20 WSUS Interview Questions and Answers

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is a tool used by administrators to manage and deploy updates to Windows-based computers. If you are applying for a position that involves administering WSUS, you may be asked questions about your experience and knowledge during the interview process. In this article, we will review some common WSUS interview questions and provide tips on how to answer them.

WSUS Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked WSUS interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is WSUS?

WSUS is a server used to deploy updates to Windows computers. It can be used to deploy updates to computers on a local network, or it can be used to deploy updates to computers on the Internet.

2. Can you explain how updates are installed using WSUS?

WSUS uses a process called synchronization to download updates from Microsoft Update to the WSUS server. Once the updates have been downloaded, they are then deployed to client computers. The client computers will then install the updates according to the schedule that has been set.

3. Why do you think servers should be updated regularly?

There are a few reasons why servers should be updated regularly. First, updates often include security patches that can help protect the server from being hacked or exploited. Second, updates can improve the stability and performance of the server. Finally, updates can provide new features and functionality that can be beneficial for users.

4. How does the WSUS server communicate with clients, and what is the protocol used for this purpose?

The WSUS server uses the HTTP or HTTPS protocol to communicate with clients. The server sends updates to clients using the WSUS protocol, which is a proprietary Microsoft protocol.

5. Is it possible to install new software on a client machine using WSUS? If yes, then how would you go about doing that?

Yes, it is possible to install new software on a client machine using WSUS. You would need to first create a software update group and then add the new software to that group. Once the software update group has been created, you can then deploy it to the client machine using the WSUS console.

6. What’s the difference between synchronizing and approving an update in WSUS?

Synchronizing an update in WSUS means that you are downloading the update from Microsoft and adding it to your WSUS server. Approving an update in WSUS means that you are making the update available to your clients.

7. Can you explain what metadata is, and why it’s important in context of WSUS?

Metadata is important in WSUS because it is used to keep track of updates. Without metadata, WSUS would not be able to keep track of which updates have been installed and which ones have not. Metadata is also used to help determine which updates are applicable to which computers.

8. What happens if we approve a high-priority security patch but don’t select “install immediately”?

If you approve a high-priority security patch but don’t select “install immediately,” the patch will be downloaded the next time the client checks for updates (which is typically every 22 hours). The patch will then be installed the next time the client’s scheduled installation time occurs.

9. What are some common reasons for a failed installation of updates on a client machine?

Some common reasons for a failed installation of updates on a client machine include incorrect permissions, incorrect registry settings, or a corrupt update store.

10. Can you explain what self-updating is in context with WSUS?

Self-updating is the process by which WSUS can automatically check for and install updates for itself, as well as for the products that it is configured to update. This can be a useful feature if you want to make sure that WSUS is always up-to-date, but it can also lead to problems if WSUS is not configured correctly.

11. Are there any requirements for installing the WSUS role on Windows Server 2016?

Yes, there are a few requirements that must be met in order for the WSUS role to be installed on Windows Server 2016. The server must have at least 2 GB of RAM and 10 GB of available disk space. Additionally, the server must be running the Standard or Datacenter edition of Windows Server 2016.

12. What types of information is stored in the WsusContent folder?

The WsusContent folder stores the actual update files that are downloaded from Microsoft. These files are then used by clients when they check for and install updates.

13. What is your opinion on the quality of Microsoft Security Updates?

I believe that the quality of Microsoft Security Updates has improved over the years. They seem to be more timely and effective in addressing security vulnerabilities.

14. What is the best way to manage multiple WSUS servers?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to manage multiple WSUS servers will vary depending on the specific needs and infrastructure of your organization. However, some tips on managing multiple WSUS servers effectively include using a centralized management tool to simplify administration, using automated scripts to keep servers synchronized, and using Group Policy Objects to control client-side settings.

15. What is the advantage of using GPO to configure WSUS settings over local computer policy?

The advantage of using GPO to configure WSUS settings is that it allows you to manage the settings for multiple computers from a central location. This can be especially helpful if you have a large number of computers to manage, as it can save you a lot of time and effort.

16. What is the importance of the WSUS TargetGroup object in managing updates for specific groups of computers?

The WSUS TargetGroup object is important because it allows you to manage updates for specific groups of computers. This means that you can deploy updates to a specific group of computers, rather than to all computers in your environment. This can be helpful in ensuring that critical updates are deployed to the appropriate computers in a timely manner.

17. Can you explain the process of replacing one WSUS server with another?

In order to replace one WSUS server with another, you will need to first export the WSUS settings from the old server. This can be done by using the Export-WsusConfiguration cmdlet. Once the settings have been exported, you will need to import them onto the new server. This can be done by using the Import-WsusConfiguration cmdlet. Finally, you will need to update the clients to point to the new server.

18. What is the best way to test whether or not a particular update is being deployed successfully to a group of machines?

The best way to test whether or not a particular update is being deployed successfully to a group of machines is to use the Update Management feature in the Azure portal. This feature will allow you to see which updates have been deployed to which machines, and will also allow you to verify that the updates were installed successfully.

19. Can you explain what the SusClientID is?

The SusClientID is a unique identifier that is assigned to each WSUS client. This identifier is used by the WSUS server to track which clients have which updates installed.

20. How can you control which patches get deployed to certain machines by creating Client Groups?

By creating Client Groups within WSUS, you can control which machines receive which patches. This can be useful, for example, if you want to make sure that test machines only receive patches that have been thoroughly tested before being deployed to production machines.