Configure Windows Update Download Time via Group Policy

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we have around 150 pcs across 8 sites.

when windows updates rolled out 150 pcs turn on @ 9am , start downloading updates, choking links between sites.

there anyway via group policy configure time windows downloads updates? way stagger downloads balance throughout day.

quick around may not possible, , solution i've found block access windows update during times on router @ each site - bit convoluted/stupid when setting should exist in windows.

is there anyway via group policy configure time windows downloads updates?

you cannot configure when updates downloaded, there 2 other things can control behavior.

  1. you can control when approve updates each sites, directly impacts when client can download updates. now, i'm assuming have wsus server, since you're posting in wsus forum, , since have 150 systems across 8 sites should have wsus server.
  2. you can configure, via group policy, bandwidth available each system doing download -- rather saturating low-speed inter-site link, can apportion small percentage of bandwidth in intersite link, configure when download can occur (i.e. not between 9am , 5pm).

finally, it's worth noting organization 150 systems, effective way manage updates leave systems powered on during week of patch tuesday. allows systems spread downloads out across 24-48 hours of continous time and/or download during non-working hours.

is block access windows update

not using windows update, , not relying upon users patch own systems first step in managing impact of process.

lawrence garvin, m.s., mcitp:ea, mcdba, mcsa
product manager, solarwinds
microsoft mvp - software distribution (2005-2012)
mvp profile: http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/lawrence.garvin



Windows Server  >  WSUS



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