With Microsoft’s announcement regarding the retirement of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), a new chapter begins in managing updates for server systems. After almost 20 years since its release, WSUS will no longer be actively developed, creating uncertainty among IT administrators who have relied on this tool to distribute updates in enterprise environments. In this article, we will analyze the impact of this decision and possible migration strategies, with a particular focus on server systems.

What is WSUS and What Does Its Retirement Mean?

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) has been the go-to tool for managing and distributing Microsoft product updates within enterprise networks for years. IT administrators can approve, schedule, and control the distribution of updates, deciding which devices receive them. WSUS also offers automation capabilities via PowerShell and integrates with Group Policy, making centralized management easier.

With the retirement announcement, Microsoft specified that WSUS will not be removed immediately, but it will no longer receive future developments or enhancements. The current functionality will be maintained, and Microsoft will continue to release updates through WSUS, but no new features will be introduced.

Implications for IT Administrators and Migration Strategies

The announcement has sparked doubts among IT administrators, especially regarding the continuity of support and the need to find alternative solutions. While WSUS will continue to be available in in-market versions of Windows Server, including the upcoming Windows Server 2025, it is crucial for administrators to start planning a transition to new solutions.

One important aspect to consider regarding the retirement of WSUS is its impact on Microsoft Configuration Manager. Although WSUS is being gradually retired, its deprecation will not directly impact the existing functionalities of Microsoft Configuration Manager, which will continue to use WSUS as a mechanism for managing and distributing updates. In other words, Configuration Manager will remain a viable option for organizations that rely on it to manage updates, with WSUS still serving as the distribution channel.

However, it is essential to note that even though WSUS will still be usable within Configuration Manager, Microsoft recommends planning a transition to cloud-based solutions such as Azure Update Manager to leverage new capabilities and improve the efficiency of update management in the long term. Migrating to the cloud is not only a natural evolution but also an opportunity to ensure more flexible and efficient server update management in line with modern business needs. This shift reflects the move towards a more cloud-oriented update management model, consistent with Microsoft’s strategy of simplifying Windows management through cloud-based solutions.

Azure Update Manager: A Worthy Replacement, But…

Azure Update Manager is a service that helps manage and govern updates for all machines, whether in Azure, on-premises, or on other cloud platforms connected via Azure Arc. From a single management console, it is possible to monitor update compliance for Windows and Linux servers, apply updates in real-time, or schedule them in defined maintenance windows.

With Azure Update Manager, you can:

• Control and distribute security or critical updates to protect machines.
• Enable periodic assessments to check for updates.
• Use flexible patching options, such as scheduling updates in custom time windows.
• Monitor update compliance for all machines, including hybrid or other cloud environments connected via Azure Arc.

Azure Update Manager offers several advantages, but there are some aspects to consider carefully.

Azure Update Manager respects the update source already configured on the machine, whether it is Windows Update for OS updates, Microsoft Update for product updates, or WSUS for a combination of both. In this context, WSUS can still be used in parallel with Azure Update Manager to provide additional capabilities, such as storing or caching updates locally.

The critical point concerns organizations with a large number of on-premises servers, where managing updates exclusively through Azure Update Manager requires further evaluation. The main concern is related to the bandwidth needed to download updates directly from the Internet to each server, which could saturate the network. Additionally, the micro-segmentation typical of server security policies makes it difficult to use peer-to-peer technologies such as Delivery Optimization.

Currently, if you want to explore a long-term strategy for enterprise companies and avoid this pain point, it’s necessary to evaluate solutions like Microsoft Connected Cache or explore options from other vendors.

Another relevant aspect is the cost associated with Azure Update Manager for servers managed through Azure Arc. While the service is free for systems residing in Azure, servers enabled for Azure Arc are subject to a cost of around €4.48 per server per month. However, there are cases where there are no charges for Azure Update Manager when the servers are:

• Enabled for Extended Security Updates (ESU).
• Managed through Defender for Servers Plan 2.
• Hosted on Azure Stack HCI, when these machines are enabled for Azure benefits and managed via Azure Arc.

Conclusion

The retirement of WSUS will bring significant changes in the long term for IT administrators, especially in large environments with a high number of servers. While WSUS will continue to be available, companies should start considering long-term strategies to ensure efficient and secure update management. Azure Update Manager is a viable alternative but requires careful analysis of the economic and operational implications of this change.

For those interested in a more comprehensive approach in terms of security and centralized management, combining Azure Update Manager with Defender for Cloud (Plan 2) offers an interesting solution. This combination not only allows for update management but also provides advanced features for server system protection, ensuring a higher level of security.

In conclusion, although WSUS will remain available for a few more years, Microsoft’s direction is clear: the future of update management is moving towards the cloud, and organizations must prepare to face this transition in a strategic and proactive manner.