Microsoft wsus
Author: g | 2025-04-24
Contents of the Microsoft 365 Apps client update package for WSUS. The update package that Microsoft publishes to WSUS only appears in the WSUS catalog. Microsoft WSUS Server Pack Assets Templates . The Centreon Monitoring Connector Microsoft WSUS brings 2 different host templates:. App-Wsus-NRPE-custom; App-Wsus-NSClient-05
WSUS - Clients are not reporting to the WSUS Server - Microsoft
Tool for managing Microsoft first-party updates, customers requiring third-party patching must still incorporate WSUS into their update strategy. Below are two common scenarios where AUM and WSUS work together.1. Using AUM with WSUS for All UpdatesWhile AUM provides powerful orchestration and compliance capabilities, it does not eliminate the need for WSUS. AUM has no native support for third-party updates outside of WSUS, making WSUS a critical component for any organization requiring comprehensive patch management. Customers should plan accordingly to maintain their WSUS infrastructure and understand its role in supporting both first-party and third-party updates in hybrid or multi-cloud environments.In this scneario, WSUS is deployed either on-premises or in Azure and serves as the source for both Microsoft first-party and third-party updates. AUM leverages Azure Arc to manage update compliance and patch orchestration for on-premises servers, while Patch My PC Publisher remains responsible for publishing third-party updates to the WSUS instance.For customers transitioning from Configuration Manager, it is important to recognize that WSUS updates now require approval, either manually or with automatic approvals, ensuring that both Microsoft and third-party updates are available for deployment.How does it work?Patch My PC Publisher publishes third-party updates to WSUS.WSUS Synchronizes first-party updates from Microsoft Update and serves as the distribution point for third-party updates, hosting the necessary metadata and content.Updates are approved for devices (either manually or using automatic approval rules in WSUS).AUM connects to Azure Arc-enabled servers and orchestrates the installation of updates, while WSUS ensures both Microsoft and third-party updates and content are accessible.Who is it for?Organizations that want a single WSUS instance to handle all update management and maintain full control over patch approval and distribution.This option must also be used for customers wishing to install third-party updates on servers with an operating system older than Windows Server 2022. This is because Scan Source is not supported on older operating systems, meaning the devices cannot scan both Microsoft Update and WSUS simultaneously.2. Using AUM with Windows Update for First-Party Updates and WSUS for Third-Party UpdatesIn this scenario, Patch My PC Publisher manages the publishing of third-party updates to a WSUS instance, while Avançar para o conteúdo principal Não há mais suporte para esse navegador. Atualize o Microsoft Edge para aproveitar os recursos, o suporte técnico e as atualizações de segurança mais recentes. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) Artigo10/05/2023 Aplica-se a: ✅ Windows Server 2025, ✅ Windows Server 2022, ✅ Windows Server 2019, ✅ Windows Server 2016, ✅ Windows 11, ✅ Windows 10 Neste artigo -->O WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) permite que os administradores de Tecnologia da Informação implantem as atualizações mais recentes dos produtos da Microsoft. Você pode usar o WSUS para gerenciar totalmente a distribuição de atualizações que são lançadas pelo Microsoft Update aos computadores da rede. Este tópico fornece uma visão geral dessa função de servidor, além de mais informações sobre como implantar e manter o WSUS.Descrição da função de servidor do WSUSUm servidor do WSUS fornece os recursos que você pode usar para gerenciar e distribuir atualizações por meio de um console de gerenciamento. Um servidor do WSUS também pode ser a fonte de atualização de outros servidores do WSUS na organização. O servidor WSUS que atua como fonte de atualização é chamado de servidor upstream. Em uma implementação do WSUS, pelo menos um servidor do WSUS na rede precisa conseguir se conectar ao Microsoft Update para obter as informações de atualizações disponíveis. Como administrador, é possível determinar, com base em segurança e configuração de rede, quantos outros servidores WSUS se conectam diretamente ao Microsoft Update.Aplicações práticasO gerenciamento de atualizações é o processo de controlar a implantação e manutenção de versões provisórias de software em ambientes de produção. Ele ajuda a manter a eficiência operacional, superar vulnerabilidades de segurança e manter a estabilidade do seu ambiente de produção. Se sua organização não puder determinar e manter um nível de confiança conhecido em seus sistemas operacionais e aplicativos, podemWSUS and the Microsoft Update Catalog
