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Microsoft has announced the deprecation of driver synchronization in Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), effective April 18. This change impacts IT administrators who rely on WSUS for managing driver updates. Microsoft recommends transitioning to cloud-based services like Windows Autopatch, Azure Update Manager, and Microsoft Intune for driver management.
Learn more: Microsoft WSUS Driver Synchronization Deprecation
Practice-Verified Commands and Codes:
1. Check WSUS Server Configuration:
Get-WsusServer
This command retrieves the configuration details of your WSUS server.
2. List All Drivers in WSUS:
Get-WsusUpdate -Classification Drivers
Use this command to list all driver updates currently managed by WSUS.
3. Export WSUS Driver Updates to CSV:
Get-WsusUpdate -Classification Drivers | Export-Csv -Path "C:\WSUS_Drivers.csv"
Export the list of driver updates to a CSV file for review.
4. Disable Driver Synchronization in WSUS:
Set-WsusClassification -Classification Drivers -Disable
This command disables driver synchronization in WSUS.
5. Enable Windows Autopatch via Intune:
Set-MsolCompanySettings -WindowsAutopatchEnabled $true
Enable Windows Autopatch for your organization using this PowerShell command.
6. Check Azure Update Manager Status:
Get-AzUpdateManagementCenter
Verify the status of Azure Update Manager in your Azure environment.
7. Migrate WSUS Drivers to Intune:
Start-WsusDriverMigration -Target Intune
Initiate the migration of driver updates from WSUS to Microsoft Intune.
What Undercode Say:
The deprecation of driver synchronization in WSUS marks a significant shift in how Microsoft expects IT administrators to manage updates. This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to push organizations toward cloud-based solutions. While this transition may streamline update management for some, it poses challenges for organizations that prefer on-premises solutions or have regulatory constraints preventing cloud adoption.
For those transitioning, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the new tools and commands. Windows Autopatch, Azure Update Manager, and Microsoft Intune offer robust capabilities, but they require a different approach compared to traditional WSUS management. Below are additional commands to help you navigate this transition:
- Check Intune Device Compliance:
Get-IntuneManagedDevice -DeviceName "DeviceName"
Ensure devices are compliant with Intune policies.
- Deploy Updates via Azure Update Manager:
New-AzUpdateConfiguration -ResourceGroupName "ResourceGroup" -VMName "VMName" -UpdateCategory "Drivers"
Deploy driver updates to Azure VMs using Azure Update Manager.
Monitor Update Deployment Status:
Get-AzUpdateDeployment -ResourceGroupName "ResourceGroup" -Name "DeploymentName"
Track the status of update deployments in Azure.
Enable Windows Update for Business:
Set-WindowsUpdateConfiguration -BranchReadinessLevel "Semi-Annual Channel" -DeferQualityUpdates 7
Configure Windows Update for Business to manage updates directly from Microsoft.
Check WSUS Logs for Errors:
Get-WindowsUpdateLog
Review WSUS logs for any issues during the transition.
Force Sync with Microsoft Update:
Invoke-WsusServerSynchronization
Manually synchronize your WSUS server with Microsoft Update.
- Remove WSUS Role (Post-Transition):
Remove-WindowsFeature -Name UpdateServices
Uninstall the WSUS role after migrating to cloud-based solutions.
For organizations hesitant to adopt cloud services, consider hybrid solutions that combine on-premises infrastructure with cloud capabilities. Tools like System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) can bridge the gap, offering flexibility in update management.
Additional Resources:
In conclusion, while the deprecation of WSUS driver synchronization may seem disruptive, it presents an opportunity to modernize your update management strategy. Embrace the change, leverage the new tools, and ensure your organization remains secure and up-to-date.
References:
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