Windows Server Patching Activity

This document outlines the step-by-step procedures for patching Windows servers, focusing on security, stability, and compliance. It includes preparation, deployment, validation, and rollback processes.

Scope: Covers patching activities for Windows Servers, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal system performance.
Audience: IT Administrators, System Engineers, and other stakeholders involved in server management.

Patch Schedule

• Frequency: Monthly or Quarterly, depending on organizational policies.
• Date and Time: Specify the planned patching window.
• Duration: Estimate the time required per server.
• Downtime Window: Clearly define the expected downtime to minimize disruptions.

Pre-Patching Preparations

1. Notifications:

   • Inform stakeholders and affected teams at least one week in advance.
   • Send reminder notifications 24 hours before the patching activity.

2. Backup:

   • Perform backups of critical data and system configurations.
   • Test backup restore functionality for reliability.
   • Take snapshots of virtual machines if applicable.

3. Patch Verification:

   • Review the list of servers and applications scheduled for patching.
   • Validate patches (e.g., security updates, bug fixes) for compatibility.
   • Confirm application compatibility with the patches.

Patching Process

1. Access Servers:

   • Log in as an administrator.

2. Prepare Systems:

   • Disable non-essential services that could interfere with patching.

3. Patch Deployment:

   • Use Windows Update or WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) to install patches.

4. Monitor Progress:

   • Watch for errors or warnings during installation.

5. Reboot Systems:

   • Restart servers as required and ensure they reboot cleanly.

6. Document Issues:

   • Record any issues encountered for troubleshooting and review.

Post-Patching Validation

1. System Verification:

   • Ensure servers are online and critical services are operational.
   • Check that essential services, applications, and network connections are functional.
   • Run system health checks (CPU, memory, disk utilization).

2. Application Testing:

   • Collaborate with application owners or users for functionality checks.

3. Log Review:

   • Inspect event logs for errors or warnings related to patching.

4. Backup Systems Check:

   • Confirm backups are functioning as expected post-patching.

Rollback Plan

1. Criteria for Rollback:

   • Define rollback triggers, such as critical application failures or system instability.

2. Rollback Steps:

   • Restore from backups or snapshots if critical issues arise.
   • Reboot servers if necessary.
   • Notify stakeholders of rollback implementation.

3. Post-Rollback Validation:

   • Ensure stability and application functionality after rollback.

Communication Plan

1. Pre-Patching:

   • Notify stakeholders about schedules and expected downtime.

2. During Patching:

   • Provide real-time updates if delays occur.

3. Post-Patching:

   • Inform stakeholders about completion or rollback outcomes.

Documentation and Reporting

1. Patch Status:

   • Record patching outcomes for each server (successful, pending restart, or failed).

2. Incident Reports:

   • Document issues or incidents for review.

3. Summary Report:

   • Include patch details, issues faced, rollback instances, and lessons learned.

Next Steps and Follow-Up

1. Review & Improve:

   • Analyze any issues and refine patching procedures.

2. Stakeholder Meeting:

   • Schedule a follow-up meeting for critical incidents.

3. Plan Next Cycle:

   • Schedule the next patching window, incorporating lessons learned and addressing new vulnerabilities.

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