Microsoft Rebrands Windows Update for Business to Windows Update Client Policies

Microsoft announced today that it’s rebranding the Windows Update for Business service to Windows Update Client Policies, emphasizing its broader applicability beyond just businesses. Despite the rebranding, Microsoft assures customers that all functionalities, features, and license entitlements will remain unchanged.

“Windows Update has always been a powerful tool for enterprise, but the new name reflects expanded capabilities that apply to any organization, not just those traditionally referred to as a “business.” Windows Update client policies more accurately describe the core function: policies that dictate how Windows Update behaves on your devices,” Microsoft explained.

New Windows Autopatch-powered unified dashboard

Microsoft has introduced a new Windows Autopatch-powered unified dashboard in Microsoft Intune, giving administrators a streamlined way to manage device updates. This dashboard provides comprehensive control through four key sections. The Update Policies section allows admins to create and assign custom update policies to different groups, ensuring tailored update management.

The Update Groups section enables IT admins to categorize devices into customized Windows Autopatch groups based on specific criteria. The Update Status section offers real-time monitoring of device updates, while the Update Reports section provides detailed insights to optimize the update process.

This new update management experience is currently available for Microsoft Intune subscribers in the Intune admin center. It helps to reduce complexity and enhance compliance and security within enterprise environments.

Windows Autopatch features now available for Education and Business Premium plans

Last but not least, Microsoft has announced that Windows Autopatch now provides the full suite of Windows Update management features for organizations with Windows Education and Business Premium subscriptions. Previously, these customers had limited access to Windows Autopatch capabilities.

Organizations now have access to features like automatic security updates, easy and secure update configurations, detailed reporting, and flexible Windows Autopatch Groups. Additionally, Microsoft has significantly reduced reporting latency from over 24 hours to just four hours or less.