Microsoft has recently announced its plan to deprecate WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) driver synchronization, a helpful feature that IT administrators have used to manage and distribute driver updates across their networks. This decision has stirred discussions within the tech community, particularly because 34% of WSUS users rely on this capability.

Why is Microsoft Deprecating Driver Sync? 

Microsoft has cited “low usage” as the primary reason for the deprecation. While 34% of WSUS users currently use the feature, the majority of them are already considering or transitioning to alternative solutions for managing driver updates. Only about 8% of users have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their operations, suggesting that the overall demand for WSUS driver synchronization no longer justifies the resources required to maintain it. In response, Microsoft is encouraging users to explore its cloud-based services or other proprietary solutions as replacements.

What Are The Implications? 

The deprecation of WSUS driver synchronization will undoubtedly affect IT administrators who have relied on it for years. Although drivers will still be available through the Microsoft Update Catalog, they can no longer be imported into WSUS. This change means that IT managers will need to find alternative methods to distribute drivers and firmware across their networks. This transition could involve additional time, effort, and potential costs, as new tools and processes will need to be implemented and tested. 

Next Steps

Fortunately, administrators have some time to prepare, as the deprecation is scheduled for April 18, 2025. Drivers will still be available for download via the Microsoft Update catalog.  You can download the driver, then create a package that can be used for Local publishing in WSUS.  Please see Local Publishing | Microsoft Learn for more information.  

Get WAM to save time on WSUS maintenance. 

At AJ Tek, our vision is to make IT simple and automated for other IT professionals. Our flagship product is WAM, WSUS Automated Maintenance. This system performs all of the tasks that a WSUS Administrator needs to do to maintain WSUS properly only leaving the approving of updates and reporting to the WSUS Administrator.

Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn for additional insights and advice.