How to Deploy and Use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) with Windows 10

Windows Server Update Services, commonly referred to as WSUS, is a Microsoft tool that allows IT administrators to manage the distribution of updates released for Microsoft products within an organizational environment. This becomes critical for larger enterprises that need to test updates before rolling them out, or simply wish to manage bandwidth consumption.

Key Benefits of WSUS

Using WSUS for updating Windows 10 devices provides several benefits:

• Reduced internet bandwidth usage, as updates are downloaded once centrally and then distributed internally.
• Allows testing of updates on a subset of devices before broader deployment.
• Flexibility in setting update policies, schedules, and deployment rings.

Setting Up WSUS on Windows Server

1. Open Server Manager, then click on Manage, and select Add Roles and Features.
2. Proceed through the wizard until reaching the Select features page. Here, check Windows Server Update Services and continue.
3. Choose an installation path for WSUS content.
4. Complete the setup process and launch the WSUS console from the Start Menu.

Configuring WSUS for Windows 10 Devices

1. In the WSUS console, click on Options.
2. Select Products and Classifications.
3. Under the Products tab, ensure that Windows 10 is selected.
4. Under Classifications, choose the desired update types (e.g., Critical Updates, Security Updates).
5. Configure synchronization settings based on network and organizational preferences.

Connecting Windows 10 Devices to WSUS

To ensure Windows 10 devices get updates from WSUS, group policy or local system settings must be adjusted.

1. Open Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update.
3. Set Specify intranet Microsoft update service location to enabled, and then provide the WSUS server address.
4. Adjust other settings as necessary to define update behavior.

5. Close Group Policy Editor and either wait for the next group policy update or force an update with the command below:

   gpupdate /force

Conclusion

Deploying and using WSUS with Windows 10 allows for a centralized update mechanism. This helps organizations ensure consistency, security, and manageability across all Windows 10 devices.