Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Reviews

Name: Microsoft Windows Server Update Services
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 3.9 (49 reviews)

Vendor: Microsoft

3.9 out of 5

49 reviews
87% willing to recommend

172 followers

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What is Microsoft Windows Server Update Services?

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is a patch management tool that simplifies the administrator’s task of deploying the latest Microsoft updates. Administrators use WSUS to manage the distribution of updates released through Microsoft Update to computers in their network.

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Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is the #3 ranked solution in top Patch Management solutions. PeerSpot users give Microsoft Windows Server Update Services an average rating of 7.8 out of 10. Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is most commonly compared to Microsoft Configuration Manager: Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vs Microsoft Configuration Manager. Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 59% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 15% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services

February 2025

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Helped 838,640 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Chuck Colby

Network Architect at a construction company with 51-200 employees

Whether to use the solution or not is going to be context-sensitive. If you have a strong Microsoft team, you can probably handle this. If, like my team, you also have a dozen other vendors to consider, it's not just the operating system. The pattern I've seen over time with WSUS is that it has the potential to be a fantastic product, yet it doesn't feel finished. People try to implement WSUS, and context is important. In my context, we're a small business without teams of Microsoft-certified people. We are just trying to use what's available to achieve a goal, and WSUS is fine, however, not the best product out there. The business in America often tries to do more with less. I would not recommend it to a team of my size. If a company had half a dozen or a dozen Microsoft-certified people, I'd say, run with it. For a team of my size, no, absolutely not. I would rate the overall solution a solid eight out of ten.

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RishiPandit

Lead - Technical Services at Impetus

Regarding Microsoft, I previously worked with Dynamics, Exchange, and Azure, however, I do not now. I am currently working on documentation and technical writing without using any application. AI may not solve any problems for the WSUS Server. There is no integration available, and AI tools are blocked for me in the organization. I use only email for communication. I am into policy creation, client engagements, audits, and providing security updates for Office 365. I have left my previous profile, and someone else is working on that now. I am not using any tool at the moment. Overall, I'd rate the product seven out of ten.

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Mashood Atitebi

Global Core Infrastructure Engineer at Finning International Inc

In the current era of heightened cybersecurity concerns, ensuring that your systems are consistently updated and well-protected is imperative. This solution becomes particularly crucial for services accessible to the public, especially those exposed to the internet—a condition that is increasingly prevalent for most entities today. It stands as one of the essential measures for safeguarding against potential cyberattacks.

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Microsoft Windows Server Update Services mindshare

As of February 2025, the mindshare of Microsoft Windows Server Update Services in the Patch Management category stands at 7.1%, down from 13.7% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Patch Management

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Patch Management	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vs Microsoft Configuration Manager	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vs BigFix	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vs Qualys Patch Management	Feb 21, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Microsoft Configuration Manager	4.1	16.2%	90%	81 interviews Add to research
BigFix	4.3	10.9%	97%	96 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services offers valuable features such as seamless integration with Active Directory for automatic updates, centralized management and patch deployment, reduced internet usage through internal traffic, specific upgrade selection for various operating system versions, scalable downstream server setup, efficient security and critical updates, user-friendly interface, low cost with no additional licensing fees, and useful reporting capabilities. It facilitates IT departments in deploying patches, maintaining security, and ensuring compliance.

"I would rate the overall solution a solid eight out of ten."
"The simplicity of the configuration is a valuable feature for me."
"The simplicity of the configuration is a valuable feature for me."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services could benefit from improvements in its user interface, reporting capabilities, and integration with third-party applications. The management and application of updates need enhancement, particularly in handling non-Windows servers. Users seek better support, simplified configuration, and more intuitive deployment processes. Connectivity with IIS often results in conflicts. The lack of advanced features in the management console obstructs efficient update organization. Enhancements in automation and patching scenarios would also be advantageous.

"The phone tree for Microsoft Update makes me smash my head against my desk."
"Sometimes, I encounter issues with the Windows internal database."
"Typically, they are hesitant to provide good service when a competitor has a better service."

ROI

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services simplifies patch management by automating updates for Windows systems and software. Users download updates once, minimizing traffic and costs by distributing them within the infrastructure. It decreases crashes in applications, reducing time needed for restoring machines or installing applications. There are no additional costs since it is free, allowing efficient management without purchasing commercial products. Cloud-native features require less effort in management, enhancing overall efficiency.

Pricing

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is generally included with the purchase of the Microsoft Windows Server operating system, making it a cost-effective option without additional licensing fees. While some users mention storage costs for larger operations, various licensing models like volume and rental can offer flexibility. For enterprises, pricing depends on the existing agreement with Microsoft. Although some express concerns about overall costs, larger enterprises typically find it offers robust value for money.

"Configuration Manager is less expensive than Microsoft Windows Server Update Services."
"We need one single key for Windows deployments, which is a better option. Buying a license with the same key for all systems, like Windows and Windows Desktop, makes configuring easier. Otherwise, it isn't easy to manage multiple keys for different systems."
"The tool could be cheaper."

