# Automated Windows Updates Use Case: Testing Patches

Patches can be auto approved/denied or auto-deferred for up to 30 days. This can be done based on the Windows Update category, or you can choose to approve individual patches manually.

### Automate Patch Approval

Patch automation can be done using a policy; see [Automated Windows Updates Using Policies](/faronicsdeploy/automated-windows-update-approval/automated-windows-updates-using-policies.md) for further information.

### Testing Patches

There may be instances where you would like to test a specific patch before it is rolled out to the production environment or deny a specific patch if the patch falls under a category that has been marked to Automatically Install.

To test a patch on a computer before it is rolled out to the production environment, you will need to create two policies; one for the test group and another for the production environment.

![Test Group Policy that automatically installs all Windows Updates](/files/-MVJdOwLQCnIx6Zt8m2j)

The test computers will use a policy where the **Update Category** under which the patch falls is marked to **Automatically Install**. 

The production environment will use a policy where the **Update Category** under which the patch falls is **not marked in any column**. This means the patch approval for this category is now **manual**. In this case, the Drivers category has been set to manual approval. 

![Production Group Policy - Drivers are not automatically updated](/files/-MVJd72S5j9nhCbIiNlD)

### Approving / Denying Individual Patches

Individual Patches can be approved or denied from the Windows Update Control grid.

To Approve or Deny individual patches: 

![Search for a Pending Windows Patch to approve](/files/-MVJYMBGO8MDsUt-KiUb)

1\. Select the **Control Grid** tab on the top menu bar.

2\. Navigate to the **Windows Updates** tab.

3\. Scroll down to the **Pending Windows Updates** grid.

4\. Click the Search icon and enter a name or KB number to locate.

5\. Select the Pending Windows Update; the **ACTION TOOLBAR** will now appear.

![Approve the Update for Removal of Adobe Flash on 5 Computers](/files/-MVJXifOW9wtGDl-_L8l)

6\. Click **APPROVE** or **DENY**.

7\. Approve the update by clicking **APPROVE UPDATE** on the confirmation dialog. 

![Approve confirmation dialog](/files/-MVJWmNq-CK6aSJD7CLJ)

![Approve all patches in a Windows Update Category](/files/-MVJ_TH1YMjeAuNjKC2D)


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