Question:

How to bypass the update check before upgrading to Windows Server 2022?

I am trying to upgrade my Windows Server 2019 to Windows Server 2022, but the upgrade process is stuck on checking for updates for more than two hours. Is there any option or workaround to skip this step and proceed with the upgrade directly?

Answer:

If you are planning to upgrade your Windows Server 2019 to Windows Server 2022, you may encounter a long delay in the update check before the actual upgrade process begins. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you have multiple servers to upgrade. Fortunately, there are some ways to skip or speed up the update check and proceed with the upgrade faster.

One option is to use the Local Group Policy Editor to configure the automatic updates settings. This will allow you to disable the update check or change the frequency and schedule of the updates. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

3. In the left pane, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.

4. In the right pane, double-click on “Configure Automatic Updates.”

5. In the pop-up window, select “Disabled” or “Enabled” and choose the desired option from the drop-down menu. For example, you can choose “Notify for download and auto install” or “Auto download and notify for install” to have more control over the updates.

6. Click “OK” to save the changes and close the window.

7. Restart your server to apply the new settings.

Another option is to use a third-party patch management tool, such as WSUS or SCCM, to manage the updates for your servers. These tools can help you download and install the updates in advance, or schedule the updates for a convenient time. You can also use these tools to filter out the updates that are not relevant or compatible with your servers. For more information on how to use these tools, you can refer to their official documentation .

A third option is to use the command-line tool SConfig to download and install the updates manually. This will give you more flexibility and visibility over the update process. To use this tool, follow these steps:

1. Open an Administrative (elevated) command prompt.

2. Run “sconfig” to launch the “Server Configuration” application.

3. Select option “6” to “Download and Install Windows Updates.”

4. Choose “A” for all updates, or “R” for recommended updates, and a scan will start.

5. After the scan is completed, you will see a list of available updates. Select the ones you want to install and press Enter.

6. Wait for the updates to be downloaded and installed. You may need to restart your server to complete the installation.

By using any of these options, you can bypass or speed up the update check before upgrading to Windows Server 2022. This will save you time and hassle, and ensure that your servers are running the latest and most secure version of Windows Server.