10 Windows Update Group Policy Best Practices

Windows Update Group Policy is a powerful tool that allows IT administrators to manage the Windows Update process across their organization. It allows administrators to control when and how Windows updates are installed, as well as which updates are installed.

In this article, we will discuss 10 best practices for using Windows Update Group Policy. We will cover topics such as setting up the policy, configuring the policy, and monitoring the policy. By following these best practices, IT administrators can ensure that their organization’s Windows Update process is secure and efficient.

1. Use WSUS to control updates

WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) is a Microsoft server product that allows administrators to manage the deployment of Windows updates and patches.

Using WSUS, you can control which updates are installed on your network, when they’re installed, and even approve or deny specific updates. This gives you more control over the update process, allowing you to ensure only approved updates are installed on your systems. Additionally, using WSUS helps reduce bandwidth usage by downloading updates once and then distributing them to all computers in the network.

2. Set a maintenance window for reboots

When Windows Update installs updates, it may require a reboot to complete the installation. If you don’t set a maintenance window for reboots, then users will be randomly interrupted by their computers restarting at any time of day or night. This can lead to frustration and lost productivity.

By setting a maintenance window for reboots, you ensure that all machines are rebooted during a specific period of time when users won’t be affected. You can also use this window to schedule other maintenance tasks such as disk defragmentation or virus scans.

3. Disable automatic restarts

When Windows Update is enabled, it will automatically restart the computer after a certain amount of time. This can be disruptive to users who are in the middle of working on something important and don’t have the chance to save their work before the system restarts.

By disabling automatic restarts, you give your users more control over when they want to update their systems. You can also set up notifications that let them know when an update is available so they can choose when to install it.

4. Configure the restart reminder

When Windows Update is enabled, it will automatically download and install updates. However, some of these updates require a restart to take effect. Without the restart reminder, users may not be aware that their computer needs to be restarted for the update to take effect. This can lead to security vulnerabilities or other issues if the user does not restart their computer in a timely manner.

By configuring the restart reminder, you can ensure that users are notified when they need to restart their computer after an update has been installed. This helps keep your systems secure and up-to-date.

5. Enable auto-updates on clients

Auto-updates ensure that all clients are running the latest version of Windows, which is important for security and stability. It also ensures that any new features or bug fixes are applied to all machines in a timely manner. This reduces the amount of time IT staff have to spend manually updating each machine, freeing up resources for other tasks.

To enable auto-updates on clients, you can use Group Policy settings to configure how often updates should be checked for and installed. You can also specify what type of updates should be downloaded and installed (e.g., critical, recommended, etc.).

6. Do not use Group Policy to disable Windows Update

Group Policy is a powerful tool, but it should not be used to disable Windows Update. Doing so can leave your system vulnerable to security threats and other malicious software. Instead, you should use the built-in Windows Update settings to control when updates are installed. This will ensure that your system remains up-to-date with the latest security patches and bug fixes.

7. Consider using a third party patch management tool

Using a third party patch management tool can help you automate the process of deploying Windows updates, which can save time and resources. It also allows for more granular control over when and how patches are deployed, so that they don’t interfere with other processes or cause unexpected downtime. Additionally, it provides better visibility into the status of your systems, allowing you to quickly identify any issues that may arise from applying an update. Finally, using a third party patch management tool can help ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.

8. Test your updates before deploying them

When you deploy updates to your Windows machines, they can cause unexpected issues. To avoid this, it’s important to test the updates in a lab environment first. This way, you can identify any potential problems before rolling out the update to all of your users.

Testing also allows you to determine which updates are necessary and which ones can be skipped. This helps reduce the amount of time spent on deploying updates and ensures that only the most critical updates are installed. Additionally, testing gives you an opportunity to review the changes made by each update so that you can make sure they won’t have a negative impact on your system.

9. Monitor update deployment with reporting tools

By monitoring update deployment, you can ensure that all of your systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches and feature updates. This helps to protect against potential vulnerabilities and exploits, as well as ensuring that users have access to the latest features and bug fixes.

Reporting tools such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) allow administrators to track which machines have received which updates, when they were installed, and whether any errors occurred during installation. This information is invaluable for troubleshooting issues and ensuring that all systems remain secure and up-to-date.

10. Deploy updates in phases

Deploying updates in phases allows you to test the update on a small group of machines before rolling it out to your entire organization. This way, if there are any issues with the update, they can be identified and addressed quickly without affecting all of your users.

It also helps reduce the strain on your network by spreading out the download and installation process over multiple days or weeks. This ensures that your network is not overloaded with too many requests at once, which could cause performance issues.