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In a potentially alarming revelation shared recently on the Spiceworks Community forum, users are reporting unexpected behavior from Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Many are claiming that Windows Server 2025 seems to be auto-pushed through Windows updates, stirring up a whirlwind of concern among IT administrators managing critical infrastructures. Let’s delve into this situation, what it entails, and how you can prepare.
The initial post came from a user who noticed that a Windows Server 2022 virtual machine (VM) managed through WSUS was offering an upgrade to Windows Server 2025. This uninvited upgrade is not just a benign suggestion; it's being characterized as an unexpected automatic update. The user aptly asks, “Any ideas how to block that?” It’s a critical concern given that significant version upgrades like this can wreak havoc on existing systems if not planned properly.
Notably, two separate reported instances showed servers upgrading: one from 2022 and another from 2019. The latter raised red flags, particularly since it occurred within a three-node cluster setup, leading to operational disruptions. As one commenter put it, “I’ve had nothing but trouble with in-place upgrades on Server OS. I always start fresh.”
As we await official commentary from Microsoft regarding these reports, consider reaching out to fellow admins to compare notes and strategies. Whether you’re facing an automated upgrade or simply navigating the complexities of server management, a proactive community approach is invaluable. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—especially when it comes to server upgrades!
Source: Spiceworks Community Windows 2025 being pushed via Windows updates?
The Push Notification: What's Happening?
The initial post came from a user who noticed that a Windows Server 2022 virtual machine (VM) managed through WSUS was offering an upgrade to Windows Server 2025. This uninvited upgrade is not just a benign suggestion; it's being characterized as an unexpected automatic update. The user aptly asks, “Any ideas how to block that?” It’s a critical concern given that significant version upgrades like this can wreak havoc on existing systems if not planned properly.Notably, two separate reported instances showed servers upgrading: one from 2022 and another from 2019. The latter raised red flags, particularly since it occurred within a three-node cluster setup, leading to operational disruptions. As one commenter put it, “I’ve had nothing but trouble with in-place upgrades on Server OS. I always start fresh.”
Why This Matters
Automatic updates are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they provide essential security patches and feature enhancements; on the other, they can lead to significant system changes that may not be compatible with existing applications or infrastructure setups. Moreover, this upgrade doesn’t give users any semblance of control, making it feel like an unsolicited intrusion into their server environments.History of Concerns
Historically, server administrators have expressed similar concerns over major upgrades. The potential for in-place upgrades to fail—resulting in downtime or loss of functionality—has been a recurring theme. As the user community is often quick to share tales of upgrade woes, it’s a reminder underscoring the importance of scrutinizing any new updates that Microsoft might deploy through WSUS.What Can Be Done?
If you find yourself in a similar situation where Windows Server 2025 is being pushed through WSUS, here are practical steps to take:1. Assess Your Update Policies:
- Ensure that your server's update settings are configured correctly to prevent unwanted upgrades. Many administrators utilize approval lists to curate which updates can be applied automatically.
2. Create a Test Environment:
- Before applying an upgrade in production, consider establishing a test server that mirrors your production environment. This allows you to assess how the upgrade behaves without affecting your live operations.
3. Anti-Update Configurations:
- If necessary, utilize Group Policy settings and WSUS configurations to block the installation of specific updates. Microsoft provides various tools and documentation on how to manage updates effectively.
4. Community Engagement:
- Share your observations and experiences in communities like Spiceworks, Reddit, or Microsoft’s Tech Community. The collective knowledge from administrators can unveil additional methods to mitigate risks.
Final Thoughts: Staying Vigilant
In the ever-evolving landscape of IT management, anticipating changes before they affect your organization is vital. The prospect of being auto-upgraded to Windows Server 2025 has understandably raised a number of cautionary flags. IT administrators must remain vigilant, actively educate themselves on new updates, and take steps to maintain control over their systems.As we await official commentary from Microsoft regarding these reports, consider reaching out to fellow admins to compare notes and strategies. Whether you’re facing an automated upgrade or simply navigating the complexities of server management, a proactive community approach is invaluable. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—especially when it comes to server upgrades!
Source: Spiceworks Community Windows 2025 being pushed via Windows updates?
