Attempted to perform an unauthorized operation when executing SQL Server 2019 service pack

Question

I already had SQL Server 2019. After upgrading my Windows 10 to latest October Update, I found my SQL Server does not have latest service packs. I downloaded latest service pack

Answer 1

After reviewing the logs and digging into windows registry and security, I found the problem was "Microsoft Edge" registry key. Somehow it is read-only for administrator and I figured it out I need to use SYSTEM account to apply the service pack.

Finally I found I can do that using an executable in SysInternals package which is famous for doing weird things in Windows.

This is what I did to apply the service pack.

1. Run Cmd or PowerShell as Administrator
2. Go to SysInternals and make sure you have the PsExec64.exe there
3. Run below command:

.\PsExec64.exe -sid "D:\Downloads\SQLServer2019-KB4577194-x64.exe"

This way you will execute the service pack using SYSTEM account which has highest privilege.

Service pack installed successfully!