WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) is a Microsoft service that allows you to manage and deploy updates to computers within a network from a centralized server. A common problem encountered when working with WSUS is when you install and configure it correctly but find that no computers within the network are “Connected” to the WSUS server.
Step-By-Step Solution
- Check if the WSUS services are running correctly
Go to the Services Manager on the WSUS server and ensure that the following services are running:
- Windows Update
- Windows Server Update Services
If these services are not running, then start them manually.
Check the event logs
If the services are running correctly, browse to the Event Viewer and look for any warnings or errors (located under the “Applications and Services Logs” section) that relate to the Windows Update and Windows Server Update Services. This will indicate if there are any problems connecting to the WSUS server.
Configure the firewall
Check the Windows Firewall configuration. Ensure that the firewall is configured to allow traffic from the clients to the WSUS server, and that the port used by the WSUS service (normally port 80 or 443) is open.
Check client configuration
Ensure that the client computer is configured and pointing to the correct WSUS server address. On the client computer, open the Windows Update settings and confirm that the correct server and port are being used.
- Check Group Policy
If all of the above steps are correct and the issue persists, open the Group Policy editor and ensure that the correct settings are in place to connect to the WSUS server.
If the client computer still fails to connect to the WSUS server, then the issue may be caused by a network issue. Check to see if there are any network settings preventing the traffic from the client to the WSUS server.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WSUS?
WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) is a Microsoft service that allows you to manage and deploy updates to computers within a network from a centralized server.
How can I check the services running on the WSUS server?
Go to the Services Manager on the WSUS server and ensure that the following services are running: - Windows Update - Windows Server Update Services
What port do I use for the WSUS service?
The port used by the WSUS service is normally 80 or 443.
How do I check the client computer settings?
On the client computer, open the Windows Update settings and confirm that the correct server and port are being used.
How do I check the Group Policy settings?
Open the Group Policy editor and ensure that the correct settings are in place to connect to the WSUS server.
Where can I find further help?
The Microsoft Support website provides valuable help and guidance when troubleshooting issues with the WSUS server. Additionally, you can consult IT professionals who specialize in WSUS configuration and deployment.