Introducing Veeam Updater for Windows-based Veeam Backup & Replication Deployments

Starting with Veeam Backup & Replication 13.1, a new Veeam Updater service is included for all new and upgraded Windows-based deployments. This service is automatically installed and provides built-in automated update management. Previously, this feature was only available for Linux-based deployments, such as the Veeam Software Appliance.

Customers upgrading to or installing Veeam Backup & Replication 13.1 will see a notification about this service during the Configuration Check step of setup.

• Security updates are applied automatically by default
  Veeam Updater installs the latest security patches automatically to help keep the backup environment secure and up to date. Optional updates, including minor product releases, can also be enabled.
• Automatic updates can be scheduled and postponed
  When a new update is found, it can be installed automatically on a schedule or installed manually before its deadline. By default, updates selected for automatic installation are forcibly installed 30 days after they are detected, and this deadline can be postponed up to a maximum of 90 days. A forced installation can begin even while jobs are running, so updates should be installed within a scheduled maintenance window to avoid interrupting active jobs.
  • If necessary, automatic updates can be disabled. However, Veeam strongly recommends against doing so, as this may affect the environment's security posture. To disable automatic updates, modify the Veeam Updater configuration file (%ProgramData%\Veeam\Updater\appsettings.json) and set the EnableForSecurityUpdates value to false. The Veeam Updater service must be restarted after modifying this setting. No other settings within the configuration file should be modified.
• Server reboots may be required
  Applying an update may require rebooting the Veeam Backup Server. Updates are installed using the same silent upgrade process and pre-installation checks that apply when update media is run manually. Plan a maintenance window accordingly.
• Veeam Updater does not install updates on backup servers managed by Veeam Service Provider Console
  When a Windows-based Veeam Backup & Replication server is managed by Veeam Service Provider Console, Veeam Updater filters out the Veeam Backup & Replication updates and displays the notification "Updates are managed by the Veeam Service Provider Console." Updates for such servers must be applied through Veeam Service Provider Console.
• Update packages are downloaded to the Veeam Backup Server
  Veeam Updater downloads update packages to %ProgramData%\Veeam\Updater\ on the Veeam Backup Server. Ensure sufficient free disk space is available before updates are applied.
• The Veeam Updater service should not be uninstalled
  Veeam Updater is an essential component of Veeam Backup & Replication and is not a standalone product. Although it appears as a separate entry in the list of installed programs, it should not be uninstalled. Removing it can cause errors within the product.