Troubleshooting missing Windows Update on Server 2016

Having trouble with missing Windows Update on Server 2016? Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide.

Scanning for Viruses and Malware

When troubleshooting missing Windows Update on Server 2016, it is important to ensure that your system is not infected with viruses or malware. Scanning for these threats can help identify any issues that may be interfering with the update process. Here are the steps to scan for viruses and malware on your Server 2016:

1. Use an antivirus program: Install a reliable antivirus program on your server. Make sure it is up to date with the latest virus definitions.

2. Perform a full system scan: Open the antivirus program and initiate a full system scan. This will thoroughly check all files and folders on your server for any viruses or malware.

3. Quarantine or delete any detected threats: If the antivirus program detects any viruses or malware, follow the instructions to quarantine or delete them. This will prevent them from causing further harm to your system.

4. Update your antivirus program: After scanning and removing any threats, ensure that your antivirus program is updated to protect against the latest viruses and malware.

Restoring Windows Update Registry Key

Windows Registry icon

If you are experiencing issues with missing Windows updates on your Server 2016, it may be due to a problem with the Windows Update registry key. Restoring this registry key can help resolve the issue.

To restore the Windows Update registry key, follow these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows key + R, typing “regedit,” and pressing Enter.
2. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate.
3. Right-click on the WindowsUpdate key and select Export to create a backup of the key.
4. Once the backup is created, delete the WindowsUpdate key.
5. Restart your server.
6. After the restart, open the Registry Editor again and navigate to the WindowsUpdate key.
7. Right-click on the WindowsUpdate key and select Import.
8. Browse to the location where you saved the backup file and select it to restore the key.
9. Restart your server again.

After following these steps, check if the missing Windows updates issue has been resolved. If not, further troubleshooting may be required. It is always recommended to backup your registry before making any changes.

Utilizing SFC and DISM Tools

  • Use SFC (System File Checker) tool to scan and repair corrupt system files.
  • DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool can be used to repair Windows images and resolve update related issues.
  • Run SFC /scannow command to initiate a system file scan and automatically repair any detected issues.
  • Execute Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command to restore the health of the Windows image.
  • Ensure that you have an active internet connection to download and install the necessary updates.
  • Check for any pending restarts that might be blocking Windows Update installation.
  • Disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software temporarily, as they can sometimes interfere with Windows Update.
  • Restart the Windows Update service by running the net stop wuauserv and net start wuauserv commands.
  • Reset the Windows Update components by executing the net stop bits, net stop cryptsvc, net stop msiserver, and ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old commands, followed by net start bits, net start cryptsvc, net start msiserver commands.
  • Verify that the Windows Update settings are configured correctly and set to automatically download and install updates.
  • Consider installing the latest Windows Update client version from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  • If the issue persists, consult Microsoft’s official documentation or seek assistance from their support channels.

Performing an In-Place Update

1. First, ensure that you have a stable internet connection and administrative access to the server.

2. Open a web browser and navigate to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

3. Use the search function on the website to find the specific update(s) that are missing on your server. Make sure to select the appropriate architecture (x86 or x64) and language.

4. Download the update(s) to a location on your server, such as the desktop.

5. Once the download is complete, navigate to the location where you saved the update(s) and double-click on the file(s) to start the installation.

6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process. This may involve accepting the terms of service, entering login credentials, or selecting options from a menu.

7. After the installation is complete, restart the server if prompted.

8. Once the server has restarted, open the Windows Update settings and check for updates again.

9. If the missing updates are now detected, proceed with installing them through the Windows Update interface.

F.A.Qs

How do I fix Windows Update missing?

To fix Windows Update missing, you can try these steps:
– Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
– Run the SFC and DISM Scans.
– Scan for Malware.
– Restore the Windows Update Service Manually via the Registry Editor.
– Consider Factory Resetting Windows if other methods do not resolve the issue.

Is Windows Server 2016 still getting updates?

No, Windows Server 2016 is no longer receiving updates. It is recommended to upgrade to the latest version of Windows Server to continue receiving updates.

Why my Windows Update is not showing?

Your Windows Update may not be showing because there could be an issue with your system. To troubleshoot this, try running the Windows Update troubleshooter found in the Settings app under Update & security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. This may help resolve the issue.

Where is Windows Update on Windows Server 2016?

Windows Update on Windows Server 2016 can be found by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates. From there, you can click on “Check for Updates” to download and install any available updates. The update statuses include Downloading, Pending Install, and Pending. The server will automatically reboot outside of the active hours, which are typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, unless specified otherwise.

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