[Hardware] Microsoft Releases New Driver and Firmware Controls for Windows Update for Business

[Shyloo]

Microsoft Releases New Driver and Firmware Controls for Windows Update for Business

 

Microsoft has released a new update that brings driver and firmware management capabilities for the Windows Update for Business deployment service. This release gives organizations better control over the deployment of updates to eligible cloud-attached Windows client devices.

Windows Update for Business (WUfB) is a deployment service that enables IT admins to manage and distribute updates to Windows machines. They can create deployment rings to test Windows updates with a select group of users before being rolled out to all devices. It also allows administrators to delay the installation of updates for a specific period.

Microsoft emphasizes: the importance of driver servicing as hardware vendors frequently release new updates and fixes to address security vulnerabilities. The company has collaborated with po[CENSORED]r OEMs (like Dell, HP, and Lenovo) to ensure that all drivers are delivered via Windows Update.

Microsoft Releases New Driver and Firmware Controls for Windows Update for Business
With this release, IT Pros can view a list of the best drivers for all enrolled devices. It’s also possible to control the rollout or pause problematic drivers on specific machines. Administrators can use Windows Update for Business reports to track deployment status and find client devices that might require attention.

“Our customers consistently ask us for more, and better, control over drivers and firmware updates. We are excited to collaborate with the Windows Update for Business deployment service, to bring these management controls to our Windows E3 and E5 customers, leveraging Microsoft Graph, in Intune later this year. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Windows team in helping organizations simplify endpoint management and protect their cloud and hybrid workforce,” said Steve Dispensa, VP of Product Management for Microsoft Intune.

Mobile Device Management solutions to add support for driver servicing
Microsoft’s new driver and firmware management capabilities are available to enterprise customers with a Windows E3/E5/A3/A5 or Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscription. However, these controls lack support for Windows Server Update Services or System Center Configuration Manager. Microsoft plans to bring these features to mobile device management tools, though there’s no ETA yet.