Microsoft Phases Out WSUS: Embracing Modern Update Management with Azure Arc, Intune, and Azure Update Manager

Microsoft’s recent decision to deprecate Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) marks a major shift for IT administrators who have relied on it for years to manage updates. WSUS will still be available and functional in Windows Server 2025, but it won’t see any new features. This move reflects Microsoft’s strategic shift toward modern, cloud-native solutions that are scalable, secure, and future-ready. For those still using WSUS, the recommendation is clear: consider alternatives that leverage the cloud, particularly Azure Arc for managing on-premises servers, Microsoft Intune for client devices, and Azure Update Manager for hybrid and cloud-hosted servers. Let’s dive into how these tools can take over and enhance your update management processes.

The WSUS Deprecation and Microsoft’s New Approach

In early 2023, Microsoft announced that WSUS would eventually phase out, although it will remain functional in the immediate future. Instead of relying on legacy systems, organizations are now encouraged to move to these cloud-first tools designed to streamline management across environments. Here’s a quick look at the key features of these new tools and how they align with today’s organizational needs.

Feature	WSUS	Azure Arc	Microsoft Intune	Azure Update Manager
Scope	On-premises server updates	Hybrid/on-premises server management	Client device management	Cloud/hybrid server updates
Cloud Management	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Policy Consistency	Limited	Yes	Yes	Yes
Automation & Scheduling	Limited	Yes (via Azure Update Manager)	Yes, includes Autopatch	Yes
Security Monitoring	Limited	Full Azure Security Center integration	Full Endpoint Manager integration	Full integration with Security Center

These solutions collectively offer the same essential functions as WSUS, but with additional scalability, security, and management capabilities suited to today’s hybrid and cloud-first environments.

On-Premises Server Management with Azure Arc

For organizations maintaining on-premises servers, Azure Arc brings Azure’s capabilities to your local infrastructure, enabling cloud-based management even for resources outside the cloud. Azure Arc connects your on-prem servers to Azure, allowing centralized management and uniform policies across all resources.

With Azure Update Manager, which works alongside Arc, patch deployment becomes simpler, allowing you to replace WSUS entirely for on-prem resources. Arc also integrates with Azure Security Center for security insights and Azure Policy for governance, making it ideal for maintaining compliance standards across hybrid environments. Centralized management, policy consistency, and enhanced security are just a few reasons to consider this solution.

Client Device Management with Microsoft Intune

For client devices, Microsoft Intune offers a comprehensive, cloud-native solution that allows IT admins to handle updates, enforce security policies, and monitor compliance. Whether you’re managing Windows PCs, tablets, or mobile devices, Intune centralizes the process, removing the need for on-premises infrastructure like WSUS.

Intune’s Windows Autopatch automates the patching process, so IT teams can spend less time manually deploying updates and more time on strategic tasks. Additionally, Intune integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Endpoint Manager, creating a unified approach to client management. Intune’s flexibility with both corporate and BYOD devices makes it perfect for today’s mobile and distributed workforce.

Server Update Management with Azure Update Manager

For cloud-hosted or hybrid servers, Azure Update Manager offers robust features for managing patches across all environments. Integrated directly within the Azure portal, it simplifies the patching process for both Azure VMs and servers connected through Azure Arc, giving IT teams a single view of update compliance across the entire organization.

Azure Update Manager goes beyond WSUS with advanced automation and scheduling, allowing you to deploy patches efficiently while minimizing downtime. With its integration into Azure Security Center, it provides essential insights into update compliance and security vulnerabilities, giving admins more control over their infrastructure’s security posture.

Making the Transition from WSUS to Cloud-Based Solutions

If you’re still using WSUS, now’s the time to consider these alternatives. Transitioning to Azure Arc, Intune, and Azure Update Manager brings clear benefits beyond WSUS’s legacy framework, including improved scalability, stronger security, and simplified management. Here are a few practical steps to get started:

• Pilot Azure Arc and Azure Update Manager on a small group of servers to familiarize your team with the new tools.
• Evaluate Intune’s patching features if you’re managing a mix of BYOD and corporate-owned devices.
• Provide training on these new tools, so your IT staff is well-prepared for the transition and confident in using cloud-native management.

These solutions don’t just replace WSUS; they bring your update management strategy into a future-ready state, making your organization more secure and agile in a rapidly changing IT landscape.

Let’s Talk! Share Your Thoughts and Experiences

We’d love to hear from you! Are you considering making the shift from WSUS to these cloud-native solutions? What challenges have you encountered so far, or are you already reaping the benefits of these new tools? Drop a comment below, share your experiences, or ask any questions—happy to help.

About the Author

Shaun Hardneck is a Microsoft Security Architect and Consultant who helps organizations modernize their IT infrastructure and security. With deep expertise in Microsoft cloud solutions like Azure, Intune, and Entra, Shaun provides insights and support for companies looking to navigate their digital transformation journey. Follow Shaun’s blog, ThatLazyAdmin, where he shares practical advice and real-world best practices for IT professionals striving to get the most from Microsoft’s cloud solutions.

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