A Cumulative Update (CU) is a software package containing fixes for reported issues in Microsoft products. These fixes are collected from customer-reported support cases. CUs are cumulative, meaning they include all previously released fixes since the oldest supported service pack, in addition to new fixes. Microsoft typically releases Cumulative Updates on a monthly basis.
Preparation and Prerequisites
Download the appropriate Cumulative Update package from the Microsoft Download Center or the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Review the release notes and documentation accompanying the Cumulative Update to understand the changes, fixes, and prerequisites.
Make sure you have administrative access to your SharePoint environment and a recent backup of your SharePoint databases and configurations.
Notify Users and Schedule Downtime
Inform users in advance about the scheduled maintenance and potential impact on their access to SharePoint.
Schedule a maintenance window during off-peak hours to minimize disruption.
Verify Compatibility and Prerequisites
Ensure that your SharePoint environment meets the prerequisites for the Cumulative Update, such as the minimum SharePoint version, service pack level, and any additional requirements.
Check for any specific considerations or known issues related to the Cumulative Update you are installing.
Prepare SharePoint Servers
Log in to each SharePoint server in the farm using an account with administrative privileges.
Disable SharePoint services, including the SharePoint Timer Service, Search services, and User Profile services.
Stop the Internet Information Services (IIS) services on each server.
Install the Cumulative Update on Each Server
Run the Cumulative Update executable file on each SharePoint server in the farm.
Follow the installation wizard prompts and accept the license terms.
Choose the appropriate installation options, such as the installation location and whether to include language packs.
Monitor the installation process for any errors or warnings.
Run the SharePoint Configuration Wizard
After installing the Cumulative Update on all servers, run the SharePoint Configuration Wizard to complete the update process.
Launch the Configuration Wizard from the Start menu or by running "PSConfig.exe" in the SharePoint bin directory.
Select the option to "Connect to an existing server farm" and follow the on-screen instructions.
The Configuration Wizard will upgrade the SharePoint databases and apply the changes introduced by the Cumulative Update.
Ensure that the Configuration Wizard completes successfully without any errors.
Perform Post-Installation Tasks
After running the Configuration Wizard, perform the following tasks:
Restart the SharePoint Timer Service, Search services, and User Profile services on each server.
Verify the health and integrity of your SharePoint databases using PowerShell commands or SharePoint Central Administration.
Test the functionality of your SharePoint environment, including customizations, workflows, features, and third-party solutions.
Monitor and Verify
Monitor your SharePoint environment for any unusual behavior, errors, or performance issues after the Cumulative Update installation.
Validate that the resolved issues or enhancements addressed by the Cumulative Update are functioning correctly.
Engage users and encourage them to report any issues or unexpected behavior they may encounter.
Remember to thoroughly test the Cumulative Update in a non-production environment before applying it to your production environment. It's also recommended to have a rollback plan in case any issues arise during or after the installation.
Please keep in mind that these steps are a general guide, and it's important to refer to the official Microsoft documentation and release notes for your specific SharePoint version and Cumulative Update for accurate and detailed instructions.
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