Should I install Preview Monthly Quality Rollup on my 2012 r2 School Server?

[TwistedHelixis]

At our primary school we have a single server and no WSUS. When I check for available updates, under Important we have March 2017 Security Quality Rollup but under Optional we have, March 2017 Preview of Monthly Quality Rollup.

 

I assume I should be installing the update Security Quality Rollup, but what about the Preview update? Is it just that a preview?

 

Thanks

[mrwoberts]

I'd say no, don't install it. Not that I think it will definitely cause problems, just that it has a higher probability to cause problems than just installing the normal quality rollup. I remember looking at a server once where the preview had been installed and I was a bit nervous for a few days afterwards, partly because I didn't know how it was going to impact things - best not to do it unless you have a particular issue that is addressed in that preview rollup (I'm sure you can check what is included on the MS website).

[LemonEntry]

Previews are for testing purposes. They allow you to install next month's non-security updates in an isolated environment so you can check for any issues with applications, policies, or other quirks of your network which may cause interruptions of service.

 

DO NOT install them on your live network. Install the Quality Rollup in the next month, or skip non-security updates entirely and install only Monthly Security patches.