Does a Required Restart for Windows Update log an event? If so what is the source/id?

windows-server-2003 windows-update

13,473

Solution 1

How are your WSUS updates being applied? Automatically installed then prompt for a reboot, or automatically downloaded then prompt for install? You never want to leave a production server in a state where the patches have been installed and it's requesting a reboot. This leaves the server in an 'intermediate' state where it's neither at one patch level or another. Ideally you always want to trigger the patch installation (manually) then reboot the server immediately upon completion.

Solution 2

This is the event you are looking for, down the keyword it triggers. I believe it is safe to assume it will be identical on all Windows systems at least as old as Windows 7 or newer.

enter image description here

PS:I hope this answer doesn't get downvoted because the screenshot is from a Windows 7 machine, as opposed to a server product.

13,473

Beuy

Updated on September 17, 2022

Comments

Beuy almost 2 years

Does anyone happen to know if a required restart in order to apply Windows Updates creates a entry in the event log? If so which log is it under, and what is the source/id?

I have a legacy system that needs to an account, constantly logged into console for applications to function as required (Some old PROCOMS modem software for customers without Internet access but a telephone (Dial-up? Separate issue, don't get me started -.-)).

When an update is applied to this machine that requires a restart (Server 2003) I would like an e-mail alert to be sent.
- Aashraya Singal about 14 years
  
  How are your WSUS updates being applied? Automatically installed then prompt for a reboot, or automatically downloaded then prompt for install? You never want to leave a production server in a state where the patches have been installed and it's requesting a reboot. This leaves the server in an 'intermediate' state where it's neither at one patch level or another. Ideally you always want to trigger the patch installation (manually) then reboot the server immediately upon completion.
- Beuy about 14 years
  
  WSUS updates are being applied by GPO, the problem with this machine is it will get touched once in a blue moon, and the applications running on it prevent restarts from occurring unless you manually force them using a shutdown -f command or hard-boot them.
- Beuy about 14 years
  
  Hi Chris, any chance you could change your comment to an answer? I would really like to award you the answer for this question as I agree with your statement.
- Aashraya Singal about 14 years
  
  Done, thanks Beuy. What approach did you end up taking?
- Beuy about 14 years
  
  Thanks Chris, I've marked your question as an answer. I changed the automated installation to notify but not install, I'll manually check the device at the end of every week to check if it requires an update and install manually.
Beuy about 14 years

Thanks joe but I'm actually after the system notifying that it requires a restart, not that it already has.