How to know if a Windows Update will require a reboot

dborchert 1 Reputation point
2021-03-10T20:51:07.637+00:00

As the subject states, is there a way to know for sure if a windows update KB will require a reboot? I've come up with a patching schedule for all our servers and starting tomorrow I'm patching two of them. I see updates "pending install" and "pending download". Even if I look up the particular KB, (i.e. KB2267602 which is pending install) I don't see anything about reboot required. However, another one -- KB4535680 I do find and for "Restart Behaviour" it says "Can request restart" (on this page: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4535680). Is there no way to tell for sure because of the many variables? I thought that https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com website would be my answer but when I search for the first KB I mentioned (KB2267602), nothing comes up ??? I basically just want to let the team know if a particular server will need a reboot or not since we have to stop certain scheduled tasks/etc if a reboot is required. Doesn't seem that easy to find out though. ![76481-hmmm.png][1] [1]: /api/attachments/76481-hmmm.png?platform=QnA

Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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  1. Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP
    2021-03-10T22:15:02.677+00:00

    Almost all SSUs and cumulative updates are going to require a reboot to complete the in-use file replacements. You could have one in an isolated environment to test with.

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  2. Teemo Tang 11,331 Reputation points
    2021-03-11T01:56:56.083+00:00

    If you want to know whether a update/KB need us to reboot our computer, the best method is visit this update’s Microsoft website---Windows Update history or some updates have their separate explanation website.
    For example, KB4535680, let’s look at its separate website, there is a Restart information for use to check:
    76524-re.jpg
    Your device does not have to restart when you apply this update. If you have Windows Defender Credential Guard (Virtual Secure Mode) enabled, your device will restart two times.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb4535680-security-update-for-secure-boot-dbx-january-12-2021-f08c6b00-a850-e595-6147-d0c32ead81e2

    Besides, if you don’t want computer restart after installing update, you could configure Active Hour.

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