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Network Manager at a university with 11-50 employees
Real User
Top 5
Jun 13, 2024
Old, unreliable, difficult to set up, and does not manage updates across the organization well
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution can be used to update PCs and servers."
  • "We can't rely on the product."

What is most valuable?

The solution can be used to update PCs and servers.

What needs improvement?

The tool is not good for managing updates across the organization. It doesn't update the clients as well as it should. We end up going through things manually to ensure that everything's right. We can't rely on the product.

I don't think there's anything we can do to make it any better. It's a really poor product. It doesn't work. The product must identify machines on the network and add them to the system. At the moment, we can't add a machine to the system. We have to wait until the tool finds it.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for two to three years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the solution’s scalability a two out of ten. The system is old. It doesn't work. We have one user in our organization.

Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services
June 2026
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Windows Server Update Services. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: June 2026.
900,747 professionals have used our research since 2012.

How was the initial setup?

I rate the ease of setup a two out of ten. The setup is difficult. It takes 12 to 24 hours to collect the data from the network. It does not collect all the data needed.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Configuration Manager is less expensive than Microsoft Windows Server Update Services.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We're looking to use Configuration Manager.

What other advice do I have?

There are better ways to get information than using the product's reporting capabilities. We use support to learn about updates. People must not use Microsoft Windows Server Update Services. Overall, I rate the product one out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Pankaj Marathe - PeerSpot reviewer
Technical Lead at ESDS Software Solution Pvt Ltd.
Real User
May 29, 2024
The most critical features for maintaining the security and compliance of our company's systems stem from the security updates provided by the solution
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of the solution is that it is easy to use."
  • "The product lacks to offer some of the features offered by some of the open source solutions like Linux and others, making it an area where improvements are required."

What is our primary use case?

In my company, we have dedicated servers for our project, so we used to do the compliance on those servers, and we had to patch them using Intune. Recently, my company started using ManageEngine Desktop Central for some of the projects. Users have to keep the tool updated to the latest versions.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of the solution is that it is easy to use.

It offers a friendly UI, so my company does not have to do the coding every time one wants to use the device. It is feasible for our company to use the product. If you have to perform any operations anywhere, you don't have to open the command prompt and run the command. There are features like PowerShell and batch scripting, but those are for the server part.

The current versions offered by the product are really great. I like to work on them.

The product's most critical features for maintaining the security and compliance of our company's systems stem from the security updates provided by the solution. Microsoft Defender and some of the other firewall products can be considered some of the most critical services offered by Microsoft Windows.

What needs improvement?

The product lacks to offer some of the features offered by some of the open source solutions like Linux and others, making it an area where improvements are required. I feel that the product's scalability can be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Windows Server Update Services for three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Stability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine to ten out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The product's initial setup phase is straightforward, and there is no need to get involved in complex operations. You just have to select the partition, install the OS, and do a few clicks, after which the product gets installed, and you are able to work on it.

The solution can be deployed on either the cloud or on an on-premises model since both are easy.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

For my home appliances, I have to make certain payments to use the product. In my company, there is a team that takes care of the licensing part associated with the tool.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend the product to those who plan to use it.

I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services
June 2026
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Windows Server Update Services. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: June 2026.
900,747 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Lum Guan Yuan - PeerSpot reviewer
Technical Manager at a retailer with 11-50 employees
Reseller
Apr 16, 2024
Provides good reporting features, but the approval process must be improved
Pros and Cons
  • "We can track the updates of the PC and servers."
  • "The approval process must be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for the internal server. We use the tool to push Windows updates to the computers. It is mainly for internal patch management. We use the tool to manage updates across different server environments.

What is most valuable?

We can track the updates of the PC and servers. The reporting features are good. The testing and reporting processes are better than those of other tools.

What needs improvement?

The policies must be made easier. The tool must allow users to update the policies. Currently, we can only create policies and update a few things in them. The product must provide more functions. The approval process must be improved. Currently, it is a very simple process. We just approve security updates and critical updates. Other vendors have better approval processes.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for many years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the tool's stability nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the tool's scalability eight out of ten. Most of the time, we have only one server for the whole organization. We have 500 computers.

How are customer service and support?

The support is very good.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The deployment process is very straightforward and easy.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price is medium. The tool could be cheaper.

What other advice do I have?

We recommend the tool to our customers unless they specifically require a different solution. Overall, I rate the product a seven out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
PeerSpot user
Assistantmgr67 - PeerSpot reviewer
Assistance Manager, ICT Communication at ELNG
Real User
Mar 5, 2024
Enables automated patch management process and has a straightforward setup process
Pros and Cons
  • "The platform provides good value in terms of time and effort by eliminating the need for manual patch management."
  • "The platform’s dashboard and reporting features need enhancement."

What is our primary use case?

We use the product to manage patch updates for servers.

What needs improvement?

