i've made a script for batch downloading windows update files

[blueclouds8666]

While i was downloading Windows XP updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog, i realized this task could be done much faster. For that reason, i decided to make a PowerShell script for batch downloading updates from a list, featuring filters for language, NT version and architecture.

I'm aware there is already another GUI application with a similar purpose, but you might find this one more fitting for your context as it has some key differences, such as:

- Focused on simplicity. Command-line operation only

- Script available under a permissive license (Unlicense)

- Code and its functioning is commented and documented to its best. Take a look at the code to learn how it works.

- It can run natively on Linux, even on a Raspberry Pi

- A function lets you download the details page in HTML format for each update, ready for offline read

 

I've made it available both on my website and GitHub:

https://github.com/blueclouds8666/msupdate-dl

http://neonfloppy.sytes.net/projects/msupdate-dl/

 

Let me know if you found it useful, I'll be listening feedback to improve the script if needed.

[blueclouds8666]

Release 1.01 is now available. https://github.com/blueclouds8666/msupdate-dl/releases/tag/1.01

The downloading process recently stopped working, as the Update Catalog website no longer accepts HTTP connections, now requiring TLS 1.2. This update now fixes it, and also introduces a new timeout function.

[blueclouds8666]

Release 1.02 is now available. https://github.com/blueclouds8666/msupdate-dl/releases/tag/1.02

This update features more advanced workarounds to alleviate server-side issues, as well as fixes for multiple language download. Full changelog is as follows:

- Improved approach for reading lines on the batch text file
- Parameter syntax has been changed to fit conventions
- Fixed Chinese and Portuguese variants being mixed up at the code
- Language handling reworked, now using native array lists
- Language download fixed to compensate for a server-side malfunction
- Script will now only download updates in English and Universal by default. If you wish to download all the available languages, you will need to explicitly add the "--language=all" argument. A console message has been added to notify of this change.
- Script will retry malformed responses to compensate for a server-side malfunction
- Advanced and configurable retry functionality has been implemented (read documentation)
- A new section has been added to the documentation to explain the server-side malfunction

 

Edited May 14, 2023 by blueclouds8666

[mina7601]

@blueclouds8666 Thank you so much for this script. I might test it someday.

Edited May 14, 2023 by mina7601

[kocoman]

can this search the device manager download drivers automatically? thx

[blueclouds8666]

On 6/10/2023 at 8:20 AM, kocoman said:

can this search the device manager download drivers automatically? thx

No, that feature is not implemented, my script is only intended for downloading the KB updates you manually specify

[blueclouds8666]

Release 1.03 is now available. https://github.com/blueclouds8666/msupdate-dl/releases/tag/1.03

This update features several bug fixes and corrections. Full changelog is as follows:

- Fixed an error message that happened on some PowerShell versions when reading the html response from the server
- Fixed documentation examples showing incorrect argument usage
- Fixed "--output" option not working correctly since Release 1.02
- Fixed empty folders being made for downloads with filtered options