Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is now deprecated, and it has no active development. No new features will be added to WSUS, nor is it actively updated by Microsoft, as they are ceasing any new investments in WSUS functionality.
Microsoft to deprecate Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
Microsoft introduced Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) in 2005 to enable IT admins to manage and install updates on Microsoft products in a controlled environment with many devices. It is not possible to manually install updates. To simplify the process, Windows Server Update Services come in handy. Microsoft has now announced that it is deprecating the Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to encourage IT admins and corporations to take advantage of their cloud solutions by shifting to them rather than using WSUS.
WSUS’s existing functionality will work as usual, and Microsoft will provide updates through the WSUS channel. However, no new features or capabilities will be added to it; it will work with the current functionality. This move affects enterprise environments that rely on WSUS for updates. Microsoft has already deprecated WSUS driver synchronization for its new cloud-based driver services. The deprecation will take effect on April 18, 2025.
Microsoft announced in its blog that WSUS is no longer in active development and the deprecation does not impact existing capabilities or support for Microsoft Configuration Manager.
Though WSUS is available on Windows Server 2025, Microsoft recommends organizations to start using cloud tools like Windows Autopatch and Microsoft Intune for client update management and Azure Update Manager for server update management. It is up to organizations and their IT policies to decide on using the existing WSUS functionality or cloud-based tools. The cloud-based tools will get regular updates and new functionalities as they have been cited as the replacements for WSUS.
