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.

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.

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, 20233 yr by blueclouds8666

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

Edited May 14, 20233 yr by Guest

can this search the device manager download drivers automatically? thx

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

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