How to Patch SQL Server? Update SQL Server Patch Step by Step

Microsoft SQL Server often releases updates or packs known as SQL Server patches for its users. Now, here we have a problem parallel to it. Not all users know how to patch SQL Server database without any issues. This is not because of the complicated task. The reason is the unawareness of these packs or patches. Thus, this article will fill all the gaps by mentioning the patches, processes, solutions, strategies, and benefits of SQL Server patching.

We are all aware of the fact that Microsoft frequently provides users with SQL Server updates. The intention for this is to enhance performance, security, features, etc. All SQL Server users can get these update packs from the official Microsoft website.

Users can have SQL server patching issues in case they avoid these patches. This is because Microsoft releases these updates to help users protect their databases. Ransomware, all types of SQL injection attacks, etc., cyber threats that always hover above the head can be tackled this way. Let’s begin with understanding what these patches are in detail.

Understanding SQL Server Patches in Depth

To learn how to patch SQL Server, we must know all about it. Therefore, we can easily divide them into two categories. SQL Server Service Packs(SP) or Cumulative Updates(CU) to update the server.

What is a Cumulative Update?

When a group of multiple patches & SQL Server updates comes out by Microsoft, we call it a Cumulative Update. These updates are released to fix several issues, such as security fixes or issues related to performance, security, etc. Every cumulative update fixes all the bugs and issues in the server, allowing users not to manually update or use any older CU, as the latest one will fix the issues with the older SQL Server patches.

What is a Service Pack?

A service pack is nothing but a group of multiple Cumulative Updates. The service packs combine different cumulative updates and enhanced features in a single package. Here, users can install the updates together without any hassles. Service packs are like a major fix that comes out once in a while, but they are comparatively more stable and thoroughly tested. Let’s now learn about GDRs before proceeding with the how to patch SQL Server steps.

What is a General Distribution Release?

When we get an update for fixing the security issues, especially, it comes with a GDR or general distribution release. These are SQL Server patches and updates that are directly aimed at addressing the security issues in the database. The General Distribution Release is not used for minor issues; instead, they are used for more critical issues in the database.

Current Cumulative Updates:

• SQL Server 2022 CU21
• SQL Server 2019 CU32
• SQL Server 2017 CU31
• SQL Server 2016 CU17
• SQL Server 2012 CU10 for SP3

Current Service Packs:

• SP3 for SQL Server 2016
• SP1, SP2, SP3 for 2014 SQL Server
• SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 for 2012 SQL Server

General Distribution Releases:

• CU 32 Plus GDR for SQL Server 2019
• CU31 Plus GDR for SQL Server 2017
• SP3 GDR for SQL Server 2016
• CU4 Plus GDR for SP3 in SQL Server 2014

Also Read: Rebuild Transaction Log in SQL Server Step by Step

The Strategy to Update SQL Server Patch Without Issues

Once we are crystal clear about the SQL Server patches, it’s time to make a proper plan or strategy on how to patch SQL Server. Without planning the entire process, there is no way that we can get the desired results as expected.

To make a robust strategy, here we have a few points that users can work on. Let’s have a look at this:

• Check Server Vitals: Closely monitor the server for any severe changes. Make sure there aren’t any issues that might create hassles in the process. Proceed only after getting clearance from all concerned departments.
• Plan Patching for the Right Time: Always plan the operation when the least or no users need to operate in the server. Off-working hours are generally considered the perfect time for such operations.
• Run Pilot Projects: Run a demo operation. Before executing the actual process step by step, cross-verify that everything is going as per the plan.
• Prepare Disaster Recovery Plans: Be ready with the disaster recovery plans at every moment. If anything goes off the plan, quickly come to action to protect the data files with minimum or no loss at all.

Also Read: Decrypt Stored Procedures in SQL Server Database

How to Patch SQL Server Step by Step?

Now, comes the real question: what is the actual process for users to learn how to update SQL server patch? Well, as we mentioned, Microsoft offers these updates on the official website; the process is manual, too. Users can get the installer & without any solution, execute the entire procedure of SQL Server patching step by step.

