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Why are security updates needed?
As you might expect from the name, these updates are also very important for security reasons. Some bugs present security risks, and these can be quickly addressed with an update. Security updates can also fix vulnerabilities to new attacks that have cropped up.
Advanced Security: SharePoint Online comes with advanced security features that authenticate users and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Data integrity is maintained by optimizing access to data and shareability.
How often are Microsoft security updates released?
The second Tuesday of each month is the one most commonly referred to as Patch Tuesday. That’s when Microsoft releases security-related updates for Windows (desktop and server editions), Office, and related products. The fourth Tuesday of each month is reserved for updates that aren’t related to security.
How often are Microsoft updates?
every 17 to 22 hours
“How often does Windows Update check for new updates?” You can always check for updates manually via Windows Update but it does happen automatically every day. Actually, Windows Update checks for updates randomly, every 17 to 22 hours.
Although it is supported to install only those packages which include the security updates it is recommended to keep SharePoint Server fully updated by installing the latest SharePoint updates regardless of whether they’re security or non-security updates.
Can a SharePoint update be installed via Mu / Wu?
SharePoint updates should not be installed via MU/WU as they require manual intervention post-installation through the Config Wizard. As for CU vs. Security, totally up to you and your testing. CUs include all updates between the previous Service Pack (and/or RTM) and the current month, including the security update.
Last but not least: consider migrating your on-premises SharePoint farm to SharePoint in Microsoft 365 – here the complete patching effort and various other administrative tasks are handled by Microsoft for you. This version of SharePoint is out of support and no updates (including security updates) are released for this version anymore.
Both updates are required to fully update the farm, although the language-dependent WSSLOC patch may not be released every month. The first update/KB listed for each release date is the language-independent STS patch.