WSUS is Out—What’s Next? Microsoft’s Shift to Modern Update Management
WSUS, the trusty tool many of us have relied on for patch management, is officially heading for the exit. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/windows-server-update-services-wsus-deprecation/ba-p/4250436
With Microsoft’s announcement of WSUS deprecation, the question looms: “What’s next for update management?” Don’t worry—there’s a cloud-friendly future waiting. Let’s break down what this means, when it’s happening, and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
Why is WSUS Being Deprecated?
After more than two decades of faithfully distributing patches, WSUS is finally being phased out. The tool was a staple in on-premises environments, offering IT admins granular control over which updates were deployed and when. However, with the shift to cloud-based infrastructures, Microsoft is steering towards more modern, scalable, and flexible solutions.
Simply put, WSUS is being retired because it wasn’t designed for today’s hybrid and cloud-first environments. The modern workplace demands seamless updates across diverse device fleets, from on-prem servers to remote laptops. Enter Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Intune, and Windows Update for Business, the cloud-driven solutions poised to take over WSUS’s role.
When Will WSUS Be Deprecated?
Microsoft has outlined a gradual deprecation process, which means you won’t wake up tomorrow to find WSUS suddenly gone. Instead, the timeline allows for a smooth transition:
•Active Deprecation: With each new release of Windows Server, you’ll see more features of WSUS being retired.
•Support Ends with Server 2025: Official support for WSUS is set to end by 2025, giving organizations time to transition.
This gives IT pros plenty of runway to adjust their update strategies. However, it’s best not to wait until the last minute to explore alternatives.
What’s Next? The Modern Alternatives
Now that WSUS is heading into the sunset or bin, Microsoft has made it clear where the future lies—Microsoft Intune. This cloud-based platform, combined with Windows Update for Business, is your ticket to managing updates across hybrid environments.
•Microsoft Intune: As part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Intune lets you manage updates and policies from a central hub, whether devices are on-premises or remote. The flexibility to manage Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android from a single console is a game-changer.
•Windows Update for Business (WUfB): Integrated within Intune, WUfB allows you to automate update deployment directly from Microsoft’s cloud services. It offers more streamlined management of Windows updates without the need for the infrastructure WSUS required. Plus, WUfB is built for the modern era—it scales as your device fleet grows and adapts to the needs of a hybrid workforce.
Granularity: WSUS vs. WUfB
One thing to note is that WUfB is less granular compared to WSUS. With WSUS, admins had precise control over individual updates, allowing them to pick and choose which patches were deployed and when. In contrast, WUfB embraces an “evergreen” approach, which focuses on keeping devices automatically updated with the latest features and security patches. While this ensures devices stay current and secure, it offers less flexibility for those who prefer to selectively approve updates or hold back specific upgrades. However, for many organisation, the benefits of an evergreen environment far outweigh the need for micromanaging individual updates. Let's face it, the evergreen approach is here to stay.
If your organisation requires more granular control over updates—similar to what WSUS provided—then third-party patch management tools may be the way to go. While Windows Update for Business (WUfB) offers a more streamlined, cloud-friendly approach, it lacks the ability to pick and choose individual updates with the same level of detail. For businesses that need to carefully manage which patches are deployed or need to hold back specific updates for testing, third-party tools offer the flexibility and granular control that WUfB doesn’t. These tools can handle Windows updates, as well as patches for third-party applications, giving you a more tailored approach to update management without sacrificing control, however this needs to be balanced against the cost of essentially paying twice for the same service.
How to Prepare for the WSUS Transition
Transitioning away from WSUS may seem daunting, but here are a few steps to make the process smoother:
1. Audit Your Current Setup: Start by taking stock of your WSUS deployment and assess how it fits into your broader IT strategy.
2. Evaluate Microsoft Intune: If you’re not already using Intune, this is the perfect time to explore how it can streamline your device management and update strategy.
3. Plan for Migration: Create a roadmap for migrating from WSUS to Intune, ensuring you have the resources and time to test, train, and fully transition your IT team.
The Future is Cloudy (and That’s a Good Thing)
While WSUS has been a reliable workhorse, the future of IT update management is all about the cloud. With Intune and Windows Update for Business, you’ll have the flexibility, scalability, and security needed to thrive in a modern, hybrid world. So, wave goodbye to WSUS and say hello to a more agile, efficient way of managing updates.
