driver synchronization Archives

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft extends support for key Windows tool – but probably not the one you’d expect

Microsoft will continue to support driver update synchronization for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) servers, postponing the planned deprecation initially set for April 18 due to customer feedback. Paul Reed, Azure Compliance Senior Program Manager, noted the importance of this feature for organizations, particularly in regulated environments. A revised timeline for the future of WSUS driver synchronization will be developed, and Microsoft is open to ongoing customer feedback.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft listens to users and revises its WSUS driver synchronization deprecation plans

Microsoft has decided to postpone the removal of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) driver synchronization, which was initially scheduled for April 18, 2025, due to user feedback. WSUS will continue to synchronize driver updates from the Windows Update service and import them from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft is encouraging administrators to consider alternative technologies such as Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

WSUS Driver Synchronization: Microsoft postpones end

Microsoft has postponed the discontinuation of driver distribution via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), originally set for April 18, due to substantial user feedback. WSUS Driver Synchronization, initially marked as “deprecated,” will continue to be supported and operational, although it will not receive active development. Microsoft acknowledged the needs of users in disconnected environments and will maintain the service for synchronizing driver updates from the Windows Update Service and importing updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The company is also developing a new roadmap to streamline services and promote alternative technologies like Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch for Windows 11 devices.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Microsoft delays WSUS driver sync deprecation indefinitely

Microsoft has indefinitely postponed the removal of driver synchronization within Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) in response to customer feedback. The planned removal, originally set for April 18, 2025, has been put on hold as the company works on a revised timeline. This decision marks a shift from previous communications that indicated the deprecation of WSUS driver synchronization. Microsoft had initially announced the intention to phase out this feature in June 2024 and had encouraged IT administrators to adopt cloud-based solutions. Despite the earlier deprecation announcement, Microsoft will continue to support existing WSUS capabilities and publish updates.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Deprecation approaches for WSUS driver synchronization

Microsoft has announced the deprecation of driver synchronization through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), effective April 18, 2025. After this date, drivers will still be available through the Microsoft Update Catalog for on-premises environments, but importing them directly into WSUS will no longer be possible. A 2024 survey indicated that 34 percent of respondents were using WSUS for driver synchronization, with 8 percent expressing concerns about the deprecation. Alternatives to WSUS include Device Driver Packages, Microsoft Intune, and Windows Autopatch. WSUS has been included in the deprecation list since September 2024, and while it remains operational, Microsoft has stopped active development on it.

Winsage

September 24, 2024

Windows Server Update Services put on ice as Microsoft pushes for the cloud

Microsoft has announced that it will no longer invest in new features or accept enhancement requests for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which has been in use since 2005. WSUS will continue to function for the time being, but it is now considered a legacy product. In August, WSUS was listed among features removed or no longer developed in Windows Server 2025, and in June, Microsoft announced plans to cease WSUS driver synchronization. Current functionalities will be preserved, and updates will still be published through WSUS even after its deprecated status takes effect. Microsoft encourages enterprises to transition to cloud-based update management solutions such as Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager, which require a reliable internet connection and may involve a paid subscription.

Winsage

September 23, 2024

Microsoft ends Windows Server Update Services

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which has been used for updating Windows devices in corporate environments since its launch in 2005. Existing functionalities will remain supported, and users are encouraged to transition to cloud-based update services like Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, or Azure Update Manager. The decision aligns with the upcoming Windows Server 2025, which was previewed on August 13. Microsoft will continue to provide updates through the WSUS channel, but no new features will be introduced, and further development will cease. Home users and those using Microsoft Configuration Manager will not be affected by the discontinuation.

Winsage

September 22, 2024

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to be deprecated

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is deprecated, with no new features or enhancements planned. Microsoft encourages organizations to transition to cloud solutions for update management. WSUS will continue to function with existing capabilities until its official deprecation on April 18, 2025, but it will not receive updates or new features. Microsoft has phased out WSUS driver synchronization in favor of cloud-based driver services. Organizations are advised to consider tools like Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager for managing updates.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Microsoft will no longer add new features to Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

Microsoft announced the impending deprecation of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), with plans to stop driver synchronization by April 18, 2025, and to cease investment in new capabilities or feature requests for WSUS. Current functionality will be preserved, and updates will continue to be published through WSUS. Microsoft is encouraging a transition to cloud-based updating solutions like Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager. WSUS will still be included in Windows Server 2025, but no new features will be added, indicating a move towards its eventual retirement. Additionally, Microsoft introduced a public preview of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, allowing security updates to be installed without server reboots.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Microsoft ends development of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

Microsoft has officially deprecated Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) but will maintain its current functionality and continue to publish updates through this channel. WSUS, introduced in 2005, has been essential for IT administrators to manage and distribute updates across corporate networks. While new features and further development will cease, existing functionality will be supported. Microsoft encourages businesses to transition to cloud-based solutions like Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager for update management. Additionally, Microsoft announced the deprecation of NTLM authentication on Windows and Windows servers, advising a transition to Kerberos or Negotiation authentication.