> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Install Windows Updates on Windows Server (SConfig, Settings)

> Install Windows updates on Windows Server 2019, 2022 or 2025 from Settings or with SConfig options 5 and 6, then check what was installed with PowerShell.

To install Windows updates on Windows Server, open **Settings > Windows Update** (Windows Server 2025) or **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update** (2019 and 2022) and select **Check for updates**. On any version, including Server Core, run `SConfig` in an admin PowerShell window, choose **6** (**Install updates**), then **1** for all quality updates and **A** to install them. Restart when asked and repeat until nothing is left.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 15 to 90 minutes (mostly waiting) | Windows Server 2019 / 2022 / 2025 | Administrator account, internet access |

## Before you start

* Sign in as an administrator with [Remote Desktop](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md).
* Updates often need a restart. Plan a short downtime for websites or game servers.
* On a VPS, take a [panel backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-schedule-and-restore-backups.md) before large rounds of updates, so you can roll back.
* Keep the [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md) handy in case the server takes long to come back after a restart.

## Which method should I use?

| Method | Desktop Experience | Server Core | Best for |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Settings** app | Yes | No | Point and click |
| **SConfig** menu | Yes (run `SConfig`) | Yes (opens at sign-in on 2022 and 2025) | Quick, works everywhere |
| Manual `.msu` package | Yes | Yes | One specific update |

SConfig is the text menu built into Windows Server. On Server Core installations of Windows Server 2022 and later it starts automatically when you sign in ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/server-core/server-core-sconfig)).

## How to install updates from Settings

> [tab] Windows Server 2025
>
> **1. Open Windows Update**
>
> Select **Start > Settings > Windows Update**.
>
> **2. Check for updates**
>
> Select **Check for updates**. Windows downloads and installs what it finds.
>
> **3. Restart**
>
> When asked, select **Restart now**. After the restart, check again until Windows says you're up to date.

> [tab] Windows Server 2019 / 2022
>
> **1. Open Windows Update**
>
> Select **Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update**.
>
> **2. Check for updates**
>
> Select **Check for updates** and let the updates download and install.
>
> **3. Restart**
>
> Restart when asked, then check again until no updates are left.

## How to install updates with SConfig

**1. Open SConfig**

Open PowerShell as administrator (select **Start**, type `PowerShell`, right-click **Windows PowerShell** and choose **Run as administrator**) and run:

```powershell theme={null}
SConfig
```

On Server Core with Windows Server 2022 or 2025, SConfig is already open after you sign in.

**2. Choose Install updates**

Type `6` and press **Enter**.

**3. Pick a category**

Type `1` for **All quality updates** (monthly security and bug fixes) and press **Enter**. `2` searches only recommended quality updates.

**4. Install**

SConfig lists what it found. Type `A` to install all of them, `S` to pick one by number, or `N` to install none.

**5. Restart**

When the install finishes, choose option **13** (**Restart the server**) and confirm with `Y` if the updates need a restart. Sign in again and repeat until the search finds nothing.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Option **3** (**Feature updates**) doesn't upgrade Windows Server to a newer version. Microsoft states that feature updates through Microsoft Update are only offered for Azure Local; upgrading Windows Server needs installation media ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/server-core/server-core-sconfig)).

## How to set automatic updates with SConfig

Option **5** (**Update setting**) controls what Windows does on its own:

| Choice | What it does |
| - | - |
| `A` Automatic | Checks for and installs updates every day at 3:00 AM server time, which can restart the server |
| `D` Download only | Downloads updates and waits for you to install them (the default) |
| `M` Manual | Doesn't check on its own |

For a game server or website, **Download only** with a regular manual install window gives you control over when restarts happen. Whatever you choose, install security updates at least once a month.

## How to check which updates are installed

```powershell theme={null}
Get-HotFix | Sort-Object InstalledOn
```

The last lines show the most recent updates with their `KB` numbers and install dates. `Get-ComputerInfo -Property OsHotFixes` shows the same list ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/server-core/server-core-servicing)).

If an update failed, the Windows Update log helps. `Get-WindowsUpdateLog` turns Windows Update's trace files into a readable `WindowsUpdate.log` on your desktop ([Get-WindowsUpdateLog](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/windowsupdate/get-windowsupdatelog)):

```powershell theme={null}
Get-WindowsUpdateLog
```

Errors also appear in **Event Viewer** under **Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > WindowsUpdateClient > Operational**.

## How to install a single update manually

Download the `.msu` file for the KB number from the Microsoft Update Catalog, then run:

```powershell theme={null}
Add-WindowsPackage -Online -PackagePath "C:\Updates\windows-update.msu" -PreventPending
```

`-PreventPending` skips the install if Windows already has changes waiting for a restart. Restart afterwards if asked.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Don't power off or [force-restart](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-start-stop-restart-and-power-off-your-vps.md) the server while it is installing updates during a restart. Interrupting it can leave Windows unable to boot. If it seems stuck, watch progress in the [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md) and give it time.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long do Windows Server updates take?

It depends on how many updates are waiting and on disk speed. A freshly installed server can need several rounds and restarts. Monthly updates on a server that is kept current usually finish much faster.

### Is there a built-in PowerShell cmdlet to install Windows updates?

Microsoft's documented options on Windows Server are Settings, SConfig and installing `.msu` packages with `Add-WindowsPackage` or DISM. SConfig is the simplest command-line way.

### Can I upgrade from Windows Server 2022 to 2025 with Windows Update?

No. Windows Update installs updates for your current version only. An in-place upgrade needs installation media, and on a VPS a fresh install of the newer version with a [rebuild](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-rebuild-and-reinstall-your-vps.md) is often simpler.

### Windows Update keeps failing. What should I do?

Check free disk space first, then follow [fix Windows Update stuck or failing](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-windows-update-stuck-or-failing.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md)
>
> Every guide in this section.

> [card] [Fix Windows Update stuck or failing](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-windows-update-stuck-or-failing.md)
>
> When updates won't install.

> [card] [First steps on a new Windows server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-steps-on-a-new-windows-server-vps.md)
>
> What to do after setup.

> [card] [Free up disk space](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-free-up-disk-space-on-windows-server.md)
>
> Make room for updates.

> [card] [Repair Windows with SFC and DISM](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-repair-windows-with-sfc-and-dism.md)
>
> Fix corrupted system files.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against Microsoft Learn: [SConfig](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/server-core/server-core-sconfig), [Windows Server Core servicing](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/server-core/server-core-servicing), [Windows Server update troubleshooting](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/installing-updates-features-roles/troubleshoot-windows-server-update-guidance) and [What's new in Windows Server 2025](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/whats-new-windows-server-2025)** on 4 November 2026. Not tested on a live Windows server for this page; menu wording can differ slightly between versions.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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