Sql server 2019 patch error: [Error Message] There are no SQL Server instances or shared features that can be updated on this computer.

Stratton, Chuck 20 Reputation points
2024-07-23T17:39:45.3966667+00:00

I have a sql server 2019 standard edition with the RTM + one GDR I am trying to install CU27, but I get this error below and everything is greyed out?

[Error Message]

There are no SQL Server instances or shared features that can be updated on this computer.

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SQL Server
SQL Server
A family of Microsoft relational database management and analysis systems for e-commerce, line-of-business, and data warehousing solutions.
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  1. Erland Sommarskog 109.6K Reputation points MVP
    2024-07-23T19:39:19.3733333+00:00

    I think you need to uninstall the GDR before you can apply CU27.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. CathyJi-MSFT 21,786 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-07-24T01:31:11.6166667+00:00

    Hello @Stratton, Chuck，

     Agree with Erland, suggest you uninstalling GDR before applying CU27. Or applying the latest GDR for this instance.

    What are the GDR and CU update designations and how do they differ?

    The General Distribution Release (GDR) and Cumulative Update (CU) designations correspond to the two different servicing options in place for SQL Server baseline releases. A baseline can be either an RTM release or a Service Pack release.

    • GDR updates – cumulatively only contain security updates for the given baseline.
    • CU updates – cumulatively contain all functional fixes and security updates for the given baseline.

    For any given baseline, either the GDR or CU updates could be options (see below).

    • If SQL Server installation is at a baseline version, you can choose either the GDR or CU update.
    • If SQL Server installation has intentionally only installed past GDR updates, then choose to install the GDR update package.
    • If SQL Server installation has intentionally installed previous CU updates, then choose to install the CU security update package.

    Best regards,

    Cathy

     **********************************************************************************

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  2. CathyJi-MSFT 21,786 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-07-29T01:50:13.82+00:00

    Hello @Stratton, Chuck，

    It seems the security updates that you list are security updates for windows not SQL server. Please uninstall the DGR for SQL server in your environment. Please follow the steps to uninstall GDR then install latest CU for SQL 2019.

    1. For Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, and later versions:
      1. Open the Start menu, and type update history.
      2. Select View update history from the search results.
      3. Select Uninstall updates.
      4. Right click the GDR that you want to uninstall then choose uninstall option. (note: uninstall the security update for SQL server not windows)
      For older versions of Windows, navigate to Control Panel > Programs and Features > View installed updates. The next steps are as above. 1 Best regards Cathy
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