How Updates for Optional Features are Applied
6/22/2010
In Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008, the system binary files for server roles and optional features are in the %windir%\Winsxs directory, which is referred to as the component store. Optional features that have been disabled are in the component store. Disabled features are not available at any system location and are therefore not available to anyone who uses the computer.
If the computer is configured to accept automatic updates, features in the component store receive critical updates, even features that have been disabled in the system. This way, the latest version of a disabled feature is immediately available when and if the feature is later enabled.
The following table shows update behavior for optional features.
| Optional feature state | Update behavior |
|---|---|
Disabled |
Windows downloads the update. The computer does not restart because the binary files for the optional feature are not in use. |
Enabled |
Windows downloads and applies the update. The computer might restart if the binary files being updated are in use. For example, updating a running service with a new version requires that a system restart to copy the new version of the binary file. |
See Also
Tasks
How to Enable Windows Automatic Updates on Server Core
Concepts
Methods of Servicing a Server Appliance
Enabling WSUS Updates on Server Core