Microsoft has announced a significant change to its Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), a widely used system for managing updates across enterprise networks. As of April 18, 2025, organizations will no longer be able to automatically distribute driver updates through WSUS. Instead, IT administrators will be required to manually download and deploy drivers from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Key Changes
- Manual Driver Deployment: Enterprises must obtain drivers directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog instead of relying on automatic distribution via WSUS.
- Security Updates Unaffected: WSUS will continue to function as usual for distributing security and feature updates across organizational devices.
- No New Features: Microsoft will not introduce new capabilities for WSUS, though existing functionalities will remain operational.
- Cloud-Based Solutions Recommended: Microsoft advises organizations to transition to modern cloud-based update management solutions.
Microsoft’s Recommended Alternatives
To facilitate a smoother transition, Microsoft is encouraging enterprises to adopt the following modern solutions:
- Windows Autopatch: A cloud-based service that automates updates across Windows devices within the enterprise environment.
- Microsoft Intune: A comprehensive device management platform that includes driver update capabilities and enhances endpoint security.
- Azure Update Manager: Designed to manage updates across server infrastructures efficiently.
What Organizations Should Do Next
Enterprises currently relying on WSUS for driver management should begin planning their transition to Microsoft’s cloud-based alternatives. These new platforms offer enhanced automation, better security, and greater scalability, ensuring that organizations remain up to date with minimal manual intervention.For further details, visit Microsoft’s official announcement:
Microsoft WSUS Update Policy
