Officially deprecated in September 2024, it’s been a full year since Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) began winding down updates. Have you started planning for your next steps? As it continues to age, and as Windows and SQL evolve, WSUS could break or become unstable, potentially creating holes in your cybersecurity strategy for criminals to exploit.
As WSUS continues to shrink as a solution for Windows patching, it’s time to start long-term planning and adjust your risk management strategy. WSUS use has dropped from 13% use in 2024 to just 5.5% in 2025, a major decline. A managed IT service provider can ease you through necessary transitions while managing the backend updates and reporting that protect your business.
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) End of Life
After its introduction in 2005, the long-standing, on-premise update platform is being phased out by Microsoft.
Long the ideal solution for environments with limited internet bandwidth, strict update deployment timelines and centralized control needs, the usefulness of WSUS has run its course. Cloud-based environments and services have taken over as the IT stack of choice for its scalability, flexibility, automation and ease of use. WSUS will remain available now that it’s deprecated, but it won’t receive any meaningful updates.
Your devices and programs will continue needing updates and patches, if you don’t have actively updated WSUS, what is your update strategy?
Benefits of a Managed IT Service Provider
A managed IT service provider, particularly one with experience as a Microsoft 365 consultant, can be the bridge that adds real value. Updates and patches need to be rolled out in a measured fashion to reduce the risk of a cybercriminal taking advantage of a vulnerability in the software. An experienced managed service provider has the rigorous discipline necessary to keep your risk management strategy laced tight.
Managed Updates – Your managed service provider will monitor your update release schedule, identifying the one that should be accelerated and pausing others if issues arise.
Third-Party Capabilities – A managed services partner can also patch third-party apps, such as Adobe, Java, Chrome or others, to keep your entire environment secure.
Actionable Reporting – Keep your executives and other higher ups in the company in tune with what’s happening in your environment through compliance reports that speak directly to them.
Risk Management – Another way managed services add value is through providing oversight and governance consultations. These actions help ensure your updates improve your security without disrupting your critical business operations.
Transition Assistance – If they have deep experience with Microsoft, your managed service provider can help your team transition to Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch. Prefer a hybrid approach for your organization? They’ll also have experience with third-party solutions if that’s a better fit.
WSUS’s deprecation isn’t an emergency — it’s a wake-up call. Partnering with a managed IT services provider ensures your patching strategy delivers the operational discipline, reporting clarity and third-party coverage IT leaders need.
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