For many years, Microsoft has provided its Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) as a vital tool for businesses, enabling IT administrators to manage updates for Microsoft products effectively. This service offered the flexibility to approve or delay updates, allowing organizations to maintain stability in their software environments.
Transitioning from WSUS
In a recent announcement, Microsoft indicated a significant shift in its approach to WSUS. Earlier this year, the company disclosed plans to deprecate WSUS driver synchronization by April 18, 2025, citing that only a fraction of IT administrators were utilizing this feature. Today, Microsoft took a further step by announcing the impending deprecation of WSUS itself.
In a blog post, Microsoft articulated its strategy moving forward:
Specifically, this means that we are no longer investing in new capabilities, nor are we accepting new feature requests for WSUS. However, we are preserving current functionality and will continue to publish updates through the WSUS channel. We will also support any content already published through the WSUS channel.
While WSUS will be included in the forthcoming Windows Server 2025 update, Microsoft is encouraging IT administrators to transition to cloud-based updating solutions. These alternatives include Windows Autopatch and Microsoft Intune for PC clients, as well as Azure Update Manager for server updates.
In conjunction with this announcement, Microsoft unveiled the first public preview of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025. This innovative feature allows IT administrators to download and install security updates without requiring a server reboot, leveraging the capabilities of Azure Arc services.
Although WSUS will still be operational in the upcoming Windows Server 2025, the lack of new features signals a clear trajectory towards its eventual retirement. Microsoft has yet to specify a timeline for this transition, leaving IT professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of update management.