Operating System
Before diving into the Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012 WSUS download, admins must ensure packages are approved and complete to avoid deployment headaches.
If your WSUS console keeps rejecting the update or you’re stuck hunting for the right download, this guide gives you the direct links and exact approval path—no more guessing.
How to download Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012 via WSUS
Deploying the Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012 through WSUS ensures consistent updates across your enterprise. However, locating this specific package in the WSUS console can be tricky. I’ll walk you through the exact steps to find, approve, and deploy it—plus direct download alternatives for offline environments.
The System CLR Types package is a critical update for enabling CLR integration in SQL Server 2012. Without it, custom .NET assemblies won’t execute, and you’ll encounter errors like "CLR integration disabled." WSUS simplifies deployment, but you must manually sync the correct update code. Here’s how to do it right.
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Locate the Update in WSUS:
Open the WSUS Console and navigate to Updates > All Updates. Use the search bar to find KB2679867 (the official update code for System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012).
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Verify Update Details:
Click on KB2679867 to confirm it’s the correct update. Check the Title field for "Update for Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012 (x64)" or "(x86)" depending on your architecture.
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Approve the Update:
Right-click the update and select Approve. Choose the appropriate computer groups (e.g., SQL Servers 2012) and set the approval deadline if needed. For immediate deployment, select "Install this update now".
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Sync WSUS with Microsoft:
If the update doesn’t appear, force a sync by right-clicking the WSUS server node and selecting Sync Now. This ensures the latest updates are pulled from Microsoft’s catalog.
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Direct Download Alternative:
For offline environments, download the update manually from Microsoft’s Update Catalog using this link: Microsoft Update Catalog. Select the correct language and architecture (x64 or x86).
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Deploy via Command Line (Optional):
For automated deployments, use the following command in an elevated Command Prompt:
wuauclt /detectnow
This triggers an immediate check for approved updates on the target machines.
If you’re deploying to multiple servers, consider using Group Policy to enforce the update. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update and enable "Configure Automatic Updates" to set the deployment schedule.
For SQL Server 2012 SP1 or later, ensure you’re using the correct KB article. The update for SP1 is KB2679868, which includes additional fixes for CLR integration. Always verify the SQL Server version and service pack level before deploying to avoid compatibility issues.
Pro tip: Test the update on a non-production server first. CLR integration can sometimes conflict with existing .NET assemblies, so monitor for errors like "TypeLoadException" or "Permission denied" during testing. If issues arise, check the SQL Server error logs in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.x\MSSQL\LOG.
Once deployed, verify the update by running SELECT @@VERSION in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). The output should include "CLR v4.0.30319", confirming the update was applied successfully.
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SQL Server 2012 CLR Types installation requirements and troubleshooting
Before installing Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012, verify your system meets the minimum requirements. This includes SQL Server 2012 SP1 or later and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.
Without these, the installation will fail with cryptic errors like "CLR integration disabled" or "permission denied." I’ve seen many admins overlook these prerequisites, leading to wasted hours debugging.
Ensure your SQL Server service account has sufficient permissions. The account must be a member of the sysadmin role in SQL Server and have local admin rights on the machine.
If permissions are insufficient, you’ll encounter access denied errors during deployment. Double-check these settings in SQL Server Configuration Manager under SQL Server Services.
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If you see "CLR integration disabled" in SQL Server, you must enable it manually. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager, navigate to SQL Server Services, right-click your instance, and select Properties. Under the Advanced tab, set clr enabled to 1. Restart the SQL Server service for changes to take effect. Skipping this step will block all CLR-related operations.
Another common issue is registry permission errors. The Microsoft System CLR Types installer modifies registry keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\.NETFramework. If your account lacks write access, the installation will silently fail. Use Process Monitor to track registry access attempts and grant permissions via regedit if needed.
If the installer reports "setup failed" without details, check the Windows Event Log under Application Logs for SQL Server-related errors. Look for entries from MSSQLSERVER or Setup.
These logs often reveal missing dependencies or corrupted files. I’ve resolved countless issues by cross-referencing these logs with the Microsoft Knowledge Base.
For offline deployments, ensure the CLR Types installer is compatible with your SQL Server 2012 CU (Cumulative Update) level. Mismatched versions can cause runtime errors. Download the latest CU from Microsoft’s website and apply it before installing the CLR Types.
This step is critical for environments with high availability clusters or Always On configurations.
After installation, verify CLR integration with T-SQL. Run SELECT * FROM sys.clr_types in a query window. If the table returns results, the installation succeeded. If not, revisit the registry permissions or service account settings. Testing this query saves hours of troubleshooting later. 💻