What is WSUS (Windows Server Update Services)?WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) is a server role in Windows Server that lets IT administrators manage and distribute critical security patches and updates for Microsoft products across their entire network. Think of it as the control center for keeping your Windows devices healthy and protected.Why Use WSUS?Here’s why WSUS is a valuable tool for any organization with multiple Windows machines:Centralized ManagementWSUS eliminates the need for individual device updates. You can approve updates, set deployment schedules, and distribute them to your entire network from a single, centralized location.This translates to significant time savings for IT administrators, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks.Improved Security PostureIn today’s threat landscape, staying ahead of security vulnerabilities is crucial. WSUS empowers you to take control of the update process. You can prioritize critical security patches, ensuring they’re deployed swiftly across your network.Additionally, WSUS allows you to delay non-critical updates for testing purposes, minimizing the risk of unexpected disruptions.Reduced Bandwidth ConsumptionImagine the strain on your network bandwidth if every Windows device downloaded updates directly from Microsoft. WSUS acts as a local update source for your devices.Approved updates are downloaded to the WSUS server once, significantly reducing overall bandwidth usage, especially for organizations with numerous devices.Testing and StagingNot all updates are created equal. WSUS provides a safety net by allowing you to test updates on a small group of devices before deploying them to your entire network.This helps identify and address any potential compatibility issues or bugs before they can impact your entire user base.Flexible Deployment OptionsWSUS offers a variety of deployment options to cater to different organizational needs.You can choose automatic deployments for critical security updates, while scheduling manual deployments for other updates, allowing for more control over the update process.How Does WSUS Work?Here’s a simplified breakdown of the WSUS workflow:1. WSUS Server Connects to Microsoft Update: Your WSUS server periodically checks with Microsoft Update for available updates.2. Administrator Approves Updates: You get to decide which updates to deploy and which ones to hold off on.3. Updates Downloaded to WSUS Server: Once approved, the updates are downloaded to. Contents of the Microsoft 365 Apps client update package for WSUS. The update package that Microsoft publishes to WSUS only appears in the WSUS catalog.WSUS server: The Microsoft Software
A computer for installation and servicing of Windows. For more information, see Windows PE Technical Reference.Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)MDT is a unified collection of tools, processes, and guidance for automating desktop and server deployment. And this in turn reduces deployment time and standardizes desktop and server images. MDT enables you to more easily manage security and ongoing configurations. With MDT, you can use it to create reference images or as a complete deployment solution.MDT builds on top of the core deployment tools in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK). With additional guidance and features designed to reduce the complexity and time required for deployment in an enterprise environment. MDT supports the deployment of Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019. It also includes support for zero-touch installation (ZTI) with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager – SCCM).Windows Server Update Services Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is previously known as Software Update Services (SUS). It enable the latest Microsoft software updates to be deployed on computers with Windows operating systems. WSUS gives administrators extensive management options for distributing updates released through Microsoft Update.For more articles I have written, see the following hyperlinks below– Configuring WSUS Email Notification to Work With Office365– Important Areas to Master on WSUS (Installed and not applicable, Install 1/4, and Installed / Not applicable 100)– How to apply Windows Updates from WSUS to the server using AWS RunCommand– How to Configure SSL between WSUS servers (Upstream and Downstream Servers)– Handy WSUS Commands – Windows Server Update Services Commands, WAUACLT, PowerShell and USOClient– WSUS clients appear and disappear from the WSUS Update Services consoleMicrosoft Endpoint Configuration ManagerNevertheless, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager was previously known as (System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)). Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager is a software management suite provided by Microsoft that allows users to manage a large number of Windows-based computers.Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager features a remote control, patch management, operating system deployment, network protection, and other various services.Users of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager can integrate with Microsoft Intune, allowing them to manage computers connected to a business, or corporate, network.Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager allows users to manage computers running the Windows or macOS, servers using the Linux or Unix, and even mobile devices running the Windows, iOS, and Android operating systems.Windows AutoPilotWindows AutoPilot enables you to set up and pre-configure new Windows 10 devices for your organization right In this article, we discuss the high-level steps for implementation and key considerations when using Azure Update Manager (AUM) to manage third-party updates.While Patch My PC does not integrate directly with AUM, this knowledge base article aims to assist customers already using Azure Arc and AUM in incorporating third-party patching into their existing update management workflows.Topics covered in this article:What is Azure Update Manager (AUM)Scenarios1. Using AUM with WSUS for All Updates2. Using AUM with Windows Update for First-Party Updates and WSUS for Third-Party UpdatesOS RequirementsPolicy RequirementsScan Source Requirements (for Scenario 2)Mainteneance ConfigurationInstall on DemandUseful LogsTroubleshootingTopics not covered in this article:How to setup AUMHow to configure and deploy the Azure Arc agentHow Update Manager WorksWhat is Azure Update Manager (AUM)As customers consider the new technologies and management platforms on offer from Microsoft, many will adopt Microsoft Intune to manage their user devices. This can ultimately lead them to reconsider the need for Configuration Manager for their remaining server estate. This “mindset shift to cloud” also raises questions about how to handle server patching. As customers might already be using Azure in some capacity, AUM automatically becomes very topical in these conversations as “something we could adopt”.One common misconception is that moving to AUM eliminates the need for WSUS entirely. While this may be true for customers focusing solely on managing Microsoft first-party updates, it is important to understand that AUM provides no direct support for third-party patching outside of WSUS. Customers requiring third-party patching must still maintain their own WSUS instance, whether on-premises or hosted in Azure.Most third-party software vendors provide updates in the form of catalogs, specifically designed to integrate with WSUS. Currently, WSUS is the only Microsoft-supported mechanism for publishing third-party catalogs and distributing those updates to endpoints. Without WSUS, AUM lacks the capability to manage third-party updates entirely, making WSUS an indispensable component for customers with hybrid or multi-cloud environments who require comprehensive patching capabilities.The screenshot below shows first-party updates identified as required during a scan of Microsoft Update, and third-party updates identified as required during a scan of a local WSUS instance.ScenariosWhile AUM is an excellentMicrosoft Stopped Developing WSUS And Will No
First-party updates are obtained directly from Microsoft Update using the “scan source” configuration. AUM continues to orchestrate the assessment and deployment of updates, leveraging Azure Arc to manage on-premises servers. This approach significantly minimizes reliance on WSUS, as it is configured solely for third-party patching rather than handling the entire breadth of Microsoft first-party updates.By avoiding the need to configure WSUS for first-party updates, you drastically reduce the number of updates managed within the WSUS database. This optimization addresses some of WSUS’s most notorious challenges, including bloated metadata, increased maintenance overhead, and performance degradation that can occur when managing thousands of updates. In this streamlined setup, WSUS is reserved exclusively for third-party updates, allowing it to operate more efficiently while still enabling AUM to handle patch compliance and orchestration for both first-party and third-party updates.How does it work?Patch My PC Publisher publishes third-party updates to WSUS.WSUS serves as the distribution point for third-party updates, hosting the necessary metadata and content.Updates are approved for devices (either manually or using automatic approval rules in WSUS).Scan Source configuration allows endpoints to:Retrieve Microsoft first-party updates directly from Microsoft Update.Retrieve third-party updates from WSUS which were published by Patch My PC Publisher.AUM connects to Azure Arc-enabled servers to orchestrate update compliance and installation for both first-party and third-party updates.Who is it for?Customers transitioning to a cloud-first model but still requiring robust third-party patching capabilities. This approach is ideal for those looking to reduce on-premises content storage requirements by shifting first-party update handling to Microsoft Update.This option can only be used for customers wishing to install third-party updates on servers with an operating system version of Windows Server 2022 or higher. This is because Scan Source is not supported on older operating systems, meaning the device cannot scan both Microsoft Update and WSUS simultaneously.Note: By downloading first-party updates directly from Microsoft Update, organizations can significantly reduce the storage requirements for WSUS, as first-party update content no longer needs to be stored locally. However, since each server downloads its first-party updates directly from the internet, organizations must plan for potential bandwidth impacts. Unlike Configuration Manager, which canwsus clients unable to connect to wsus server 8530 port - Microsoft
