Source: BleepingComputer Author: Sergiu Gatlan URL: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-reminds-admins-to-prepare-for-wsus-driver-sync-deprecation/

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:

Microsoft is deprecating WSUS driver synchronization on April 18, urging enterprises to transition to cloud-based solutions like Intune and Autopatch.

MAIN POINTS:

1. WSUS driver synchronization will be deprecated on April 18, 2024.
2. Microsoft recommends using cloud-based alternatives like Windows Autopatch, Azure Update Manager, and Microsoft Intune.
3. On-premises drivers will remain available via the Microsoft Update catalog but cannot be imported into WSUS.
4. Enterprises must transition to alternative solutions like Device Driver Packages or cloud-based services.
5. This deprecation follows prior warnings issued since June 2024.
6. WSUS itself was deprecated in September 2024 but will still receive updates and maintain existing capabilities.
7. Microsoft is no longer developing new WSUS features or accepting feature requests.
8. WSUS has been managing Microsoft product updates for enterprises since its introduction in 2005.
9. Windows NTLM authentication was also deprecated, with Microsoft advising a transition to Kerberos or Negotiation authentication.
10. Microsoft is encouraging enterprises to modernize their update management strategies with cloud-based solutions.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Organizations relying on WSUS for driver updates must transition before April 18, 2024.
2. Microsoft is shifting focus to cloud-based update management solutions.
3. WSUS will still function but without new feature developments.
4. IT admins should explore Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch for driver updates.
5. Security and authentication protocols are evolving, requiring adaptation to newer methods like Kerberos.