Question:

1. Could you describe your protocol for deploying Microsoft’s monthly Cumulative Updates, especially for the Windows OS and occasionally for the .NET Framework?

2. Is it your standard practice to apply Windows Server Cumulative Updates monthly, without considering their criticality?

3. If you don’t adhere to a monthly schedule, how do you determine the necessity of each update? Do you evaluate the criticality or follow a fixed schedule, such as bi-monthly or quarterly installations?

4. For those who install updates monthly, do you follow a specific timetable for your Windows Servers, such as testing on Wednesdays at 5 pm and production on Sundays at 8 am?

5. Do you routinely install Windows 10/11 Cumulative Updates every month, regardless of their criticality?

6. If you don’t install updates monthly, what criteria do you use to decide when to install them? Do you have a set schedule for these installations?

7. For those who have a regular installation schedule for Windows 10/11, could you share the details of that schedule?

8. How do you structure your test groups for Windows 10/11 devices? Do you use dedicated devices for testing, or do you rely on certain users within the production environment to test updates?

9. As an additional inquiry, do you engage in testing preview updates prior to Patch Tuesday? If so, are these tests conducted on servers, clients, or both?

These questions aim to understand the strategies and practices employed by professionals in managing and deploying critical software updates.

Answer:

The deployment of monthly Cumulative Updates typically involves a multi-stage process. Initially, updates are assessed in a controlled environment to identify any potential issues. Once verified for stability, updates are then rolled out to the broader network, starting with non-critical systems. For Windows OS updates, this might involve automated deployment tools like WSUS or SCCM, while .NET Framework updates are often managed manually due to their less frequent release.

2. Windows Server Updates:

Many organizations opt to install Windows Server Cumulative Updates monthly to ensure immediate protection against vulnerabilities. This approach prioritizes security over the potential downtime or issues that may arise from the updates.

3. Update Necessity Assessment:

For those not following a monthly schedule, the criticality of updates is assessed based on the severity of the vulnerabilities they address. Organizations may also consider the applicability to their specific environment and any known issues with the updates. Some may choose a bi-monthly or quarterly schedule to balance the need for security with operational practicality.

4. Timetable for Windows Servers:

Organizations that adhere to a monthly schedule often have predefined timetables. A common practice is to deploy updates to test servers during off-peak hours, followed by production servers at a time that minimizes impact on business operations, such as early mornings or weekends.

5. Windows 10/11 Updates:

Similar to server updates, many organizations install Windows 10/11 Cumulative Updates monthly. This ensures that all devices are protected and running optimally, with the understanding that any issues can be quickly addressed.

6. Criteria for Non-Monthly Updates:

When updates are not installed monthly, the decision is typically based on the criticality of the updates and their relevance to the current environment. Some organizations may have a fixed schedule that aligns with their operational cycles, such as after quarterly financial reporting.

7. Schedule for Windows 10/11:

For those with a regular installation schedule, updates for Windows 10/11 might be tested on a select group of devices before a broader rollout. This could occur mid-week, with a full deployment to all clients if no issues are detected.

8. Test Groups Structure:

Test groups for Windows 10/11 devices are often organized based on the risk tolerance of the users and the diversity of the hardware and software configurations. Some organizations use dedicated test devices, while others prefer ‘test users’ who are more adept at handling potential issues.

9. Testing Preview Updates:

Testing preview updates before Patch Tuesday is not a universal practice, but some organizations incorporate it into their protocol to anticipate and prepare for any significant changes. These tests can be conducted on a subset of servers and clients to ensure a broad understanding of the potential impact.

In conclusion, the strategies for managing and deploying updates vary widely among professionals, but the underlying goal remains consistent: to maintain system integrity and security while minimizing disruption to operations. The balance between these objectives defines the unique update protocols of each organization.