The free SolarWinds Diagnostic Tool for the WSUS Agent is designed to diagnose and even suggest corrections to common WSUS/agent issues. ContentsDashboardSettingsOther tabsGeneral usefulnessConclusionsSolarWinds Diagnostic Tool for the WSUS Agent Author Recent Posts I have been a Windows administrator for eight years and currently focus on Group Policy, backup, and IIS/Apache administration. WSUS is one of the best free management tools that Microsoft provides for an Active Directory domain to receive Windows Updates. It dramatically streamlines the download/install process while allowing administrators to implement enforceable Windows Update policy on client computers. However, Microsoft does not offer much in the way of troubleshooting tools, so diagnosing an issue with a WSUS implementation can be mundane. The free SolarWinds Diagnostic Tool for the WSUS Agent is a refreshingly lightweight download and takes only a moment to install. You should install the agent on any WSUS client computer (your computer would be fine) and get started with a diagnostic test.DashboardThe first tab of the application, the “Dashboard,” offers access to the test results of the diagnostic test, The test includes most of the common points of WSUS agent issues, like whether certain URL’s are accessible. To run the test your group policy settings must be configured such that the WSUS agent will be running on your computer. The test takes a few seconds (depending on your link speed) and then the results are displayed.SolarWinds Diagnostic Tool for the WSUS Agent - Test resultsIn this case, there is some issue connecting to “content.” You. Contents of the Microsoft 365 Apps client update package for WSUS. The update package that Microsoft publishes to WSUS only appears in the WSUS catalog.WSUS 3.0 to WSUS 3.2 on Server 2025 Standard - Microsoft Q A
Efficiently distribute content via on-premises distribution points, this approach may lead to higher network usage for large deployments.OS RequirementsThe following Windows operating systems are supported for use with AUM:-Windows Server 2012 R2 and higher (including Server Core) *Windows 10 and 11 clients are not supported by AUM. If customers are seeking a cloud only solution for client patch management, Microsoft Intune is recommended to manage and orchestrate update workloads using the Win32 app model.* IMPORTANT: While AUM supports Server 2012 R2 and higher, customers intending to adopt the scan source approach described in Scenario 2 must use Server 2022 or higher for the servers they wish to manage. This is because 2022 and later versions of Windows Server support the Windows Update client to scan both WSUS and Windows Update simultaneously.Policy RequirementsThe following policy settings should be reviewed to ensure devices are able to assess and install third-party updates orchestrated by AUM.1. Configure the WSUS Server Location (Required)The client will need pointing to the WSUS instance for compliance reporting and to know where to get update copntent from. If you are moving from ConfigMgr for patching, these settings may already be configured in the local policy.Using the Registry EditorSet the WUServer registry value to your http(s) WSUS instance (REG_SZ)HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdateWUServer = = The WUStatusServer is not strictly required but it will be set if you use GPO or Local Policy Editor to confiure the WUServer location.Using the ADMX TemplateComputer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows > Windows UpdateSpecify intranet Microsoft update service locationSet the intranet update service for detecting updates = the intranet statistics server = Configure the UseWUServer Policy (Required)Using the Registry EditorThe UseWUServer policy setting specifies whether the device should get its updates from a WSUS server or directly from Microsoft Update.Set the UseWUServer registry value to 1 (DWORD)HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AUUseWUServer = 1Using the ADMX TemplateWhen you configure specify the intranet Microsoft update service location using the ADMX tempalte, this policy is automatically configured and set to 1.3. Configure an Automatic Approval Rule in WSUS (Required)Configure an automatic approval rule in WSUS to ensure that third-party updates, areComments
