What is the process for applying hotfixes in a Windows Server environment using Windows Update or manual installation?

[ProfRon]

You know, when you're tweaking your Windows Server, hotfixes can sneak in fixes for those pesky bugs. I usually start with Windows Update because it's like the easy button. You just boot up the server, hit that update icon, and let it scan for what's missing. It grabs the hotfixes automatically if they're out there. Sometimes it asks if you want to install right then, so you click yes and grab a coffee while it chugs along. Reboot if it nags you, and you're golden most times.

If Windows Update acts grumpy or skips something, manual install steps in. I download the hotfix file straight from Microsoft, like a zip or an exe. You double-click it on the server, follow the prompts that pop up, and watch it unpack itself. It might whine about restarts, so plan that downtime. I always test it on a spare machine first to avoid drama.

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