The platform’s dashboard and reporting features need enhancement.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Microsoft Windows Server Update Services for 15 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the platform’s stability an eight out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have 400 Microsoft Windows Server Update Services users in our organization. It is a scalable platform. We never had any issues related to scalability.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support team could have extensive knowledge about the application.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward. We began by thoroughly reviewing the installation manual to gain a clear understanding of the prerequisites and requirements for the application. We started preparing servers and integrations, followed by deploying the agent across all machines to centralize management through WSUS. It takes time to understand specific criteria to be deployed automatically.

What about the implementation team?

We implemented the product ourselves.

What other advice do I have?

The implementation of Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) has significantly improved our patch management process by shifting our approach from reactive to proactive. We can automate the process instead of relying on manual methods.

The platform provides good value in terms of time and effort by eliminating the need for manual patch management. It gives us more time to concentrate on other aspects of the project.

We encountered a few technical issues with the application related to deployment agents and operating system compatibility. We were able to overcome the challenges by escalating the case to the engineers.

I recommend the product to others as it is an easy-to-use patch management or deployment monitoring system. It is the best solution for all business use cases. However, I advise others to understand their business requirements before making the purchase decision.

I rate it an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
OğuzKalaycı - PeerSpot reviewer
system engineer at Yaşar Holding
Real User
Top 5
Jan 8, 2024
Performs well and can be used to update servers
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution performs well."
  • "We have some problems when we update the servers."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution to update servers and clients.

What is most valuable?

The solution performs well.

What needs improvement?

We have some problems when we update the servers.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for 15 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The tool is very stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The tool is scalable. We have approximately 1000 users in our organization. We have about 20 people in our technical team.

How are customer service and support?

We contact support if we face any errors. We get support from the integrators.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was complex. Sometimes, if there is an error, it takes a very long time to correct it.

What about the implementation team?

The deployment can be done in-house.

What other advice do I have?

We can use ManageEngine instead of Microsoft. I recommend the solution to others. Overall, I rate the product an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Consultant at Trigonova GmbH
Real User
Jan 7, 2024
Easy-to-use interface and manages updates for all Microsoft operating systems, including client and server versions
Pros and Cons
  • "It's a scalable product."
  • "The database could be improved. In large environments, for example, we often get problems with reporting."

What is our primary use case?

I use it to update.

How has it helped my organization?

It's free, easy to implement and use. It supports all the Microsoft operating systems, not only our systems but also the clients.

What is most valuable?

The easy way to use it is the biggest benefit.

What needs improvement?

The database could be improved. In large environments, for example, we often get problems with reporting.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using it for over ten years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate the stability a seven out of ten because stability depends on the size of the environment. If we use it in a small environment, with less than 200 devices, there are no problems.

We are using it in small companies and medium enterprises.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's a scalable product. I would rate the scalability an eight out of ten. 

How are customer service and support?

The support could be improved, but it's a free product. So, we can't expect too much.

The Microsoft support service calls have long wait times to solve issues or even recognize them.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The installation is quite easy. To deploy it completely it took about four hours for installation and configuration.

What about the implementation team?

Only one person is enough to deploy. It does require maintenance , but not a lot. It's quite easy to update the system itself. 

The main problem is the database, and the solution doesn't work well in larger environments. But even then, installing a new solution is quite easy, which is also a benefit.

What was our ROI?

It helped automate the process of updating our Windows operating systems and also our Windows or Microsoft software components, like SQL Server, Exchange servers, Office products, and so on.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It's part of the main operating system. So, I use it for free.

What other advice do I have?

It's a quite good product. If you use it in an environment with less than about 200 managed devices, it is a good product.

Overall, I would rate the solution an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Alexandru Cioruta - PeerSpot reviewer
Global Cybersecurity Presales Domain Lead Architect at Eviden France
Real User
Oct 31, 2023
An affordable solution that can be used to have a central location for patch management
Pros and Cons
  • "Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is an easy-to-use and stable solution."
  • "The solution's stability could be improved because sometimes, there are some problems in communication and sending updates and patches."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is used to push the patches, have a central location for patch management, attach all your service infrastructure, keep up to date, and serve security updates.

What is most valuable?

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is an easy-to-use and stable solution.

What needs improvement?

The solution's stability could be improved because sometimes, there are some problems in communication and sending updates and patches.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Windows Server Update Services for several years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is a very stable solution.

I rate Microsoft Windows Server Update Services a nine out of ten for stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is a scalable solution. Around 60 to 70 users use the solution in our organization.

How are customer service and support?

The solution's technical support is great.

How was the initial setup?

The solution's initial setup is pretty straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

The solution's deployment takes around three months. The solution can be deployed in-house depending on how strong the IT department is within the organization.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services is not an expensive solution.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend the solution to other users. If someone wants a less costly solution and doesn't want to invest too much in licenses, they can choose Microsoft Windows Server Update Services. The solution is more suited for small businesses, not huge enterprise customers.