Popular Use Cases

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is primarily used for deploying and managing updates across various organizational environments. Users utilize it for patch management, security updates, and server maintenance, optimizing data flow and minimizing external bandwidth usage. It supports diverse infrastructure needs, including servers, desktops, and endpoint devices. The service is employed on both cloud and on-premises models for operational efficiency and compliance with security standards.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vary significantly. Many users find it accessible online without direct assistance, while others report slow response times and repetitive troubleshooting. Some praise the guidance during setup and updates, noting that support is helpful and responsive. However, there are criticisms about long wait times and the need for multiple escalation levels. Users often have mixed experiences with Microsoft's support efficiency and effectiveness.

Deployment

Opinions on Microsoft Windows Server Update Services' initial setup vary. Some found it straightforward, taking as little as an hour to a day, while others experienced a complex process requiring troubleshooting. Many appreciated its ease of use and simplicity for those familiar with Windows environments. Others mentioned challenges, particularly for deployments requiring additional configuration or involving multiple servers. Setup difficulty ranged from simple for some to complicated for deployments with more intricate needs.

Scalability

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services scales well within varied business environments, accommodating thousands of users effectively. It supports hierarchical deployments across sites and integrates with cloud services. Some find constraints for very large infrastructures but appreciate its adaptability and manageability for medium-sized settings. On-premises expansion necessitates additional resources, while in cloud setups it scales with investment. Users rate it favorably for scalability, though specific limitations might drive preferences towards alternative solutions for extensive scalability needs.

Stability

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is highly stable, with users frequently giving ratings between seven and ten. Users report minimal issues, bugs, or crashes, though its performance can vary based on the environment size, with smaller environments experiencing fewer problems. The service generally runs smoothly without needing frequent maintenance, though some users mention issues with specific updates or Windows versions. On the whole, users find it very dependable for daily operations.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

Government

12%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

Educational Organization

Retailer

Energy/Utilities Company

Insurance Company

Healthcare Company

University

Construction Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Comms Service Provider

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Media Company

Legal Firm

Non Profit

Hospitality Company

Logistics Company

Performing Arts

Outsourcing Company

Transportation Company

Maritime Company

Wellness & Fitness Company

Consumer Goods Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Engineering Company

Marketing Services Firm

Non Tech Company

Compare Microsoft Windows Server Update Services with alternative products

Learn more about Microsoft Windows Server Update Services

WSUS has features you can use to manage and distribute updates from a management console. The WSUS server can also be a source of updates to other servers within the organization, acting as an upstream server.

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Use Cases

The four main use cases that WSUS adds value to businesses are:

Centralizes update management.
Automates update management.
Performs general patch management to ensure compliance and protect against vulnerabilities.
Downloads all endpoint updates from data centers to a central location and then distribute them across the organization’s network.

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Features

This built-in server includes the following features:

Includes Windows PowerShell cmdlets.
Features client and server separation, which means you can deliver versions of the Windows Update Agent (WUA) separately from WSUS.
Automatic download of updates.
Deploy a targeted download of updates to a specific group of computers.
Multiple language support.
Advanced reporting capabilities.
Centralized management of network resources.

Requirements

In order to be able to use WSUS to manage and deploy updates, it is important to use a supported WSUS version, such as:

WSUS 10.0.14393
WSUS 10.0.17763
WSUS 6.2 and 6.3 with installed KB 3095113 and KB 3159706

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Benefits

Stable.
Ensures servers are always patched and prevents vulnerabilities.
Works great for internal updating.
Enforces automated updates and patching for applications.
Because the solution is used in the cloud, clients are always using the latest version.
Highly scalable and configurable regardless of the organization’s layout.

Different Types of WSUS Deployments

Simple WSUS deployment: A server inside the corporate firewall serves clients via a private intranet. The WSUS server downloads updates by connecting to Microsoft Update. Using this model, you can configure multiple WSUS servers with a parent WSUS server.
Computer groups: You can use computer groups to deliver updates to specific computers. There are two basic computer groups: All Computers or Unassigned Computers. When a client first contacts the WSUS server, it is added to both. You can then create a group from the Unassigned Computers group to the new group.
WSUS server hierarchies: The flexibility of WSUS enables the creation of complex hierarchies of servers. To do this, you need only a single WSUS server connected to Microsoft Update. This will serve as an “upstream server,” and the connected servers as “downstream servers.”
- You can link WSUS servers in two modes: autonomous or replica. In the autonomous mode, the upstream server shares the updates with the downstream servers but doesn’t update status or group information.
- The upstream server shares updates, status, and group information in replica mode. You cannot administer replica servers apart from the upstream WSUS server.

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services was previously known as Windows Server Update Services, Microsoft WSUS, WSUS, Microsoft Software Update Services, Software Update Services, Microsoft SUS, SUS, MS Windows Server Update Services.