How to change Windows Update settings using SCONFIG.

In this post, we are going to walk through how to manage the Windows Update settings on Windows Server 2016.

Applies to:

  • Server with Desktop Experience
  • Server Core

 

Validate your current WU settings using SCONFIG

To determine what updates your machine has already installed, follow these steps:

  • Open a command prompt with Admin permissions.

  • Type sconfig and press Enter.

    • NOTE: There may be a short pause as the tool inspects your system.

       

  • Option #5 shows the current configuration of your Windows Update settings.

     

Change your Windows Update Settings

To change your Windows Update Settings with SCONFIG, follow these steps:

  • Open a command prompt with Admin permissions.

  • Type sconfig and press Enter.

    • NOTE: There may be a short pause as the tool inspects your system.

       

  • Press 5 and then Enter. This will bring up the following options for you to choose from:

     

     

    • (A)utomatic – This will configure your machine to automatically scan, download, install and reboot after applying any updates.

    • (D)ownloadOnly – This will automatically scan, download and notify the admin if updates need to be installed. This is the default setting on Windows Server 2016.

    • (M)anual -- This turns Automatic Updates off. Your system will never check for updates.

       

  • Press the letter specified in the "( )" and press Enter to apply.

  • When the tool applies the configuration you have selected, you will see a message pop-up similar to the one below. Click the OK button to dismiss the message. The tool will refresh the menu and option 5 will now show the new configuration.

     

     

That's it, you are all set.

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