Using PSWindowsUpdate to Manage Windows Updates (with examples)

PSWindowsUpdate is a powerful PowerShell module that allows users to manage Windows updates directly from the command line. By utilizing this module, system administrators and advanced users can streamline the update process and maintain control over how updates are applied to their Windows systems. This tool is particularly useful for automating update processes, auditing updates, and ensuring that systems remain secure and up-to-date.

Use Case 1: Installing the PSWindowsUpdate Module

Code:

Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate

Motivation:

The first step in utilizing the features provided by PSWindowsUpdate is to install the module itself. By installing PSWindowsUpdate, you enable your system to access a suite of tools designed to manage Windows updates more efficiently. This is particularly important for IT administrators and power users who manage multiple systems or require a higher level of control over the update process than what the standard Windows Update offers. The power and flexibility of this module can greatly benefit those who need to schedule updates, deploy updates in a controlled manner, or simply want additional reporting features on update history and status.

Explanation:

• Install-Module: This is a PowerShell command used to install the specified module from the PowerShell Gallery. The module must be available in the gallery, which is the central repository for PowerShell modules. In this context, “Install-Module” is used to download and install PSWindowsUpdate.

Example Output:

On successfully running this command, you might see output indicating the module is downloading. If it runs without error, the module is installed successfully. No explicit output is shown unless you hit an error (such as network issues, or if you need elevated permissions).

Use Case 2: Listing All Commands Available Under the PSWindowsUpdate Module

Code:

Get-Command -Module PSWindowsUpdate

Motivation:

Once the PSWindowsUpdate module is installed, it’s essential to understand what commands are available within it. Listing the commands allows you to explore and familiarize yourself with the tools available for managing Windows Updates. This step is crucial for planning automation scripts or manual update tasks you might want to perform. Knowing the exact capabilities of the module can help avoid unnecessary manual labor and ensure a smooth update process.

Explanation:

• Get-Command: This command is used to retrieve all available cmdlets or commands within a specified module. By fetching the list of commands, users can easily see which functionalities are available.
• -Module PSWindowsUpdate: This option specifies that the command is to be used on the PSWindowsUpdate module. It narrows the search to only include commands within this specific module, allowing for targeted exploration without combing through unrelated commands.

Example Output:

CommandType     Name                                               Version    Source
-----------     ----                                               -------    ------
Function        Get-WindowsUpdate                                  2.0.0.4    PSWindowsUpdate
Function        Install-WindowsUpdate                              2.0.0.4    PSWindowsUpdate
Function        Get-WUHistory                                      2.0.0.4    PSWindowsUpdate
Function        Remove-WindowsUpdate                               2.0.0.4    PSWindowsUpdate
...

This output provides a list of functions available within the PSWindowsUpdate module, along with their version number. It gives a snapshot of the various operations you can perform with the module.

Conclusion:

Understanding how to install and utilize PSWindowsUpdate is crucial for system administrators and power users looking to manage Windows updates efficiently through PowerShell. The above use cases provide initial steps to navigate the module by installing it and listing its available commands, setting the stage for more advanced update management tasks. By leveraging the power of PSWindowsUpdate, users can ensure their systems remain secure and up-to-date, while also saving time and reducing the potential for human error.