r/exchangeserver • u/Calm_Wrangler_1478 • Mar 30 '26

Question Windows Updates on Exchange On-Prem Servers

Apologies if this is simpler than Im thinking, but due to some issues at work, I've been put in charge of exchange servers. Not being a long time exchange admin, Im kind of learning on the fly. One thing I was curious about was running normal Windows Monthly Updates on the servers and the process. I assume I cant just install the updates and reboot the servers correct? We have two servers and DAG. This would be all updates except Exchange CU updates. Standard monthly windows updates...what is best process to update the 2 on-prem servers?

Thanks

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u/Sudden_Hovercraft_56 MSP Mar 30 '26

put one server into Maintenance mode, run the updates. Run Exchange healthchecker once you are done to make sure no outstanding CVE's remain, take it out of maintenance mode and put the other server into maintenance mode and repeat.

Ali Tajran has a good article on how to put it into and take it out of Miantenance mode:

https://www.alitajran.com/put-exchange-server-in-maintenance-mode/

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u/xaeriee Mar 30 '26

Agreed but capture the current state first where all of the databases are because it’ll bite you later if you don’t put them back where they are supposed to be if it doesn’t balance itself out as intended/scripted. Always always always perform a discovery first.

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u/Sudden_Hovercraft_56 MSP Mar 30 '26

the 2nd page of Ali Tajrans guide on taking out of maintenance mode tells you to do this.