How to use the command 'Get-WUSettings' (with examples)

The Get-WUSettings command is a part of the PSWindowsUpdate module that enables users to retrieve the current configuration settings of the Windows Update Agent. This command is instrumental for system administrators and users who want to gather detailed insights into how Windows Update is configured on a given machine. By obtaining these insights, one can optimize update schedules, ensure compliance with organizational policies, and troubleshoot update-related issues.

Use case 1: Get the current Windows Update Agent configuration

Code:

Get-WUSettings

Motivation:

It is crucial for systems administrators and users alike to have visibility into the current settings of the Windows Update Agent. By knowing these configurations, administrators can verify whether the system is set to automatically install updates, defer updates, or is in need of any change in policy to align with organizational guidelines. This command serves as a fundamental tool for performing regular audits of update settings, troubleshooting update-related problems, or simply confirming that the system is receiving updates correctly.

Explanation:

The Get-WUSettings command, when executed, retrieves the current settings of the Windows Update Agent. It does not require any additional arguments by default because it is designed to provide this information directly without modifications. This simplicity allows users to quickly check the configurations without the need to navigate through multiple system settings or use the graphical user interface.

Example Output:

When you run the Get-WUSettings command, you might receive output similar to the following:

Windows Update settings:
- Automatic Updates: Enabled
- Scheduled Install Day: Sunday
- Scheduled Install Time: 3:00 AM
- Include Drivers with Windows Updates: False
- Defer Quality Updates: False
...

This output provides a clear snapshot of the update configurations on your system, indicating whether updates are automatically installed and the scheduled update times.

Use case 2: Send the current configuration data via email (SMTP)

Code:

Get-WUSettings -SendReport -PSWUSettings @{SmtpServer="smtp_server"; Port=smtp_port From="sender_email" To="receiver_email"}

Motivation:

Sending the current Windows Update configuration via email can be highly beneficial for distributed IT teams and support personnel who manage multiple systems or are not physically present at each machine. This use case is particularly valuable for auditing purposes, change management processes, and maintaining a record of the configuration for compliance and reporting needs. By automating the process of sending these configurations, organizations can ensure that all stakeholders are informed and that records are kept up-to-date and accessible.

Explanation:

• -SendReport: This parameter is used to specify that the configuration data should be compiled into a report and dispatched via email.
• -PSWUSettings @{...}: This parameter allows the user to specify a hashtable with the SMTP server settings required for sending the email.
  • SmtpServer="smtp_server": The domain name or IP address of the SMTP server that will be used to send the email.
  • Port=smtp_port: The port number used by the SMTP server. Common default ports are 25, 465, or 587.
  • From="sender_email": The email address that will be shown as the sender of the report.
  • To="receiver_email": The email address that will receive the report. This can be a single address or a list of addresses separated by commas.

Example Output:

Upon executing the command, there might not be direct output to the console; however, a success message indicating that the email was sent might appear:

Report sent successfully to receiver_email

The intended recipient will receive an email containing the Windows Update configuration data as it was at the time the command was executed.

Conclusion:

The Get-WUSettings command provides significant utility for administrators and IT personnel by offering a direct means of accessing Windows Update Agent configurations and distributing these insights through email. Both use cases—retrieving settings directly and sending a report via email—enhance the visibility and manageability of update policies across individual machines or an entire network. By leveraging these capabilities, organizations can ensure better compliance, streamlined maintenance processes, and efficient communications among technical teams.