Microsoft has officially announced that Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) 3.0 Service Pack 2 (SP2) users will no longer be able to synchronize and download updates starting on October 31, 2021.
While this may be a surprise to some, the writing has been on the wall since early 2020 when extended support for WSUS 3.0 SP2 was ceased. Microsoft also halted support for both Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Server 2008 R2 at the same time, marking a shift towards the future of WSUS for the company. That being said, it is still possible to synchronize and download updates from Microsoft using WSUS 3.0 SP2 for the time being! There are 4 sets of dates (July 20 – 22, 2021, August 17 – 19, 2021, September 21-23, 2021, October 19 – 21, 2021) that Microsoft will preemptively turn off WSUS3.0 syncing to prepare businesses for the impact change.
What Does This Mean For Me or My Business?
Needless to say, if you are reading this blog you understand the importance of WSUS. It is the key to the Windows servicing process for many organizations, and whether it is being used standalone or as a component of other products, it provides a myriad of useful features, like automating the download and installation of Windows updates.
If your server relies on WSUS 3.0 Service Pack 2, you will have to migrate to a supported version of WSUS before Halloween 2021 rolls around. Although it may be inconvenient, it is a requirement to stay in line with the components that WSUS relies on for secure communication. When any one component is out of date or not configured properly, the communication might revert to an older, less secure protocol which will become blocked by Microsoft on October 31st, 2021.
How Can I Keep My WSUS Up-To-Date?
Our WSUS Automated Maintenance (WAM) software is the absolute best way to keep your server not just up to date, but also maintained. This complete software solution was created specifically to automate the time-consuming task of WSUS maintenance. It is compatible with all versions of WSUS, runs in the background, and automatically maintains your server daily, allowing you to focus on other tasks. We are always updating and improving WAM, with prompt online customer support available to each and every user with a license.
Want to take the next step in keeping your WSUS maintained and up-to-date?
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WSUS Automated Maintenance (WAM) system was developed by AJ Tek and is used by system administrators worldwide—from Australia to Antarctica. With over 50,000 unique downloads, it’s the preferred method of WSUS maintenance worldwide.
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