Patch Tuesday is the term used for Microsoft’s regular schedule of releasing software updates for its products, including Windows Server, Windows operating systems, and other software like Microsoft Office.
It occurs on the second Tuesday of each month, typically at around 10:00 AM Pacific Time (PT), when Microsoft publishes a batch of updates to address security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and occasionally improve functionality.
Key Details About Patch Tuesday:
1. Purpose:
• Security Updates: Primarily focuses on fixing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, such as those in the Windows kernel, networking protocols, or applications.
• Cumulative Updates: Includes bundled fixes for stability, performance, and compatibility issues, often incorporating all previous updates for a given product version.
• Other Updates: May include critical non-security fixes or, less commonly, driver updates.
2. Scope:
• Applies to Windows Server (e.g., 2016, 2019, 2022), Windows client OS (e.g., Windows 10, 11), and other Microsoft products.
• Updates are categorized by severity (e.g., Critical, Important, Moderate) and type (security, cumulative, etc.).
3. Release Process:
• Updates are made available through Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), or the Microsoft Update Catalog.
• Microsoft publishes a Security Update Guide (available at securityupdateguide.microsoft.com) with details on each patch, including CVE identifiers, affected products, and severity ratings.
• Administrators receive advance notice through the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) or security bulletins.
4. Out-of-Band Updates:
• For urgent vulnerabilities (e.g., zero-day exploits), Microsoft may release patches outside the Patch Tuesday schedule, known as out-of-band updates.
5. Impact on Windows Servers:
• Security: Essential for protecting servers from exploits, especially for internet-facing systems like web or remote desktop servers.
• Stability: Cumulative updates ensure system reliability by addressing bugs.
• Downtime: Patching often requires reboots, so administrators typically schedule maintenance windows.
6. Best Practices:
• Testing: Deploy patches in a test environment first to avoid disruptions, as some updates have historically caused compatibility issues.
• Prioritization: Focus on critical and important security updates, especially for vulnerabilities actively exploited in the wild.
• Automation: Use tools like WSUS, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM), or third-party patch management solutions to streamline deployment.
• Monitoring: Check Microsoft’s Security Update Guide or X posts from security researchers for details on critical patches or known issues.
Why It Matters:
Patch Tuesday is a cornerstone of Microsoft’s security strategy, ensuring systems stay protected against evolving threats. For Windows Server administrators, staying on top of Patch Tuesday reduces the risk of cyberattacks, such as ransomware or privilege escalation exploits, while maintaining system performance.
Example:
On August 12, 2025 (the next Patch Tuesday after your current date, August 6, 2025), Microsoft is expected to release updates addressing any newly discovered vulnerabilities or issues for supported products like Windows Server 2022. These could include fixes for CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) reported in the prior month.