Tool for managing Microsoft first-party updates, customers requiring third-party patching must still incorporate WSUS into their update strategy. Below are two common scenarios where AUM and WSUS work together.1. Using AUM with WSUS for All UpdatesWhile AUM provides powerful orchestration and compliance capabilities, it does not eliminate the need for WSUS. AUM has no native support for third-party updates outside of WSUS, making WSUS a critical component for any organization requiring comprehensive patch management. Customers should plan accordingly to maintain their WSUS infrastructure and understand its role in supporting both first-party and third-party updates in hybrid or multi-cloud environments.In this scneario, WSUS is deployed either on-premises or in Azure and serves as the source for both Microsoft first-party and third-party updates. AUM leverages Azure Arc to manage update compliance and patch orchestration for on-premises servers, while Patch My PC Publisher remains responsible for publishing third-party updates to the WSUS instance.For customers transitioning from Configuration Manager, it is important to recognize that WSUS updates now require approval, either manually or with automatic approvals, ensuring that both Microsoft and third-party updates are available for deployment.How does it work?Patch My PC Publisher publishes third-party updates to WSUS.WSUS Synchronizes first-party updates from Microsoft Update and serves as the distribution point for third-party updates, hosting the necessary metadata and content.Updates are approved for devices (either manually or using automatic approval rules in WSUS).AUM connects to Azure Arc-enabled servers and orchestrates the installation of updates, while WSUS ensures both Microsoft and third-party updates and content are accessible.Who is it for?Organizations that want a single WSUS instance to handle all update management and maintain full control over patch approval and distribution.This option must also be used for customers wishing to install third-party updates on servers with an operating system older than Windows Server 2022. This is because Scan Source is not supported on older operating systems, meaning the devices cannot scan both Microsoft Update and WSUS simultaneously.2. Using AUM with Windows Update for First-Party Updates and WSUS for Third-Party UpdatesIn this scenario, Patch My PC Publisher manages the publishing of third-party updates to a WSUS instance, while
2025-04-22Avançar para o conteúdo principal Não há mais suporte para esse navegador. Atualize o Microsoft Edge para aproveitar os recursos, o suporte técnico e as atualizações de segurança mais recentes. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) Artigo10/05/2023 Aplica-se a: ✅ Windows Server 2025, ✅ Windows Server 2022, ✅ Windows Server 2019, ✅ Windows Server 2016, ✅ Windows 11, ✅ Windows 10 Neste artigo -->O WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) permite que os administradores de Tecnologia da Informação implantem as atualizações mais recentes dos produtos da Microsoft. Você pode usar o WSUS para gerenciar totalmente a distribuição de atualizações que são lançadas pelo Microsoft Update aos computadores da rede. Este tópico fornece uma visão geral dessa função de servidor, além de mais informações sobre como implantar e manter o WSUS.Descrição da função de servidor do WSUSUm servidor do WSUS fornece os recursos que você pode usar para gerenciar e distribuir atualizações por meio de um console de gerenciamento. Um servidor do WSUS também pode ser a fonte de atualização de outros servidores do WSUS na organização. O servidor WSUS que atua como fonte de atualização é chamado de servidor upstream. Em uma implementação do WSUS, pelo menos um servidor do WSUS na rede precisa conseguir se conectar ao Microsoft Update para obter as informações de atualizações disponíveis. Como administrador, é possível determinar, com base em segurança e configuração de rede, quantos outros servidores WSUS se conectam diretamente ao Microsoft Update.Aplicações práticasO gerenciamento de atualizações é o processo de controlar a implantação e manutenção de versões provisórias de software em ambientes de produção. Ele ajuda a manter a eficiência operacional, superar vulnerabilidades de segurança e manter a estabilidade do seu ambiente de produção. Se sua organização não puder determinar e manter um nível de confiança conhecido em seus sistemas operacionais e aplicativos, podem
