Enhancements in Windows Update Management by Microsoft
Microsoft continues to implement significant enhancements in its approach to Windows updates for managed devices. A notable development occurred in May 2024 when the company introduced optional feature update downloads. This change means that users will no longer face immediate, mandatory updates, providing them with greater control over their systems. Additionally, earlier this year, Microsoft bolstered security by enabling devices to install quality updates and security patches during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) through new mobile device management (MDM) capabilities and group policy settings.
Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide for IT Administrators
A detailed guide authored by Luke Ramsdale, a Senior Security Customer Escalation Engineer at Microsoft Intune, offers a structured approach to resolving feature update issues. This guide serves as a valuable checklist for IT administrators, helping them to navigate potential problems effectively.
Similar to Microsoft’s previously published checklist for devices unable to upgrade to Windows 11, this document assists in troubleshooting feature update challenges. The guide begins with verifying essential prerequisites, which include necessary components like an Intune license, supported Windows editions, and ensuring the proper collection of Windows diagnostic data.
Key Considerations and Troubleshooting Steps
Subsequent sections of the guide address critical update ring considerations, managing conflicting update policies, and accounting for safeguard holds. An example of this is the recent compatibility block associated with the SenseShield software on Windows 11 24H2.
Once all prerequisites and considerations are addressed, Microsoft outlines effective troubleshooting methods via the Intune admin center, utilizing the Windows feature update report. The guide also includes details on performing troubleshooting directly from the client side, ensuring flexibility for administrators.
This blog covered many aspects of troubleshooting feature updates; here are the key points:
- Confirm that all prerequisites are met. Properly configuring prerequisites is essential for a smooth feature update deployment, particularly for accurate reporting.
- In complex environments with Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices, ensure there are no conflicting settings from various sources. Consistency is key; aim to deploy update policies from one source. If using multiple sources is unavoidable, consider applying the scan source group policy.
- Engage with Windows Autopatch using PowerShell cmdlets and Graph APIs for insights into tenant configurations. However, note that Intune will automatically configure this for you through feature update and update ring policies.Note: Intune-configured Windows Update client policies won’t be accessible via PowerShell or Graph APIs.
- Utilize device side event logs, Windows update logs, MDM diagnostics reports, and registry values to investigate why a feature update may not be installing, or if there are issues with unexpected installations.
- Collect diagnostic data from affected devices to gather necessary logs and information for troubleshooting; this step is crucial if a support request is initiated.
Accessing the Complete Guide
For a more in-depth exploration of the troubleshooting methodologies discussed, you can read the full guide on the Microsoft Tech Community blog.
For additional insights and updates, refer to this source article.
Related Articles:
Windows 11 25H2 Build 26200 Leak: Is It a Minor Update Compared to Windows 11 24H2?
0:27
Play Alien: Isolation and NHL 25 During Xbox Free Play Days This Weekend
22:50
Microsoft Introduces Native PyTorch Arm Support for Windows Devices
19:57
Leave a Reply ▼