Microsoft has formally introduced that Home windows Server Replace Providers (WSUS) is now deprecated, however plans to take care of present performance and proceed publishing updates via the channel.
This transfer is not stunning, as Microsoft first listed WSUS as one of many “features removed or no longer developed starting with Windows Server 2025” on August 13. In June, the corporate additionally revealed that it could additionally quickly deprecate WSUS driver synchronization.
Launched in 2005 as Software program Replace Providers (SUS), WSUS permits IT directors to handle and distribute updates for Microsoft merchandise throughout giant company networks that require constant and managed updates for giant numbers of Home windows units. It acts as an middleman and gives centralized management over updates somewhat than having every machine obtain them individually from Microsoft’s servers.
Whereas new options and growth for WSUS will stop, Microsoft mentioned in the present day that it plans to proceed supporting the service’s current performance and updates, which can nonetheless be distributed, even after deprecation.
“Specifically, this means that we are no longer investing in new capabilities, nor are we accepting new feature requests for WSUS,” Microsoft’s Nir Froimovici mentioned on Friday. “However, we are preserving current functionality and will continue to publish updates through the WSUS channel. We will also support any content already published through the WSUS channel.”
The change impacts enterprise environments that depend on WSUS to handle updates delivered to many units however does not impression house customers or these utilizing Microsoft Configuration Supervisor.
After WSUS’ deprecation, Microsoft encourages companies to undertake cloud-based options for shopper and server updates, corresponding to Home windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Replace Supervisor.
“Whereas the WSUS function stays out there in Home windows Server 2025, we suggest organizations transition to cloud instruments, together with together with Home windows Autopatch and Microsoft Intune for shopper replace administration and Azure Replace Supervisor for server replace administration,” Froimovici mentioned.
“Remember: WSUS remains operational but is no longer investing in new features,” he added.
In June, Microsoft additionally introduced that it had formally deprecated NTLM authentication on Home windows and Home windows servers, advising builders to transition to Kerberos or Negotiation authentication to forestall future issues.