2025-04-03What is WSUS (Windows Server Update Services)?WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) is a server role in Windows Server that lets IT administrators manage and distribute critical security patches and updates for Microsoft products across their entire network. Think of it as the control center for keeping your Windows devices healthy and protected.Why Use WSUS?Here’s why WSUS is a valuable tool for any organization with multiple Windows machines:Centralized ManagementWSUS eliminates the need for individual device updates. You can approve updates, set deployment schedules, and distribute them to your entire network from a single, centralized location.This translates to significant time savings for IT administrators, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks.Improved Security PostureIn today’s threat landscape, staying ahead of security vulnerabilities is crucial. WSUS empowers you to take control of the update process. You can prioritize critical security patches, ensuring they’re deployed swiftly across your network.Additionally, WSUS allows you to delay non-critical updates for testing purposes, minimizing the risk of unexpected disruptions.Reduced Bandwidth ConsumptionImagine the strain on your network bandwidth if every Windows device downloaded updates directly from Microsoft. WSUS acts as a local update source for your devices.Approved updates are downloaded to the WSUS server once, significantly reducing overall bandwidth usage, especially for organizations with numerous devices.Testing and StagingNot all updates are created equal. WSUS provides a safety net by allowing you to test updates on a small group of devices before deploying them to your entire network.This helps identify and address any potential compatibility issues or bugs before they can impact your entire user base.Flexible Deployment OptionsWSUS offers a variety of deployment options to cater to different organizational needs.You can choose automatic deployments for critical security updates, while scheduling manual deployments for other updates, allowing for more control over the update process.How Does WSUS Work?Here’s a simplified breakdown of the WSUS workflow:1. WSUS Server Connects to Microsoft Update: Your WSUS server periodically checks with Microsoft Update for available updates.2. Administrator Approves Updates: You get to decide which updates to deploy and which ones to hold off on.3. Updates Downloaded to WSUS Server: Once approved, the updates are downloaded to
2025-03-31A computer for installation and servicing of Windows. For more information, see Windows PE Technical Reference.Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)MDT is a unified collection of tools, processes, and guidance for automating desktop and server deployment. And this in turn reduces deployment time and standardizes desktop and server images. MDT enables you to more easily manage security and ongoing configurations. With MDT, you can use it to create reference images or as a complete deployment solution.MDT builds on top of the core deployment tools in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK). With additional guidance and features designed to reduce the complexity and time required for deployment in an enterprise environment. MDT supports the deployment of Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019. It also includes support for zero-touch installation (ZTI) with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager – SCCM).Windows Server Update Services Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is previously known as Software Update Services (SUS). It enable the latest Microsoft software updates to be deployed on computers with Windows operating systems. WSUS gives administrators extensive management options for distributing updates released through Microsoft Update.For more articles I have written, see the following hyperlinks below– Configuring WSUS Email Notification to Work With Office365– Important Areas to Master on WSUS (Installed and not applicable, Install 1/4, and Installed / Not applicable 100)– How to apply Windows Updates from WSUS to the server using AWS RunCommand– How to Configure SSL between WSUS servers (Upstream and Downstream Servers)– Handy WSUS Commands – Windows Server Update Services Commands, WAUACLT, PowerShell and USOClient– WSUS clients appear and disappear from the WSUS Update Services consoleMicrosoft Endpoint Configuration ManagerNevertheless, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager was previously known as (System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)). Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager is a software management suite provided by Microsoft that allows users to manage a large number of Windows-based computers.Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager features a remote control, patch management, operating system deployment, network protection, and other various services.Users of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager can integrate with Microsoft Intune, allowing them to manage computers connected to a business, or corporate, network.Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager allows users to manage computers running the Windows or macOS, servers using the Linux or Unix, and even mobile devices running the Windows, iOS, and Android operating systems.Windows AutoPilotWindows AutoPilot enables you to set up and pre-configure new Windows 10 devices for your organization right
