check before: 2025-09-09
Product:
Windows, Windows Server
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Important hardening changes are here. Starting with the September 2025 security update, WSUS running on Windows Server 2025 is removing dependencies on old code that's no longer supported. This means that Windows operating systems (OS) that reached the end of their lifecycle will no longer qualify to receive extended security updates (ESU), unless you take additional action. Short-term and long-term next steps are available for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 that still need to receive ESUs.
When will this happen:
September 9, 2025
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-09-10
updated:
2025-09-10
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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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Loss of Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 will not receive ESUs without additional actions, leading to potential security vulnerabilities.
- roles: System Administrator, IT Security Manager
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/security-updates/windowsupdateservices/18127542, https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/faq/windows#windows-8-1
Increased Downtime for Legacy Systems
If organizations do not take the necessary steps to restore ESU updates, legacy systems may experience increased downtime due to unpatched vulnerabilities.
- roles: System Administrator, IT Support Specialist
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/security-updates/windowsupdateservices/18127542, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/hardening-changes-for-windows-server-update-services-in-windows-server-2025-170eba05-0532-4793-a9c7-0857a62df52f
Operational Complexity
The need to revert to older WSUS versions and manually copy files increases operational complexity and the risk of human error.
- roles: System Administrator, IT Operations Manager
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/security-updates/windowsupdateservices/18127542, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/hardening-changes-for-windows-server-update-services-in-windows-server-2025-170eba05-0532-4793-a9c7-0857a62df52f
Potential Service Disruption
Without proper preparation, organizations may face service disruptions in their update distribution process, affecting all connected devices.
- roles: System Administrator, Network Administrator
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/security-updates/windowsupdateservices/18127542, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/hardening-changes-for-windows-server-update-services-in-windows-server-2025-170eba05-0532-4793-a9c7-0857a62df52f
Compliance Risks
Failure to update legacy systems may lead to non-compliance with security standards, exposing the organization to legal and financial risks.
- roles: Compliance Officer, IT Security Manager
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/?terms=windows, https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/faq/windows#windows-8-1
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Upgrade Legacy Systems
Encouraging the upgrade of legacy operating systems (like Windows Server 2012) to Windows Server 2025 will enhance security and compliance. This can reduce the risk of vulnerabilities and improve overall system performance.
- next-steps: Create a migration plan for upgrading legacy systems, including training for IT staff and communication to end-users about the benefits of the upgrade.
- roles: IT Manager, System Administrator, Security Officer
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/security-updates/windowsupdateservices/18127542, https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/faq/windows#windows-8-1
Implement Enhanced Security Policies
With the removal of outdated binaries, organizations can implement stricter security policies that align with modern compliance standards. This includes ensuring that only supported versions of software are in use.
- next-steps: Review and update current security policies to reflect the changes in WSUS and the need for compliance with supported software versions.
- roles: Compliance Officer, IT Security Analyst, System Administrator
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/hardening-changes-for-windows-server-update-services-in-windows-server-2025-170eba05-0532-4793-a9c7-0857a62df52f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/topic/hardening-changes-for-windows-server-update-services-in-windows-server-2025-170eba05-0532-4793-a9c7-0857a62df52f, https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/?terms=windows
Streamline WSUS Management
By consolidating WSUS management and ensuring that only supported versions are used, IT can reduce administrative overhead and improve update efficiency. This helps in managing updates more effectively across the organization.
- next-steps: Assess the current WSUS setup and identify opportunities to streamline management processes, potentially consolidating servers where feasible.
- roles: IT Manager, System Administrator, Network Administrator
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/de-de/security-updates/windowsupdateservices/18127542, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/hardening-changes-for-windows-server-update-services-in-windows-server-2025-170eba05-0532-4793-a9c7-0857a62df52f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/topic/hardening-changes-for-windows-server-update-services-in-windows-server-2025-170eba05-0532-4793-a9c7-0857a62df52f
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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