There are mainly three steps (four steps in some cases) that can help users get the best solution. This SQL Server updates and patching step by step starts with the prerequisites:

Prerequisites for SQL Server Patching Process

The very first step for learning how to patch SQL Server database is understanding the prerequisites. Evidently, it is always good to keep prerequisites within the SQL patching procedure to not skip it in any case. Go through the following prerequisites:

Check Compatibility

Make sure that the SQL Server patches, which are going to be installed, are compatible with the SQL Server. There are several cases in which users forget to chcek compatibility that & then later face complications. The compatibility of the service pack with the SQL Server version is mentioned by Microsoft. To check the SQL Server version, we have two ways. These are of SSMS or T-SQL.

The SSMS Method:

1. Open the SSMS in the system.
2. Right-click on Server & Hit the Properties button.
   
3. The SQL Server Version is there on the general page to proceed with how to patch SQL Server process.
   

Also, we have the T-SQL Method:

Run Query-

SELECT @@VERSION version

Result- 

Take Backups

Having the latest backup of the entire database is a must before initiating the update. Learning how to update SQL server patches becomes easier with an upper hand like this.

Running the Service Pack Step by Step

Installation Steps:

1. Stop SQL Server Services using SQL Server Configuration Manager here.
   
   
2. Download the Service Pack, Cumulative Update, etc. from the official website.
3. Click on the installer & begin installing it on the device to launch installation wizard for SQL Server patches.

How to Patch SQL Server DB? 5 Steps for SQL Patching

1. Go through the license terms and conditions thoroughly & accept them.
2. Choose the desired Components to install in the system.
3. Confirm the Installation Path as desired after cross-checking.
4. Set Installation Options & verify after making required changes.
5. The operation will be completed after a while without any hassles.

Avoid SQL Server Patching Issues Post-Installation

• Restart the SQL Server Service after patch installation.
• Verify if all the SQL components are working fine or not.
• Cross-check the updated versions of SQL in the SSMS.
• Run some queries to check the usual working of the database.

This way, users can easily tackle errors after the SQL patching operation. Moreover, now it’s time to move ahead with the advanced automated solution for how to patch SQL Server and to fix major related errors to SQL patching and updates for sure.

What If Patch SQL Server Task Fails? Automated Solution

Once, users learn the method to execute SQL server patching step by step, it’s finally time to know the disaster recovery plan. Well, in our case, users need to understand that there are scenarios where users’ MDF files are corrupted. Now, to repair MDF files in SQL Server, we need to get a professional solution. One such solution comes as SQL Recovery Tool in the market.

Not all solutions available for SQL Server patching are reliable for users. Thus, if the SQL Server updates and patching step-by-step fails, users must have a backup plan or an alternative solution ready. This is why it is always advised to go for professional solutions from trusted authorities. The reason for this caution is that the crucial user data is at stake here.

Benefits of Learning How to Update SQL Server Patches

There can be plenty of benefits of learning how to patch SQL Server that users need to know. There are plenty of risks associated with SQL that users can prevent with patch updates.

• Legal Compliance: Updates like this help in avoiding compliance issues. When confidential information is compromised, legal compliances tend to occur. This is what users can prevent with patches.
• Get Rid of Malware: The updated patches provide up-to-the-mark security features. Therefore, users easily get free from all kinds of threats like malware, ransomware, SQL injection, etc.
• The Latest Features: By missing patches, users can not get the updated features. Therefore, it is the best way to understand & use new features save time & be more productive without any hassles.
• Prevent Data Theft or Loss: Data loss in SQL is not a new thing, as soon as a business faces data theft, 60 out of 100 organizations shut down forever. Patches take care of such issues.

Also Read: How to Fix SQL Server Error 3014 With Ease After Understanding SQL Server Patches

Wrapping Up

Now that users are well aware of the process of learning how to patch SQL Server database without any issues, let’s come to an end. In a nutshell, we can conclude this article with the saying that for the SQL Server patching process, users must learn about SQL Server first. Moreover, users should be ready with a disaster recovery plan, such as, the SQL Database Recovery Software by SysTools, in this case.