How do I verify that security updates or patches were installed on my VM?

Question

Note: Based on common issues that we have seen from customers and other sources, we are posting these questions to help the Azure community.

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I'm trying to figure out if a specific KB was installed on my VM. While the update should have been installed, I don't see it under "Installed Updates" in the Control Panel.

Answer 1

Note: Based on common issues that we have seen from customers and other sources, we are posting these questions to help the Azure community.

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You can use the following methods to check the status of KB update installation:

• Method 1: In Windows, you can use the PowerShell command Get-HotFix to quickly view the list of recently installed hotfixes or KB updates.
• Method 2: You can search for the KB number in the path c:\windows\servicing\Sessions\Sessions.xml to check the KB status.
• Method3: Execute the dism /online /get-packages /format:table command as an admin. This will show you a complete list of all updates that have been installed or are in the process of installing. You can check whether the relevant KB updates have been fully installed by checking the dates of installation.

Updates may not appear under "Installed Updates" in the Control Panel because some updates require a restart of the operating system to fully take effect. Additionally, you might consider performing an operation on the 'Windows Update components' to clear out any related caches, ensuring the accuracy of the displayed results (which can only be logged after new updates are installed):

How do I reset Windows Update components?