Check for Windows Updates in Windows Server 2016 and 2019

This article explains how to check for new Windows® updates without installing them. This guide applies to Windows Server 2016 and 2019.

Check, download, and install new Windows updates

1. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates.
2. Click Check for Updates. Windows downloads and installs all available updates.
3. The update statuses are Downloading, Pending Install, and Pending Restart.
4. The server reboots outside of the active hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, unless otherwise specified. You also have the option to schedule the reboot.

Check for new Windows updates without downloading

You can check for Windows updates without downloading or installing them by using one of the following methods:

SCONFIG

1. Open PowerShell® and type sconfig.
2. Type 6 to open the Windows Updates menu.
3. Type a to look for all available updates or r to search for only recommended updates.
4. All available updates now display in the list.
5. Type n to close the menu without installing any updates.

PowerShell cmdlet: PSWindowsUpdate

1. Open PowerShell and use the following command, which requires Administrator permissions:

   Install-Module -Name PSWindowsUpdate -RequiredVersion 2.1.1.2`
   

2. Confirm that you want to install the cmdlet by typing Y.

3. After the installation finishes, type get-windowsupdate to see a list of all available updates.