2025-03-26In this article, we discuss the high-level steps for implementation and key considerations when using Azure Update Manager (AUM) to manage third-party updates.While Patch My PC does not integrate directly with AUM, this knowledge base article aims to assist customers already using Azure Arc and AUM in incorporating third-party patching into their existing update management workflows.Topics covered in this article:What is Azure Update Manager (AUM)Scenarios1. Using AUM with WSUS for All Updates2. Using AUM with Windows Update for First-Party Updates and WSUS for Third-Party UpdatesOS RequirementsPolicy RequirementsScan Source Requirements (for Scenario 2)Mainteneance ConfigurationInstall on DemandUseful LogsTroubleshootingTopics not covered in this article:How to setup AUMHow to configure and deploy the Azure Arc agentHow Update Manager WorksWhat is Azure Update Manager (AUM)As customers consider the new technologies and management platforms on offer from Microsoft, many will adopt Microsoft Intune to manage their user devices. This can ultimately lead them to reconsider the need for Configuration Manager for their remaining server estate. This “mindset shift to cloud” also raises questions about how to handle server patching. As customers might already be using Azure in some capacity, AUM automatically becomes very topical in these conversations as “something we could adopt”.One common misconception is that moving to AUM eliminates the need for WSUS entirely. While this may be true for customers focusing solely on managing Microsoft first-party updates, it is important to understand that AUM provides no direct support for third-party patching outside of WSUS. Customers requiring third-party patching must still maintain their own WSUS instance, whether on-premises or hosted in Azure.Most third-party software vendors provide updates in the form of catalogs, specifically designed to integrate with WSUS. Currently, WSUS is the only Microsoft-supported mechanism for publishing third-party catalogs and distributing those updates to endpoints. Without WSUS, AUM lacks the capability to manage third-party updates entirely, making WSUS an indispensable component for customers with hybrid or multi-cloud environments who require comprehensive patching capabilities.The screenshot below shows first-party updates identified as required during a scan of Microsoft Update, and third-party updates identified as required during a scan of a local WSUS instance.ScenariosWhile AUM is an excellent
2025-04-08First-party updates are obtained directly from Microsoft Update using the “scan source” configuration. AUM continues to orchestrate the assessment and deployment of updates, leveraging Azure Arc to manage on-premises servers. This approach significantly minimizes reliance on WSUS, as it is configured solely for third-party patching rather than handling the entire breadth of Microsoft first-party updates.By avoiding the need to configure WSUS for first-party updates, you drastically reduce the number of updates managed within the WSUS database. This optimization addresses some of WSUS’s most notorious challenges, including bloated metadata, increased maintenance overhead, and performance degradation that can occur when managing thousands of updates. In this streamlined setup, WSUS is reserved exclusively for third-party updates, allowing it to operate more efficiently while still enabling AUM to handle patch compliance and orchestration for both first-party and third-party updates.How does it work?Patch My PC Publisher publishes third-party updates to WSUS.WSUS serves as the distribution point for third-party updates, hosting the necessary metadata and content.Updates are approved for devices (either manually or using automatic approval rules in WSUS).Scan Source configuration allows endpoints to:Retrieve Microsoft first-party updates directly from Microsoft Update.Retrieve third-party updates from WSUS which were published by Patch My PC Publisher.AUM connects to Azure Arc-enabled servers to orchestrate update compliance and installation for both first-party and third-party updates.Who is it for?Customers transitioning to a cloud-first model but still requiring robust third-party patching capabilities. This approach is ideal for those looking to reduce on-premises content storage requirements by shifting first-party update handling to Microsoft Update.This option can only be used for customers wishing to install third-party updates on servers with an operating system version of Windows Server 2022 or higher. This is because Scan Source is not supported on older operating systems, meaning the device cannot scan both Microsoft Update and WSUS simultaneously.Note: By downloading first-party updates directly from Microsoft Update, organizations can significantly reduce the storage requirements for WSUS, as first-party update content no longer needs to be stored locally. However, since each server downloads its first-party updates directly from the internet, organizations must plan for potential bandwidth impacts. Unlike Configuration Manager, which can
2025-03-28