Note
Access to this page requires authorization. You can try signing in or changing directories.
Access to this page requires authorization. You can try changing directories.
Applies to: 
SQL Server - Windows only
This article provides information about installing updates for SQL Server. This section provides the following information:
- Installing updates for SQL Server during a new installation
- Installing updates for SQL Server after it's installed.
Install the latest SQL Server updates in a timely manner to make sure that systems are up-to-date with the most recent security updates.
Install updates for SQL Server during a new installation
SQL Server setup integrates the latest product updates with the main product installation so that the main product and its applicable updates are installed at the same time. Product Update can search for the applicable updates from:
- Microsoft Update
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
- A local folder
- A network share
After Setup finds the latest versions of the applicable updates, it downloads and integrates them with the current SQL Server setup process. Product Update can include a cumulative update, service pack, or service pack plus cumulative update.
Install Updates for SQL Server after it's installed
On an installed instance of SQL Server, we recommend that you apply the latest security updates and critical updates including general distribution releases (GDRs), service packs (SPs), and cumulative updates (CUs). For more information, see the March 2016 announcement on the SQL Server Incremental Servicing Model (ISM).
Starting with SQL Server 2017 (14.x), we adopted a simplified, predictable mainstream servicing lifecycle, and service packs (SPs) are no longer available.
Only cumulative updates (CUs), and general distribution releases (GDRs) when needed.
For more information, see the September 2017 announcement on the Modern Servicing Model for SQL Server (MSM).
The SQL Server updates are available through Microsoft Update (MU), Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), and the Microsoft Download Center. Security and Critical updates for SQL Server are available through Microsoft Update, and you must opt in to MU to be able to see these updates using the Windows Update applet.
When you receive an update through Microsoft Update, it updates all SQL Server features to the latest version in an unattended mode. If you need more flexibility or don't have internet or WSUS access, you must obtain the updates from the Microsoft Download Center.