Step 6: Configure computer groups

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Applies To: Windows Server Update Services, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP2, Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1

Computer groups are an important part of WSUS 3.0 SP2 deployments. Computer groups permit you to test updates and target updates to specific computers. There are two default computer groups: All Computers and Unassigned Computers. By default, when each client computer first contacts the WSUS Server, the server adds that client computer to both of these groups.

You can create as many custom computer groups as you need to manage updates in your organization. As a best practice, create at least one computer group to test updates before you deploy them to other computers in your organization.

Step 6 Procedures

  1. Create a test computer group.

  2. Move at least one computer into the test group.

To create a test group

  1. In the WSUS Administration Console, expand Computers and select All Computers.

  2. Right-click All Computers and click Add Computer Group.

  3. In the Add Computer Group dialog box, specify the Name of the new test group and click Add.

In the next procedure, you will assign a client computer to the test group. A test computer is any computer that has software and hardware that is consistent with the majority of client computers on the network, yet not assigned to a critical role. After your tests are successful, you can approve the updates for computers in the groups of your choice.

To assign a computer to the test group

  1. In the WSUS Administration Console, click Computers.

  2. Click the group of the computer that you want to assign to the test group.

  3. In the list of computers, select the computer or computers that you want to assign to the test group.

  4. Right-click Change Membership.

  5. In the Set Computer Group Membership dialog box, select the test group that you created previously, and then click OK.

Repeat these two procedures, that is, create a group and then assign computer(s) to the group, to create as many additional computer groups as needed to manage updates at your site.

Next step

Step 7: Approve and deploy WSUS updates