Windows Server Update Services, commonly known as WSUS, is a vital tool for IT administrators to manage and distribute updates for Microsoft products within their organizations. However, Microsoft recently announced some changes regarding driver synchronization within WSUS.
In a blog post on the Tech Community website, Microsoft revealed its decision to deprecate WSUS driver sync in favor of the latest cloud-based driver services. This move comes after a survey conducted by Microsoft showed that only 34% of participants use WSUS for driver synchronization, with most of them already transitioning to alternative solutions.
Survey Insights and Transition Plans
Out of the participants who use WSUS, only 34% reported that they use it to synchronize drivers. Most of this 34% reported that they are in the process of implementing a different solution and don’t anticipate any problems with deprecation. Only 8% of participants indicated concerns over potential effects from deprecation, and we want to help everyone to get ready.
According to the announcement, WSUS driver synchronization will be deprecated on April 18, 2025. While deprecated features typically remain operational for some time, they will eventually be removed in future updates.
Our plan is to deprecate WSUS driver synchronization on April 18, 2025. For on-premises contexts, drivers will be available on the Microsoft Update catalog, but you will not be able to import them into WSUS. You’ll need to use other means, such as Device Driver Packages, to distribute the drivers within your network.
Exploring Alternative Solutions
To prepare for the deprecation of WSUS driver synchronization, IT admins can explore alternative driver services like Windows Driver update management in Microsoft Intune and Windows Update for Business deployment service. While WSUS may not be relevant to home users, Microsoft continues to make changes that impact a wide range of consumers.
As IT administrators brace for these changes, the shift towards more modern, cloud-based solutions seems inevitable. The transition might require some adjustments, but the benefits of streamlined and efficient driver management could outweigh the initial inconvenience.
For those still reliant on WSUS driver synchronization, now is the time to start exploring these alternative solutions. With ample time before the deprecation date, organizations can ensure a smooth transition and maintain seamless operations.
