Install Latest windows OS updates is prerequisite for install new Sharepoint Cumulative updates?

Question

now our farm configuration database version is 15.0.4753.1000 and before install latest October windows OS updates

1. Do we install latest CU of SharePoint or

2. Install latest windows updates and install new CU updates?

Answer 1

The above-mentioned methods can be applied with the same result , But the second option is so time wasting because of :

• Microsoft Update/Window Update will install the Sharepoint Security fixes that already included at The Cumulative Update full package.
• The CU will include all previous fix updates whatever it's a security update or functional update between the previous service pack , and the current CU.

So it's a waste time to install SP security update via MU/WU that already included at CU.

Also, you should check the following important points before applying CU :

• Don't forget to get a farm backup before applying CU, (you can't do CU rollback)
• Before applying the CU on production , Try to apply it on test farm.
• After installing CU or MU/WU with SharePoint security fixes , you should run the configuration wizard to apply this patch.
• It's preferred to install the CU that will solve a specific issue in your farm,so you should check Improvements and issues that this cumulative update fixes section, (it's not recommended the latest Update of the current month, it was launched a short time ago , not more people try it).
• The corresponding CU for the current farm build number 15.0.4753.1000 is Sept 2015 , If you decide to install the CU Full package for the next month October 2015 so the build number should be 15.0.4763.1000.

Answer 2

If and when you are planning to do the two steps anyway, it's just plain better practice to have the server ready before you start to update a component on the server. Ensure that there are no pending restarts before you start to install the SharePoint's CU.