Don't Forget: Update 1 Applies to Windows Server 2012 R2, Too

We've spent a lot of time talking about how Update 1 (KB2919355) for Windows 8.1 is required if you want to continue receiving security updates from Microsoft. And, this month, it's more important than ever to realize this, as June's Patch Tuesday represents the stop-dead date for Windows 8.1 consumer users to keep secure. The big underscore here is "consumer" users.

This month's deadline is strictly for those Windows 8.1 users that don't participate in a company-wide patching process. The deadline is for home users, or end users in companies that have decided to point computers to Windows Update instead of managing patching centrally. Those companies utilizing WSUS or System Center Configuration Manager (or other patch management product) actually have until August 12, 2014 to ensure that Update 1 has been delivered before the stream of available patches ceases.

But, it's important to clarify that Update 1 is just as important to Windows Server 2012 R2 as it is for Windows 8.1. I've mentioned it a few times, but much more in passing than as a highlight. Why? Because its assumed that Windows Server 2012 R2 is being updated through managed services by local IT. Again, if the Windows Server 2012 R2 server sits on the company network and updates are managed centrally by an IT organization, the deadline is August 12, 2014. However, if Windows Update is being used to provide patching for the Windows Server 2012 R2 server, it will also stop receiving updates from Microsoft.

So, I'll stop assuming and remember that there are unique circumstances where Windows Server 2012 R2 might be utilizing Windows Update for patching. If this is your circumstance, make sure to get KB2919355 applied today.