Let's face it, nobody likes to deal with Windows updates. We've all had the frustration of booting up or being faced with "Your device is installing updates", a process that always seems to take seconds or hours.
Fortunately, Microsoft is about to launch a new service that it says will help users gain more control over their Windows updates to ensure this process is as seamless as possible.
Initially aimed at enterprise customers, Windows Autopatch is expected to enter public preview this week, which means a general release is nearing.
Automatic Windows Repair
First announced in April 2022, Windows Autopatch aims to help IT administrators manage the deployment of Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates in an enterprise, including feature updates, drivers, firmware, and app updates from Microsoft. 365.
The service will be able to detect which updates need to be made through a series of "test rings" and will be able to verify the configuration through Microsoft Endpoint Manager, with administrators just having to follow the instructions to get it working.
Customers with at least a Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise E3 license will be eligible for the new service and will need Intune, Azure Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise to be properly configured.
“What to remember if you are an IT administrator? You can continue to use the tools and processes you're used to managing and deploying updates, or you can take a hands-off approach and let Windows Autopatch do it for you," says Microsoft. said Lior Bela (opens in a new tab) during Autopatch's initial reveal in April 2022.
"Changing the way things are done, even if that change makes things easier, gives most people who run large IT organizations pause. By joining the public preview, you can get started with Windows Autopatch and prepare your organization to take advantage of large-scale service."
Previously, Microsoft released most of its software and security updates on a specific date: Patch Tuesday. However, the company has now announced that Patch Tuesday releases will end in the summer of 2022, with Autopatch taking its place.