Listing installed hotfixes and service packs

In this recipe, we will check which service pack and hotfixes/patches are installed on our server.

How to do it...

1. Open the PowerShell console by going to Start | Accessories | Windows PowerShell | Windows PowerShell ISE.

2. Import the SQLPS module and create a new SMO Server object as follows:

   #import SQL Server module
   Import-Module SQLPS -DisableNameChecking
   
   #replace this with your instance name
   $instanceName = "KERRIGAN"
   $server = New-Object -TypeName Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server -ArgumentList $instanceName

3. To list the version of SQL Server and Service Pack level, add the following script and run:

   #to get the version
   #major.minor.build.buildminor
   #this should tell you collectively at what 
   #level your install is
   $server.Information.VersionString 
   
   #from MSDN
   #version of SQL Server
   #RTM = Original release version
   #SPn = Service pack version
   #CTP, = Community Technology Preview version
   $server.Information.ProductLevel
   
   #to get hotfixes...