Microsoft Confirms Continued Support for Windows WSUS Driver Sync through Update Catalog This Month

Microsoft Revisits Decision on WSUS Driver Synchronization

In June 2024, Microsoft made an announcement to phase out driver synchronization through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), with plans to implement this change on April 18, 2025. This declaration arrived just three months ahead of another significant update, where the company stated it would cease adding new features to WSUS.

Following this, in January, a 90-day notification was issued to remind users of the impending removal.

Change of Heart Following User Feedback

However, in a recent blog entry, Microsoft revealed that it will retain support for driver update synchronization, directly attributing the reversal to user feedback. The company stated:

Based on your valuable feedback, we’ll continue supporting driver update synchronization to Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) servers. This decision postpones previous plans to end this support in April 2025.

Additionally, Microsoft’s blog outlined that:

Seeing how many of you are already moving to the available cloud-based driver services, we initially proposed the removal of WSUS driver synchronization. Thanks to your feedback, especially on disconnected device scenarios, we’ve now revised this plan.

Effective immediately, we are postponing the plan to remove WSUS driver synchronization. WSUS will continue to synchronize driver updates from the Windows Update service and import them from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Stay tuned as we work on a revised timeline to streamline our services for you.

Understanding User Needs

This recent development highlights that Microsoft may have underestimated the reliance of organizations on WSUS for driver management. In June, when the initial announcement was made, the company reported that only 8% of respondents to an impact survey voiced concern over the discontinuation of this feature.

Looking Ahead: Modernizing Driver Deployment

In the same blog update, Microsoft also pointed out various modern tools available for driver deployment and distribution, such as those offered through Intune. For further details, you can read the full announcement on Microsoft’s official Tech Community website here.

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