How to use the command PSWindowsUpdate (with examples)

PSWindowsUpdate is a PowerShell external module that allows users to manage Windows Update using PowerShell commands. This tool provides a variety of commands that can be used to install, list, and manage Windows updates.

Use case 1: Install the module using Install-Module

Code:

Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate

Motivation: Installing the PSWindowsUpdate module is the first step in being able to manage Windows Update using PowerShell. This command allows you to easily install the module and make it available for use in PowerShell.

Explanation:

• Install-Module is a PowerShell command used to install external modules.
• PSWindowsUpdate is the name of the module to be installed.

Example output:

NuGet provider is required to continue
PowerShellGet requires NuGet provider version '2.8.5.201' or newer to interact with NuGet-based repositories. The NuGet provider must be available in 'C:\Program Files\PackageManagement\ProviderAssemblies' or 'C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\PackageManagement\ProviderAssemblies'. You can install the NuGet provider by running 'Install-PackageProvider -Name NuGet -MinimumVersion 2.8.5.201 -Force'. Do you want PowerShellGet to install and import the NuGet provider now?
[Y] Yes  [N] No  [S] Suspend  [?] Help (default is "Y"): Y

Use case 2: List all commands available under the module

Code:

Get-Command -Module PSWindowsUpdate

Motivation: This command allows users to view all the available commands provided by the PSWindowsUpdate module. This can be useful for understanding the capabilities of the module and exploring which commands are available for managing Windows Update.

Explanation:

• Get-Command is a PowerShell command used to retrieve all available commands.
• -Module PSWindowsUpdate specifies that the commands being retrieved should be from the PSWindowsUpdate module.

Example output:

CommandType     Name                                               Version    Source
-----------     ----                                               -------    ------
Function        Add-WUOfflineSync                                  2.3.2.2    PSWindowsUpdate
Function        Clear-WUAutoUpdate                                 2.3.2.2    PSWindowsUpdate
Function        Disable-WUAutoUpdate                               2.3.2.2    PSWindowsUpdate
Function        Get-WUApiVersion                                   2.3.2.2    PSWindowsUpdate
Function        Get-WUInstall                                      2.3.2.2    PSWindowsUpdate
...

Conclusion:

PSWindowsUpdate is a powerful tool for managing Windows Update using PowerShell. The Install-Module command allows for easy installation of the module, while Get-Command provides a comprehensive list of available commands. By using these commands, users can effectively manage Windows updates through PowerShell.