Microsoft has announced an extension of support for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), a product originally slated for deprecation. The company revealed that, in response to user feedback, it will continue to support driver update synchronization to WSUS servers, postponing the planned end of support that was set for April 2025.
Understanding the Decision
This announcement comes just two weeks before the previously scheduled cutoff, a timing that may not align perfectly with organizational planning but offers a reprieve for customers who were unable to meet the original deadline. The reconsideration appears to stem from challenges associated with disconnected device scenarios. Microsoft’s alternatives, including the cloud-based Intune and Windows Autopatch, have not yet proven capable of addressing these specific needs.
Initially, Microsoft intended to make drivers available through the Microsoft Update Catalog while discontinuing their import into WSUS. However, the feedback received has prompted a change of course.
Perspectives on WSUS
While some IT administrators may welcome this decision, others argue that WSUS is ill-equipped to meet contemporary demands. Gene Moody, field CTO at Action1, highlights that WSUS was introduced over two decades ago, during a time when the IT landscape was markedly different—characterized by static environments and infrequent patching.
“But let’s be honest,” Moody remarked in an interview with The Reg. “We’ve long outgrown it. The volume, velocity, and complexity of today’s patching needs demand more than what a two-decade-old system can offer.” He pointed out that WSUS lacks essential capabilities required for modern security, such as enforcing updates, providing real-time visibility, and distinguishing between offline devices and those facing connectivity issues.
“With these fundamental limitations, WSUS is a hands-on, high-maintenance system that simply can’t keep pace with the modern security landscape. In 2025, that’s not just outdated – it’s a security liability,” he added. Moody emphasized that organizations relying on WSUS are essentially using a blunt instrument for defense against security threats.
Future Implications
Regarding Microsoft’s decision to extend support, Moody suggested that it is likely influenced by specific scenarios where WSUS remains indispensable. These include environments bound by contractual or legal obligations, or those that require servicing multiple Windows clients in air-gapped or highly restricted networks.
“This reversal should not be misinterpreted as Microsoft abandoning its long-term goal of phasing out WSUS in favor of cloud-based solutions,” he cautioned. “Rather, it highlights a significant oversight in their broader strategy, namely the assumption that all systems can eventually be connected to the cloud. Some cannot, and never will be.”
While WSUS may be considered outdated compared to modern patching solutions, Microsoft’s decision to extend its support underscores the reality that, for now, a complete transition to newer services is not feasible. This extension serves as a temporary measure rather than a sign of a promising future for WSUS.
