Since Windows 2016 server, it is possible to install the Windows Server Update Service (WSUS) directly with a SQL Server database.
In this article we will see how to proceed.
Prerequisites
To install WSUS with a SQL Server database you need:
- Windows 2016 or 2019 server for the WSUS role
- An instance of SQL Server (Express) that can be installed on the WSUS server.
Install the WSUS role
From the server manager, click Add Roles and Features 1 .
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When launching the wizard, click Next 1 .
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Select Role Based Installation or 1 Functionality and click Next 2 .
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Select server 1 and click Next 2 .
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Check the box for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
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Validate dependencies by clicking Add features 1.
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Click Next 1 .
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Click Next 1 , no functionality is needed.
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A summary of the WSUS role is displayed, click Next 1 .
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Uncheck WID connectivity 1 box and check SQL Server Connectivity 2 then click Next 3 .
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Configure the storage location for 1 updates on the server and click Next 2 .
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Configure access to the SQL server (SERVER\INSTANCE) 1 and click on Check connection 2 .
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Once the connection is validated 1 , click the Next 2 button.
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A summary of the IIS role is displayed, click Next 1 .
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Validate IIS features by clicking Next 1 .
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Confirm the installation by clicking Install 1 .
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Wait during the installation …
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When the installation is complete, exit the wizard by clicking Close 1 .
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Now that WSUS roles and features are installed, you must run the post-installation tasks that will create the database. On the server manager, click on the notification icon 1 and then on Launch post-installation tasks 2 .
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Wait during the execution which may take several minutes.
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The WSUS service is now installed and ready to be configured.
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At the location configured to store the databases on the SQL Server instance, you can see that the SUSDB database files have been created.
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Configuration
Launch the WSUS Administration Console to launch the configuration wizard.
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For the rest of the WSUS configuration, I invite you to read the tutorial: Installing and Configuring WSUS on Windows Server that explains how to configure and install the service.