Windows Update Restarts
Understanding Windows Update Settings in a Managed Services Environment
Introduction
Ensuring that your Windows devices are always up-to-date is crucial for security and performance. In a managed services environment, update settings can be controlled through Teledata’s Configuration Policies. This article helps you understand what these settings mean for you and your devices.
Key Terms
– Configuration Policy: A set of rules that can be applied to one or more devices.
– GPO (Group Policy Object): A feature of the Microsoft Windows NT family of operating systems that controls the working environment of user accounts and computer accounts.
– IT Automation Profiles: Profiles that automate the management tasks of computers and networks.
The Basics: Windows Update Settings in Teledata's Remote Monitoring and Management System
Teledata’s RMM allows the management of Windows Update settings in two primary ways:
1. Control Via Teledata's IT Automation Profiles (Recommended)
– What it Means: When this option is enabled, Teledata’s RMM takes complete control over Windows updates.
– End-User Impact: End users will not be able to check for or install Windows updates themselves.
Special Notes:
– This doesn’t affect ‘Security Intelligence Updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus.’
– Not available on Windows OS Home versions.
2. Allow Automatic Windows Local Updates
– What it Means: Windows will handle updates following its local policies, but Teledata’s RMM still provides some level of monitoring and management.
– End-User Impact: End users can still install local updates, depending on local policies.
Special Notes:
– The ‘OS Excluded Patches’ and IT automation schedule may be overridden, causing excluded patches to be installed.
Available Configurations
Revert To Device Settings: This option is to apply the Windows default settings to the devices.
Disable Auto-Restart With Logged-On Users: this option is to disable device restarts for any user who is currently logged on.
Note: The device will not restart if the user logs out after the automation has run.
Restart Outside Of Active Hours: this option is to set the active hours in which devices will not restart.
Note:
– The active hours are based on the local system settings.
– Applies to Windows 10, Windows Server 2022, and above.
Restart After The Selected Time Period: this option is to schedule device restarts anywhere from 15 – 180 minutes after Windows updates are complete.
Note: This applies to Windows 10, Windows Server 2022, and above.
Allow End Users To Control Device Restarts: this option is to send a toast notification to the end users informing them of a pending restart. We can specify how often the notification should be sent (in minutes) until the user restarts the device. We can also force a restart after a specified number of prompts, as well as customize the message that appears in the toast notification.
Conclusion
Understanding Windows Update Settings in a managed services setup is crucial for maintaining a secure and up-to-date environment. With Teledata’s RMM, you have the flexibility to choose between complete control and a more automated, hands-off approach.
For any further assistance or clarification, feel free to reach out to Teledata’s help desk.