Microsoft has officially announced the discontinuation of its Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), a service that has long facilitated the updating of numerous Windows devices within corporate environments. While this marks the end of WSUS, the tech giant reassures users that existing functionalities will remain supported, encouraging a transition to cloud-based update services for managing client and server updates.
The decision to phase out WSUS aligns with Microsoft’s earlier communications regarding the upcoming Windows Server 2025. The preview of Windows Server 2025 was unveiled on August 13, signaling that WSUS driver synchronization would soon be retired.
Launched in 2005, WSUS served as a vital tool for IT administrators, enabling them to oversee and distribute updates for Microsoft products across expansive corporate networks. This service was particularly beneficial for organizations that required a systematic and controlled approach to updating numerous connected Windows devices.
WSUS functioned as a central hub, allowing administrators to manage the update process efficiently. Instead of each Windows machine independently fetching updates from Microsoft servers, WSUS provided a streamlined method for centralized control.
Despite the service’s conclusion, Microsoft has committed to maintaining support for existing enterprise functionalities and will continue to provide updates through the WSUS channel. All previously published content within this channel will remain accessible, although no new features will be introduced, and further development will cease.
Switching to Autopatch or Intune
In light of this transition, Microsoft is advocating for companies to adopt its cloud-based services to better manage Windows updates. For organizations utilizing Windows devices, the recommendation is to migrate to Windows Autopatch or Microsoft Intune. For server management, Azure Update Manager is suggested as the preferred alternative.
Home users and those utilizing Microsoft Configuration Manager can rest assured that the discontinuation of WSUS will not affect their update processes, as Microsoft’s existing update systems will continue to operate seamlessly.
This is not the first instance of Microsoft discontinuing a business service this year; in June, the company phased out NTLM authentication on Windows and Windows servers, advising developers to transition to Kerberos or Negotiation authentication to mitigate potential issues.
Also read: Update to Windows Server messes up Remote Desktop connections.
