How to disable Automatic Windows Update ?

Question

Hi,

We encounter a SQL Server Connection error. It seems that it is due to Automatic Update stops the SQL Server Service occasionally.

We find that we have already changed the Windows Update to Manual in "sconfig". However, we find that "Windows Update" service is running (Manual Triggered).

Should we disable the "Windows Update" Service to avoid the potential interruption of SQL Server Database running ?

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi @TonyJK ,

depending on the windows update setting you choosed in SConfig the Windows Update service needs to run.
There are 3 options you can choose in SConfig:
A -> updates will be installed automatically (Windows Update service will run)
D -> updates will be downloaded, but you have to install the updates manually (Windows Update service will run)
M you have to check manually for updates and install them manually (Windows Update service don't need to run, but maybe will have the running status)

Be aware: If you disable the Windows Update service you have to enable the service before you can start a manual update.

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(If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

Regards
Andreas Baumgarten

Answer 2

Hi,

I will first understand and check why the service is getting stopped for SQL but if it is impacting the environment I will suggest you follow the steps as mentioned here - __trashed

Please list the Operating System Server and the link is for OS 2016.

Other way is to implement a GPO and set the Windows Update to Disabled.

gpo-disable-automatic-updates-windows

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Answer 3

Hi @TonyJK ,

the Windows Update service is responsible for applying the updates based on the settings like Automatic, DownloadOnly or Manual. If the service is running the setting for applying the updates is taken into account.
The Windows Update service is automatically triggered from the configured tasks in Task Scheduler.
If the Windows Update service is not in Running state it will be started (for instance because a user logged on).

You can see the tasks in Task Scheduler
Open Task Scheduler
Navigate to Task Scheduler Library - Microsoft - Windows - WindowsUpdate

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(If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

Regards
Andreas Baumgarten