Microsoft Acknowledges New WSUS Update Issues Amidst Ongoing Intune Problems
This month, Microsoft confirmed a troubling issue related to its Intune service, specifically affecting the retention of customizations made to baseline security policies during updates. As if that wasn’t enough, the tech giant has now flagged a significant problem with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), further complicating the lives of IT administrators.
WSUS Synchronization Problems
WSUS, which is designed to synchronize updates with Microsoft Update servers at least once daily, is facing synchronizing difficulties as reported by various users. Recent communications reveal that many customers have encountered timeout errors while attempting to sync their WSUS with the Microsoft Update servers. A discussion thread on Reddit reflects a mixed bag of experiences, where some users successfully managed to sync intermittently, while others faced persistent issues.
Microsoft’s Acknowledgment and Ongoing Efforts
In a statement to Bleeping Computer, Microsoft admitted to these synchronization challenges and confirmed that a resolution is in progress. The company pointed to “a problematic update revision in the storage layer”as the root cause of the issue, which has hindered the deployment of Windows updates via WSUS and Configuration Manager. Although IT admins can still carry out manual updates, this workaround is neither practical nor scalable for organizations managing extensive networks.
Understanding WSUS and Its Role in IT Management
For those unfamiliar, WSUS is a crucial tool for IT administrators, allowing them to efficiently manage and distribute updates for Windows and Microsoft Office software within their organizational networks. This service provides granular control over update deployment, enabling tailored rollout strategies based on user-defined policies.
Future of WSUS and Recommended Alternatives
Adding to the concern, Microsoft announced in September 2024 its decision to halt the introduction of new features for WSUS, indicating its trajectory toward eventual discontinuation. As a strategic move, the company has been encouraging users to transition to more advanced solutions such as Intune, Azure Update Manager, and Windows Autopatch, which reflect the evolving landscape of IT management tools.
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