How to Manage Windows Update Settings on Your Server (via RDP)?

Keeping your Windows server up-to-date is essential for security and performance. You can manage update settings either through the Windows Update settings panel or by using Group Policy, especially on newer server templates.

✅ Method 1: Using the Windows Update Settings Panel

Follow these steps after logging into your server via Remote Desktop (RDP):

1. Click the Start button.

2. In the search box, type: Windows Update

3. Click the Windows Update result from the list.

4. In the left-hand menu, click Change Settings.

5. Adjust the settings based on your update preferences:

   • Automatically install updates

   • Download but let me choose when to install

   • Check for updates but let me choose

   • Never check for updates (not recommended)

💡 Note: If the "Change Settings" option is disabled (grayed out), it means updates are being controlled by Group Policy.

🔧 Method 2: Enable/Configure Windows Updates via Group Policy

If you can't modify update settings using the standard interface, use Group Policy Editor:

1. Click Start, then Run, and type:

   gpedit.msc
   

2. Press Enter or click OK to open the Group Policy Editor.

3. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration >
   Administrative Templates >
   Windows Components >
   Windows Update
   

4. In the right pane, find and double-click:
   Configure Automatic Updates

5. Choose your preferred configuration (e.g., Auto download and schedule the install).

6. Click Apply, then OK.

💡 Pro Tips

• After making changes, you may need to run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt to apply Group Policy updates immediately.

• You can also manually trigger updates using:

  wuauclt.exe /detectnow
  

🛡️ Recommended Settings

For most environments, we recommend:

• Automatically download and install updates during off-peak hours.

• Reboot notifications are enabled to avoid unexpected downtime.