IT Support Playbooks / IT Support Guides
Check Windows hotfix history with the right limits
An issue reported after an update needs the exact build and change timing. A hotfix list can provide part of the picture but is not a complete update history.
Environment and inputs: Everyday IT support · Windows PowerShell examples unless specified
Try the diagnostic command
Use the stated shell and platform. Replace sample domains, addresses, services and paths with values from the system you are authorized to support.
Get-HotFix | Select-Object HotFixID, Description, InstalledOn
How to read the result
The output comes from the hotfix provider and covers updates represented there. It does not include every application update, driver package or Windows servicing event.
What to do next
Compare the reported KB identifiers with Windows Update history, the OS build and deployment records. Look for a consistent affected group before attributing the issue to one update.
Before you make a change
Do not uninstall a security update solely because its date is close to the incident. Review known issues and the organization's rollback process first.