Winsage
April 8, 2025
Microsoft has announced an extension of support for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), postponing the planned end of support originally set for April 2025, in response to user feedback. The decision comes shortly before the scheduled cutoff and addresses challenges associated with disconnected device scenarios. Initially, Microsoft planned to make drivers available only through the Microsoft Update Catalog, but user feedback prompted a change. While some IT administrators may welcome the decision, others argue that WSUS is outdated and lacks essential capabilities for modern security. Gene Moody, field CTO at Action1, noted that WSUS is ill-equipped to meet contemporary demands and highlighted its limitations in enforcing updates and providing real-time visibility. Moody suggested that the extension of support is influenced by specific scenarios where WSUS remains necessary, such as environments with legal obligations or air-gapped networks. He cautioned that this decision should not be seen as a shift away from Microsoft's goal of phasing out WSUS in favor of cloud-based solutions.
