Microsoft has announced that Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) will soon cease to provide driver downloads. Introduced in 2005, WSUS was designed to streamline Windows patch downloads and servicing. However, Microsoft is transitioning its focus towards more modern, cloud-based management tools.
Starting April 18, 2025, WSUS will stop synchronizing updates for Windows drivers. Users in traditional on-premises environments—like small businesses and home offices—will need to download drivers directly from Microsoft’s Update Catalog. Unfortunately, these driver downloads cannot be imported back into WSUS, necessitating alternative methods for keeping drivers updated.
The company recommends migrating to cloud-based solutions such as Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch. For users who prefer to manage drivers with more customization, there’s still the option of integrating custom driver packages before deploying Windows images.
Earlier communications from Microsoft highlighted that only a small fraction (34%) of WSUS users were engaged with driver synchronization, and most had already adopted alternative solutions. Notably, just 8% expressed concerns about the impact of this deprecation.
Microsoft’s term “deprecation” refers to a feature no longer under active development, signaling that while WSUS’s driver synchronization will stop in April, the feature may eventually be removed in future releases. This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of phasing out outdated features across its software and cloud services.
For further information, you can refer to the original announcement regarding WSUS and the list of deprecated features in Windows 11.
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