How often does RDS Custom for SQL Server provide OS updates when not using CEV?

Question

RDS Custom for SQL Server is a managed database service where the customer has full administrative access to the operating system and database configuration, including via RDP. New OS images are provided regularly with the latest patches. Assuming there are no critical patches to apply, about how much time would elapse between new versions?

Accepted Answer

As of March 2023, RDS Custom for SQL Server's OS images are provided every 3 months or less, depending on severity. Please note that patching is a shared responsibility for RDS Custom, since customers have full OS access. If you choose to use your own AMI via Custom Engine Version to persist your C: drive changes, then you must maintain your own updates. However, you can apply a single CEV to your whole fleet, to simplify your patching.

RDS Custom is always adding new capabilities, so always check the latest documentation for updates.

RDS Custom is always adding new capabilities, so always check the [latest documentation](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/rds-custom.html) for updates.

How often does RDS Custom for SQL Server provide OS updates when not using CEV?

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