Hello, Feral Nerds!
The following tutorial will outline the update process using PowerShell. When it comes to maintaining Windows operating systems, keeping the software up-to-date is crucial. But let's face it, the default Windows Update process can sometimes feel like herding cats. That's where PowerShell comes in – it's the shepherd you never knew you needed. With the power to automate tedious tasks, it's no wonder PowerShell is a favorite among IT professionals.
In this guide, we won't just scratch the surface; we'll dig deep into how PowerShell can transform your update experience from commands that seem like they jumped straight out of a cyberpunk novel, giving you control over your updates in ways the default settings never could. And for those of you who've faced the dreaded Windows update loop or the surprise restarts, PowerShell offers a salvation that will not have you dreading client and server updates any longer.
The following will be covered in this tutorial:
Installing the PS Windows Update module
Using PowerShell to install and force updates.
Checking and selecting specific updates to install.
Setting the execution policy.
The Journey Begins: Installing PowerShell's PS Windows Update Module
The first treasure you'll need to unlock the secrets of PowerShell update management is the PS Windows Update module. It's like your trusty wand for casting those update incantations. Installing it is a breeze; a simple command gets you rolling - Install-Module -Name PSWindowsUpdate - and suddenly, you've got the power to manage updates nestled right in your command line.
Now, before you rush off to try it, remember that PowerShell is potent. With great power comes great responsibility – and that means running it with administrative privileges. Dive into your PowerShell as an admin, and the gates to update mastery will open up. And if you're worried about stepping on the toes of your system's established update procedures, fear not, for the Feral Nerd has got your back; the module plays nice with established settings.
Installing the PS Windows Update module is your initiation ritual into the society of PowerShell pundits. Once it's done, you'll be eager to explore the nooks and crannies of update management that were hidden in plain sight. Soon, you'll discover commands that will allow you to find, install, approve, and remove updates – all from the comforting glow of your PowerShell window.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as an Administrator
First, we need to open PowerShell with administrative privileges. To do this, type “PowerShell” into the Windows search bar, right-click on the result, and select “Run as administrator”.
Step 2: Set the Execution Policy
Before we can run scripts in PowerShell, we need to ensure that our execution policy allows it. By default, PowerShell may prevent scripts from running for security reasons. To change the execution policy, type the following command into PowerShell and press Enter:
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
This command will allow scripts that are written on your local computer and scripts that are signed by a trusted publisher to run If you see a prompt asking for confirmation, type “A” and press Enter.
Step 3: Install the PSWindowsUpdate Module
Next, we need to install the PSWindowsUpdate module. This module allows us to manage Windows updates directly from PowerShell. To install the module, type the following command into PowerShell and press Enter:
Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate
Step 4: Check for Available Updates
Once the module is installed, we can check for available updates. To do this, type the following command into PowerShell and press Enter:
Get-WindowsUpdate
This command provides a list of all the available updates.
Step 5: Install the Updates
Finally, we can install the updates. To install all available updates, type the following command into PowerShell and press Enter:
Install-WindowsUpdate
This command will download and install all the available updates.
After the updates install you may be prompted to reboot the device. Please type “y” and press enter. The machine will reboot and finish the installation process.
At this point, your system should is updated.
A Feral Nerd Fact:
Did you know that PowerShell was named after a task automation and configuration management framework? It's a bit like a superhero's origin story, with PowerShell emerging as the caped crusader of the Windows universe, swooping in to manage your updates with ease.
Buckle in for this bit of trivia: 'PowerShell' refers to the powerful 'shell' that wraps around that inner part of your system where the real magic happens. It's like having a genie's lamp at your command prompt; you rub it with your commands, and whoosh, your wishes for updates are granted. And just when you thought it couldn't get any nerdier, 'shell' is also a throwback to the old days of computing, where the 'shell' was what you used to interact with the machine's operating system. Can you feel the nostalgia?
PowerShell isn’t just a name; it's a homage to the roots of computing and the power of modern script-based wizardry. Remember that next time you conjure up an update with a swift commandlet — you're part of a legacy that stretches back to the dawn of the digital age.
Conclusion: The Wrap-Up of Your Update Odyssey
And there you have it, Feral Nerds — the ins and outs and the spells and counter-spells of managing your Windows updates through the arcane art of PowerShell. We've ventured through the vast, sometimes intimidating world of update commands and emerged on the other side with new powers at our feral fingertips.
Embracing PowerShell for your updates is about embracing change, and in the ever-evolving landscape of technology, that's the one constant you can count on. So wear your PowerShell cloak with pride, knowing that you're part of an elite cadre of wizards who can bend Windows to their will. But remember that with great power also comes great responsibility — use your newfound skills to keep the digital realm in harmony.
In the end, it's all about having fun, staying curious, and being technically savvy at the same time. So, thank you for walking this path with The Feral Nerd. May your system always be up-to-date, your reboot be swift, and your updates come with fewer unexpected turns than a mystery novel. Until next time, keep conjuring, keep exploring, and stay feral, my friends!