Overall, I rate Microsoft Windows Server Update Services a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Egor Marachev - PeerSpot reviewer
IT systems engineer at VeriFone
Real User
Sep 10, 2023
A pretty stable and scalable product that is easy to deploy and provides excellent features
Pros and Cons
  • "PowerShell is a valuable feature."
  • "The product must improve its support."

What is most valuable?

PowerShell is a valuable feature.

What needs improvement?

The product must improve its support.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for a few years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is pretty stable. I rate the stability an eight and a half out of ten. Sometimes, we have minor issues.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the tool’s scalability an eight out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

I opened a ticket with support two weeks ago. There have been only two email conversations between me and the team regarding the ticket. There have been no other responses. The support team is normally good.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

How was the initial setup?

It is very easy to deploy the product.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
PeerSpot user
AANKITGUPTAA - PeerSpot reviewer
Consultant at Pi DATACENTERS
Real User
Dec 5, 2022
Easy to download and patch but needs to be a generic patch management solution
Pros and Cons
  • "We can easily download particular patches, and we can apply them on a group basis and policy basis."
  • "They should offer patch management across platforms."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution primarily for patching. It is a very crucial activity in terms of maintaining up-to-date images and safeguarding the operating system from different bugs and avoiding crashes. We keep everything updated, including security patches. We have multiple servers based on different flavors of Windows Server and different versions also from 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022.

Based on the policy, we deploy patches on whichever particular Windows Server on the required schedule.

How has it helped my organization?

Patch and security management is a very crucial activity. It is actually periodical and it should be done on a monthly basis or a weekly basis, depending on the requirement. Maintaining the patching to the latest version is a very crucial and difficult task. It's helped us to maintain patch management cycles.

What is most valuable?

We can easily download particular patches, and we can apply them on a group basis and policy basis.

It is stable.

We can scale the product.

What needs improvement?

We have a web-based GUI and can access it from other systems, also. We can always update all the policies and patches with ease if there is a good GUI. They need to continue to offer the GUI interface to make patching easier.

They should offer patch management across platforms.

They should also include application software. Catered options should be included for different applications. They should offer a generic patch management solution for general applications.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for more than ten years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This is a stable solution. We don't find many bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It is reliable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable. We can add multiple Windows Servers in the groups. We handle between 400 and 500 (or more) devices.

We can easily scale up at any time just by adding servers to the updated services. 

How are customer service and support?

Technical support has been helpful and responsive. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We tried some different products, including ManageEngine Patch Management and Automox.

How was the initial setup?

The implementation process offers a moderate level of difficulty. It's not easy, nor is it complex. 

You need one Windows Server, at least for maintenance. 

What was our ROI?

We don't require the purchase of any commercial products for patch management and therefore aren't really investing anything. From the technical side, we can easily manage the patching and keep our system up to date, which is useful.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

In terms of licensing, it's a Windows Server feature, so it will come under the Windows Server. That said, we require some care licenses for that Windows Server.

What other advice do I have?

I'm using the latest version of the solution. 

New users need to precisely and carefully define the policies and catalogs at the outset. It's important to have everything aligned before deployment to avoid downtime. 

I'd rate the solution seven out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
reviewer2506713 - PeerSpot reviewer
Infrastructure Architect - Director at a retailer with 11-50 employees
Real User
Top 20
Jun 23, 2024
Useful for automated updates management and reduces manual effort
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution's most valuable feature is the ability to set logical rules. These rules allow us to automatically apply updates based on their criticality or assign them to specific computer groups. It allows for automatic deployment to specific groups based on predefined logic, eliminating the need for manual intervention in deployment creation."
  • "The product should improve its third-party management."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for update management. 

What is most valuable?

The solution's most valuable feature is the ability to set logical rules. These rules allow us to automatically apply updates based on their criticality or assign them to specific computer groups. It allows for automatic deployment to specific groups based on predefined logic, eliminating the need for manual intervention in deployment creation.

The tool's integration is easy. It manages everything behind the scenes. 

What needs improvement?

The product should improve its third-party management. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with the product since 2008. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the tool's stability a nine out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

How are customer service and support?

Regarding technical issues, I had one that had to go through many levels and back and forth. I don't think they are great. Technical people still treat you like a beginner, assuming you don't know much. The first-level support is not very good, and we almost always have to go to the third level. As a result, it takes a lot of time.

How was the initial setup?

The solution's deployment is easy. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The tool is included with server products, and its pricing is good. 

What other advice do I have?

The tool can function effectively for small—to medium-sized businesses. However, for enterprise companies, especially in regions like the United States or Europe, it would likely require additional support from a system center management framework to fully meet their needs.

I rate it an eight out of ten. It's beneficial, especially if you have more than a few systems to update. Using Microsoft Windows Server Update Services automates the update process, saving considerable manual effort.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: June 2026
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Patch Management
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Windows Server Update Services Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.