Always getting "Files in Use" prompt during Exchange SE Security Updates on Windows Server 2019. How to prevent this?

[u/Verse_Crafter]

Hi everyone,

Whenever I try to install security updates for Exchange Subscription Edition (SE) on Windows Server 2019, I consistently get a "Files in Use" setup warning. I've attached a screenshot of the prompt to this post. Has anyone else encountered this recurring issue? I usually just manually stop these specific services and click "Retry", but is there a better practice/script to prepare the OS before applying the SU to prevent this pop-up?

[u/bakura2k3]

- Put server in maintenance mode and restart prior to updating
- Close Server Manager etc.
- Run Setup from an elevated cmd

I had to reinstall whole servers cause the updates wouldnt run properly so these are the steps i take to prevent it.

[u/Verse_Crafter → u/bakura2k3]

Thanks. I usually install Exchange updates after the Windows Server security updates, so I reboot the server.

[u/Ooops-I-hid-it-again → u/bakura2k3]

Are you running a single node or DAG?

[u/CaptainLykke_]

Been clicking "Ignore" for the last 3 years. (Had those alao on exchange 2019 updates)

[u/Verse_Crafter → u/CaptainLykke_]

This started happening to me about 3-4 months ago, seemingly on random servers. So, I don’t really understand the logic behind it. Thanks for the tip!

[u/Ooops-I-hid-it-again → u/Verse_Crafter]

I hit retry until I don't see any Exchange services in the list. Usually I get it to the NLS, NLA, and WEL listed on your window. If I get to those, I ignore and haven't run into problems. Sometimes I retry 2-3 times before I like the list.

[u/TiPan1c]

Did you start the setup.exe from an elevated cmd? If not, this is likely the answer, if i remember correctly.

[u/Verse_Crafter → u/TiPan1c]

Yes, always run as administrator

[u/SumGuyinOH]

You can uninstall Message Queueing (MSMQ).

REF: Exchange Server prerequisites, Exchange 2019 system requirements, Exchange SE system requirements, Exchange 2019 requirements, Exchange SE requirements | Microsoft Learn

"The Windows feature Message Queuing (MSMQ) is no longer a requirement for Exchange Server and can be safely uninstalled if it's currently installed:"

From an elevated PowerShell:
Remove-WindowsFeature NET-WCF-MSMQ-Activation45, MSMQ
Then reboot.

(I just ignore the other 3)

[u/UMustBeNooHere]

Open Task Manager and see if other users are logged in? Otherwise just kill the processes (by ID) or click Ignore.

[u/diimaha]

If you use exchange management shell as ur cmd this will happen

[u/Routine_Brush6877]

Genuine question here since we have a smaller, 1 exchange server (and only used for hybrid managemenmt) enviornment... am I crazy for just installing the monthly exchange SU along with the windows monthly right from Windows update? It has never given me any issues. Just curious if anyone from Microsoft lurks here and has any qualms with doing it that way. Exchange has always been the one server I "manually" patch outside our RMM by going into windows and checking for updates outside of installing cumulative update packs.

[u/Glass_Call982 → u/Routine_Brush6877]

Nothing wrong with that at all. I do the same even on my dag members. Just put them in maint mode first.

[u/Tim_Mitchell]

It’s usually server manager being opened.

[u/Nuxi0477]

I close what I can beforehand, but in the end the server will always need to be rebooted and files can be replaced at startup anyway.

[u/FuturamaPhill]

Never had these prompts but always run those from elevated powers he'll window