check before: 2025-04-07
Product:
Intune, Windows, Windows Server
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Does your organization still rely on Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) for driver synchronization? While it's part of a deprecated WSUS service, you still can. Based on your valuable feedback, we are postponing the plan to remove WSUS driver synchronization, which was slated for April 18, 2025. Stay tuned as we work on a revised timeline to streamline our services for you. Note: We have removed the previously posted 90- and 60-day reminders about this topic since they are no longer accurate.
When will this happen:
Effective immediately, we are postponing the plan to remove WSUS driver synchronization.
The originally announced date for its removal was April 18, 2025 (no longer applicable).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-04-08
updated:
2025-04-08
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Dependency on Deprecated Technology
Continued reliance on WSUS for driver synchronization may lead to security vulnerabilities as it is part of a deprecated service with no active development.
- roles: IT Administrator, Security Officer
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/mem/intune/protect/windows-driver-updates-overview, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/continuing-wsus-support-for-driver-synchronization/4401042
User Experience Degradation
If WSUS fails or has issues, users may experience delays in receiving critical driver updates, leading to potential hardware compatibility problems.
- roles: End User, Help Desk Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/manage/windows-autopatch-driver-and-firmware-update-programmatic-controls" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/manage/windows-autopatch-driver-and-firmware-update-programmatic-controls, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/skilling-snack-windows-driver-update-management/4386935
Increased Operational Risk
Relying on a deprecated service increases the risk of operational disruptions, as future updates or patches may not be compatible with WSUS.
- roles: IT Administrator, Operations Manager
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/commercial-driver-and-firmware-servicing-is-publicly-available/ba-p/3741194, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/manage/windows-autopatch-driver-and-firmware-update-programmatic-controls" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/manage/windows-autopatch-driver-and-firmware-update-programmatic-controls
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Transition to Intune for Driver Management
With WSUS being deprecated, transitioning to Microsoft Intune for driver updates will ensure continued support and access to modern management features, improving security and compliance.
- next-steps: Evaluate current driver management processes, train IT staff on Intune capabilities, and begin pilot testing for driver updates via Intune.
- roles: IT Administrators, System Engineers, Compliance Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/mem/intune/protect/windows-driver-updates-overview, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/commercial-driver-and-firmware-servicing-is-publicly-available/ba-p/3741194
Enhanced Security through Cloud-Based Solutions
Using cloud-based driver and firmware servicing can enhance security by ensuring that devices receive timely updates and patches, reducing vulnerabilities associated with outdated drivers.
- next-steps: Research and implement cloud-based alternatives for driver management, focusing on the security features they offer compared to WSUS.
- roles: CIOs, Security Officers, IT Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/manage/windows-autopatch-driver-and-firmware-update-programmatic-controls, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/skilling-snack-windows-driver-update-management/4386935
Improved User Experience with Automated Updates
Automating driver updates through Intune can significantly improve user experience by reducing downtime and ensuring that devices are always running the latest drivers.
- next-steps: Set up automated driver updates in Intune, communicate changes to users, and monitor the impact on user experience and system performance.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff, System Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/mem/intune/protect/windows-driver-updates-overview, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/continuing-wsus-support-for-driver-synchronization/4401042
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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