In a recent communication via the Windows Message Center, Microsoft has alerted administrators to a significant change on the horizon: the deprecation of driver synchronization through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). This announcement serves as a crucial reminder for those in IT management who may still be grappling with securing buy-in from their executive teams. The countdown to this pivotal transition is now officially underway.
Transitioning to Cloud Services
Driver synchronization via WSUS has long been a staple for IT administrators, enabling them to deploy driver updates by aligning their WSUS servers with the Microsoft Update Catalog. However, Microsoft is now advocating for a shift away from traditional WSUS servers, urging customers to embrace cloud-based solutions for managing driver updates.
A survey conducted by Microsoft in 2024 revealed that 34 percent of respondents were utilizing WSUS for driver synchronization. Interestingly, the survey indicated that most of this group is already in the process of exploring alternative solutions. Yet, a notable 8 percent expressed concerns regarding the implications of this upcoming deprecation.
While the survey’s sample size remains undisclosed, it appears to have been more of a gauge of administrator sentiment rather than a comprehensive inquiry into the necessity of the change. This nuance may leave some weary administrators questioning the validity of the findings.
The official date for the deprecation is set for April 18, 2025. Following this date, drivers will still be accessible through the Microsoft Update Catalog for on-premises environments, but the ability to import them directly into WSUS will no longer be available.
For those looking for alternatives, options such as Device Driver Packages or transitioning to cloud-centric services like Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch are viable pathways. It’s important to note that WSUS itself has been included in the deprecation list since September 2024. While the feature remains operational for the time being, Microsoft has ceased active development on it, leaving its future uncertain.
Although the deprecation of driver synchronization does not equate to an immediate removal of the feature, the inability to import drivers from the Microsoft Update Catalog into WSUS presents a challenge. This serves as a clear signal for administrators to proactively seek out new solutions to ensure their driver updates remain current and effective.
