🪟 Windows Update with PowerShell
This guide provides a universal approach to managing Windows Updates using PowerShell—compatible with both client endpoints and servers.
📦 Install PSWindowsUpdate Module
Most advanced update tasks require the PSWindowsUpdate module, which works on both Windows clients and servers.
Install-PackageProvider -Name NuGet -Force
Install-Module -Name PSWindowsUpdate -Force
Import-Module PSWindowsUpdate
If prompted to trust the repository, type
Y.
🔍 Check for Available Updates
Get-WindowsUpdate
This checks for pending updates from Windows Update or WSUS depending on system configuration.
📥 Install Updates
Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot
-AcceptAll: Automatically approve updates-AutoReboot: Reboot automatically if required
For interactive use without auto reboot:
Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll
🔄 Check & Install in One Command
Get-WindowsUpdate -Install -AcceptAll -AutoReboot
📋 List Installed Updates
Built-in alternative (does not require module):
Get-HotFix
❌ Hide a Specific Update
Hide-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID "KB5009543" -Hide
🧪 Optional: Enable Script Execution
Required to run remote or downloaded scripts:
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
🕒 Schedule Automatic Update Task
Example: Run daily at 2 AM:
$Trigger = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -Daily -At 2am
$Action = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "PowerShell.exe" -Argument "Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot"
Register-ScheduledTask -TaskName "AutoWindowsUpdate" -Trigger $Trigger -Action $Action -RunLevel Highest -User "SYSTEM"
🧠 Notes
- Works on Windows 10, 11, and Server 2016/2019/2022
- Will follow WSUS policies if domain-joined and configured
- Requires admin privileges
🔗 References
- PSWindowsUpdate GitHub: https://github.com/mgrosvenor/PSWindowsUpdate
- Microsoft Docs: Windows Update for Business