Keeping your Windows Server updated is critical for security and performance. On a server, you need to carefully manage when updates are installed to avoid unexpected reboots and service interruptions.
These instructions focus on the classic Control Panel interface. Depending on your OS version, some settings may also be located in the modern "Settings" app.
The most direct way to access the update settings is by using a command in the "Run" dialog (Win + R).
In the main Windows Update window, you will see the current update status. From here you can:
Under "Important updates", choose the method that best fits your maintenance schedule:
For most server environments, "Download updates but let me choose..." is the best practice.
Server Best Practices: Always schedule a regular maintenance window (e.g., during off-peak hours) to install pending updates and perform a controlled reboot.
For detailed information on update management, visit the official Microsoft Learn portal.