How to Download and Update Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 is a server operating system that provides features and enhancements for various server roles and scenarios. It is essential to keep your Windows Server 2016 updated with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and improvements to ensure optimal performance and security.
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In this article, you will learn how to download and update Windows Server 2016 using an in-place upgrade method, which allows you to upgrade from an older version of Windows Server to a newer one while keeping your settings, server roles, and data intact. You will also learn how to troubleshoot some common issues that may prevent Windows Update from installing successfully.
Prerequisites for Updating Windows Server 2016
Before you start updating your Windows Server 2016, you need to make sure that your computer meets the following requirements:
Determine which version of Windows Server you want to upgrade to. You can upgrade to a newer version of Windows Server by up to two versions at a time. For example, Windows Server 2016 can be upgraded to Windows Server 2019 or Windows Server 2022. If you are using the Cluster OS Rolling Upgrade feature, you can only upgrade one version at a time.
Ensure that your hardware meets or exceeds the hardware requirements for Windows Server.
Have a valid product key and activation method available. The keys and methods may depend on the distribution channel that you received Windows Server media from, such as Commercial Licensing, Retail, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), etc.
Have PowerShell 5.1 or later installed on your computer.
Have a location to store files away from your computer, such as a USB flash drive or network location.
Review the upgrade and migrate roles and features in Windows Server article.
Review the Microsoft server applications compatibility article.
Review any third-party application vendors support requirements.
Collect diagnostic information from your computer for troubleshooting purposes in case the update fails.
Backup your server operating system, apps, and virtual machines.
Shut down, quick migrate, or live migrate any virtual machines currently running on your server. You cannot have any virtual machines running during the in-place upgrade.
Steps to Download and Update Windows Server 2016
Step 1: Check for Windows Updates
To check To check for Windows Updates, you can use either the Settings app or the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Here are the steps for each method:
Using the Settings app:
Open the Settings app by clicking the Start button and then clicking the gear icon.
Click Update & Security.
Click Windows Update.
Click Check for updates. Windows will scan for any available updates and download them automatically.
If you see a message that says "You're up to date", then you have the latest updates installed. If not, follow the on-screen instructions to install the updates.
Using the Microsoft Update Catalog website:
Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
In the search box, type the name or number of the update that you want to download. For example, you can type "Windows Server 2016" or "KB5005573".
Press Enter or click Search.
Find the update that matches your system architecture (x86, x64, or ARM64) and language. Click Download.
In the pop-up window, click the link that ends with .msu to download the update file.
Once the download is complete, double-click the file to run it and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
Step 2: Install the Latest Servicing Stack Update
A servicing stack update (SSU) is a component that makes sure that Windows Update works properly and can install updates on your computer. It is important to install the latest SSU before installing any cumulative updates (CUs) or feature updates. To install the latest SSU for Windows Server 2016, follow these steps:
Go to the Latest Servicing Stack Updates page and find the SSU that matches your system architecture and version of Windows Server.
Click Download and save the file to your computer.
Double-click the file to run it and follow the on-screen instructions to install the SSU.
Restart your computer if prompted.
Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
If you encounter any problems with Windows Update, such as error codes, failed installations, or stuck downloads, you can try running the Windows Update troubleshooter, which can help fix common issues. To run the troubleshooter, follow these steps:
Download the Windows Update troubleshooter from this link and save it to your computer.
Double-click the file to run it and click Next.
Select Windows Update from the list of troubleshooters and click Next.
The troubleshooter will scan your computer for any problems and try to fix them automatically. Follow any on-screen instructions that may appear.
Once the troubleshooter is done, restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.
Step 4: Use DISM or System Update Readiness Tool
Sometimes, Windows Update may fail to install because of corrupted system files or components. In this case, you can use either the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool or the System Update Readiness tool, which can help repair Windows corruption errors. To use these tools, follow these steps:
Using DISM:
Open an elevated PowerShell window by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Type this command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The DISM tool will scan your computer for any corruption errors and try to fix them automatically. This may take some time, so be patient.
Once the DISM tool is done, restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.
Using System Update Readiness Tool:
Download the System Update Readiness Tool from this link and save it to your computer.
Double-click the file to run it and follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool.
The tool will scan your computer for any corruption errors and try to fix them automatically. This may take some time, so be patient.
Once the tool is done, restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.
Common Issues and Solutions for Updating Windows Server 2016
Here are some of the possible issues and solutions that you may encounter when updating Windows Server 2016:
Error code or messageSolution
0x80070002 or 0x80070003This error means that some files are missing or corrupted. You can try using the DISM tool or the System Update Readiness Tool to fix this error. You can also try deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder, which contains temporary files used by Windows Update. To do this, open an elevated PowerShell window and type these commands: net stop wuauservnet stop bitsren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.oldnet start wuauservnet start bits
0x80073712This error means that a file needed by Windows Update is damaged or missing. You can try using the DISM tool or the System Update Readiness Tool to fix this error.
0x800F0922This error means that there is not enough free space in the System Reserved partition, which is used by Windows Update to store boot files. You can try using a third-party tool such as MiniTool Partition Wizard to extend the size of the System Reserved partition. You can also try disabling VPN connections or firewall settings that may block Windows Update.
0xC1900101This error means that there is a driver compatibility issue. You can try updating your drivers to the latest versions, or uninstalling any drivers that are not essential for your server. You can also try disconnecting any external devices that are not needed for the update.
We couldn't complete the updates. Undoing changes. Don't turn off your computer.This message means that Windows Update failed to install the updates and is reverting the changes. You can try running the Windows Update troubleshooter, or using the DISM tool or the System Update Readiness Tool to fix any corruption errors. You can also try installing the updates in a clean boot state, which disables any non-Microsoft services and programs that may interfere with Windows Update.
Conclusion
In this article, you learned how to download and update Windows Server 2016 using an in-place upgrade method. You also learned how to troubleshoot some common issues that may prevent Windows Update from installing successfully. By keeping your Windows Server 2016 updated, you can enjoy the latest features and enhancements, as well as protect your server from security threats and vulnerabilities.
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Always backup your server before performing any updates.
Always check for and install the latest SSU before installing any CUs or feature updates.
Always restart your server after installing any updates.
Always monitor your server performance and functionality after installing any updates.
Always report any issues or feedback to Microsoft through the Feedback Hub app or the Windows Server User Voice website.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to update Windows Server 2016?A: The time it takes to update Windows Server 2016 depends on several factors, such as your internet speed, hardware configuration, update size, etc. Generally, it may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Q: How can I check the update history of Windows Server 2016?A: You can check the update history of Windows Server 2016 by opening the Settings app, clicking Update & Security, clicking Windows Update, and then clicking View update history.
Q: How can I pause or defer updates on Windows Server 2016?A: You can pause or defer updates on Windows Server 2016 by opening the Settings app, clicking Update & Security, clicking Advanced options, and then adjusting the settings under Pause updates or Choose Choose when updates are installed. You can pause updates for up to 35 days, or defer feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for up to 30 days.
Q: How can I uninstall an update on Windows Server 2016?A: You can uninstall an update on Windows Server 2016 by opening the Settings app, clicking Update & Security, clicking Windows Update, clicking View update history, clicking Uninstall updates, and then selecting the update that you want to uninstall.
Q: How can I get help with Windows Server 2016?A: You can get help with Windows Server 2016 by visiting the Windows Server documentation website, the Windows Server support website, the Windows Server forums, or the Windows Server blog. You can also contact Microsoft support or your local Microsoft partner for assistance.
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