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SQL Server Cumulative Updates best practice

Chris Plemmons 20 Reputation points
2023-12-07T21:50:13.1466667+00:00

Hello! I'm writing today to try to better understand SQL Server updates on a Windows Server, version 2016 and up.

In the past, we've commonly updated Windows Server through Windows Update or sconfig, and then SQL Server updates, as needed. It's a two-step process. Recently, I've had a couple VMs (2016 and 2019 Server) where Windows Updates pull SQL Server Cumulative Updates and installs them. I understand that this is a direction that Microsoft took years ago, but what I don't understand is how versioning is controlled in this regard.

From what I've read, you can either configure your VM and SQL Server to run the SQL Server updates through Windows update and it just pushes the most current updates or do it the old-fashioned way of updating the OS, then SQL Server in two separate steps. Is there a way to streamline it with Windows update, but still be able to select versioning and individual updates?

I work in Infrastructure and have limited SQL experience, so I really appreciate any insight. Thank you!

Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
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SQL Server
SQL Server
A family of Microsoft relational database management and analysis systems for e-commerce, line-of-business, and data warehousing solutions.
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  1. ZoeHui-MSFT 35,556 Reputation points
    2023-12-08T07:43:54.2266667+00:00

    Hi @Chris Plemmons,

    On an installed instance of SQL Server, we recommend that you apply the latest security updates and critical updates including general distribution releases (GDRs), service packs (SPs), and cumulative updates (CUs). For additional information, see the March, 2016 announcement on the SQL Server Incremental Servicing Model (ISM).

    The SQL Server updates are available through Microsoft Update (MU), Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and the Microsoft Download Center. Security and Critical updates for SQL Server are available through Microsoft Update, and to be able to see these updates you need to opt-into MU through the Windows Update applet in Control panel.

    When you receive an update through Microsoft Update, it will update all SQL Server features to the latest version in an unattended mode. If you need more flexibility or don't have internet or WSUS access, you must obtain the updates from the Microsoft Download Center.

    Check: Install SQL Server Servicing Updates

    Regards，

    Zoe Hui

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  1. Javier Villegas 900 Reputation points MVP
    2023-12-08T19:38:23.06+00:00

    Most probably the updates from SQL you received via Windows Updates are the ones called GDR , which are mainly out of the normal servicing schedule and are targeted for security fixes

    Regards

    Javier