows Update feature or a centralized update management solution for easier management.

Q5: What should I do if an update fails to install on Windows Server 2016?

A: If an update fails to install on Windows Server 2016, try restarting the server and running the update again. If the issue persists, check for any error messages or error codes provided during the installation process. You can search for the specific error message or code online for troubleshooting steps or contact Microsoft support for assistance.

Final Thoughts

Regularly checking the installed updates on your Windows Server 2016 is crucial for maintaining the security, performance, and compatibility of your system. By using the Control Panel, Windows PowerShell, Windows Update Catalog, or the Windows Update PowerShell module, you can easily check the installed updates and ensure that your server is up to date. Additionally, following the bonus tips and troubleshooting steps provided in this blog post will help you effectively manage and maintain your Windows Server 2016 updates. Remember to schedule regular checks for updates and stay informed about the latest security patches and enhancements released by Microsoft.{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":" How often should I check for updates on Windows Server 2016?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" It is recommended to check for updates on a regular basis, preferably monthly. Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of each month, commonly known as "Patch Tuesday.""}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Can I roll back installed updates on Windows Server 2016?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Yes, you can uninstall or roll back installed updates on Windows Server 2016. In the Control Panel, go to "Programs" or "Programs and Features," click on "View installed updates," and select the update you want to uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the update."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Are all updates necessary, or can I selectively install them?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" While security updates are crucial for maintaining the security of your system, some updates may not be necessary for your specific environment. You can selectively install updates based on your requirements, but critical security updates should never be ignored."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Can I download updates manually and install them on Windows Server 2016?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Yes, you can manually download and install updates from the Windows Update Catalog or other trusted sources. However, it is generally recommended to use the built-in Windows Update feature or a centralized update management solution for easier management."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" What should I do if an update fails to install on Windows Server 2016?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" If an update fails to install on Windows Server 2016, try restarting the server and running the update again. If the issue persists, check for any error messages or error codes provided during the installation process. You can search for the specific error message or code online for troubleshooting steps or contact Microsoft support for assistance."}}]}