Windows updates patch security holes, so you need to install them. The catch is that if you leave them on automatic, Windows may restart the server whenever it likes, with your game server full of people. The fix: let it download them and install them yourself.
Download only
- Open PowerShell as administrator and type
sconfig. - Choose the Update setting option.
- Press D (Download only): it downloads them, lets you know and waits for you to install them.
With M (Manual) it does not even download them; we do not recommend it, because it is easy to forget for months.
Active hours
As a safety net, set your busiest hours so Windows never restarts in that window: Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Change active hours. For example, 16:00 to 02:00. First make sure the server has your time zone.
The monthly routine
Microsoft releases patches on the second Tuesday of every month. That week, at a quiet time:
- Warn your players and stop the game server from its console so it saves.
- Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Install now.
- Restart when asked. If it takes a while, watch the progress in the panel's VNC tab before touching anything: never force power off in the middle of an update.
- Check the game server is back. If you want it to start by itself, see how to start it when Windows boots.
Remote desktop not back after the restart? Give it 10 minutes: some updates finish installing during boot. You can watch it live over VNC.