Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade using Wsus

Joe Fly 21 Reputation points
2025-02-25T09:33:06.1866667+00:00

Hi, I'm upgrading Windows 10 22H2 clients to Windows 11 24H2 using WSUS server. The update (named Windows 11 version 24H2 x64 2025-02B) is downloaded on clients. However it is not installed. When i try to install it using powershell using commands Get-WindowsUpdate -Install -AcceptAll or Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot, the System reboots but Windows 11 upgrade is not installed.

When i click button Install now On Windows Update screen the update installs normally. Why powershell commands are not working. I can't log in remotely to 3000+ machines to click install now button.

Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Other
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  1. Adam J. Marshall 10,356 Reputation points MVP
    2025-02-25T14:26:38.18+00:00

    The client might be missing something, a prerequisite of some kind. What does WSUS say is 'NEEDED' for these systems? Under the heading: The Approvals Process; Without Drivers

    https://www.ajtek.ca/wsus/how-to-setup-manage-and-maintain-wsus-part-6-selecting-your-test-systems-the-approvals-process/

    Remember, it's the client that does all the work, WSUS is just the repository of updates and files.

    You may also need to run a wsusutil reset as something may be missing at the WSUS side (unlikely, but possible).

    https://www.ajtek.ca/wsus/what-does-a-wsusutil-reset-do-and-when-should-i-run-a-wsusutil-reset/

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  2. Adam J. Marshall 10,356 Reputation points MVP
    2025-02-26T13:37:28.6+00:00

    Ensure your GPO policies are set properly. The ones in part 4 of my guide 100% WORK with upgrades. Approve the upgrade and sit back and relax.

    https://www.ajtek.ca/wsus/how-to-setup-manage-and-maintain-wsus-part-4-creating-your-gpos-for-an-inheritance-setup/

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  3. Alex Burlachenko 10,565 Reputation points
    2025-02-25T09:59:03.4366667+00:00

    Hey Joe,

    WSUS is kinda weird sometimes. The PowerShell commands u’re using might not be triggering the full upgrade process like the "Install now" button does. That button does extra stuff behind the scenes, like pre-checks and setup prep, which the commands might be skipping. Also, some PS commands for updates don’t handle big upgrades like Win10 to Win11 properly they’re more for regular patches. Try using Start-WUScan and Install-WUUpdates from the PSWindowsUpdate module instead. If that still doesn’t work, u might need to push a script or GPO to force the upgrade. Or, u could use something like SCCM if u got it, ‘cause it’s better at handling big upgrades like this.

    Good luck with those 3000+ machines. Sounds like a nightmare!

    rgds,

    Alex


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