WSUS Configuration Manager configures the WSUS server - Configuration Manager (2024)

FAQs

What is the WSUS Configuration Manager? ›

WSUS Configuration Manager uses the WSUS APIs to connect to the WSUS server. The WSUS Administration console must be installed on the Configuration Manager site server, because the WSUS Administration console installs the APIs that are used to connect to the WSUS server.

SCCM, or System Center Configuration Manager, is a paid patch management solution from Microsoft. SCCM relies on WSUS to check for and apply patches, but offers some more desirable features and gives users more control over how and when patches are deployed.

SCCM (now MECM) adds value to the WSUS product with the addition of features like remote control of devices and active monitoring. It relies on WSUS to run as a foundation and execute necessary patching, and provides extended features for Windows and Mac users.

Open Server Manager > Tools > Windows Server Update Services. Now, we notice that when opening it we have a wizard that is asking us to configure WSUS. If you close the wizard and have WSUS open, you can navigate to Options (1) > WSUS Server Configuration WIzard (2).

Take a look under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update . You should see the keys WUServer and WUStatusServer which should have the the locations of the specific servers.

After you select the location, choose the server on which you want to install the WSUS server role, and then click Next. On the select server roles page, select Windows Server Update Services. Add features that are required for Windows Server Update Services opens. Click Add Features, and then click Next.

WSUS suits basic Windows-only networks, while SCCM is designed for larger organizations with more extensive management needs.

What is the difference between WSUS and SCCM? ›

Main functionality: SCCM, a system management software, manages many computers that run various operating systems. WSUS is a software update service to manage updates released for the products developed by Microsoft. Both SCCM and WSUS are products of Microsoft.

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) enables information technology administrators to deploy the latest Microsoft product updates. You can use WSUS to fully manage the distribution of updates that are released through Microsoft Update to computers on your network.

For organizations that still utilize a traditional on-prem network, WSUS is still a viable option to ensure the job gets done. For those companies with MDM-managed devices or have computers dispersed across a wide geographical area, Windows Update for Business may be a better option.

While Active Directory isn't required for WSUS to work, it will make configuring these settings easier. If you don't have Active Directory, you need a way to configure each client (computer) to look to the WSUS server for updates.

We have to install the Web Server Role (IIS) and that's a required role for WSUS so we click Next. On the Select Role Services for IIS window, we leave all the default options selected. By default when you want to install WSUS it will add all of the required IIS Roles and Services. Click Next to continue.

Configuration Manager helps you deliver more effective IT services by enabling: Secure and scalable deployment of applications, software updates, and operating systems. Real-time actions on managed devices. Cloud-powered analytics and management for on-premises and internet-based devices.

Main functionality: SCCM, a system management software, manages many computers that run various operating systems. WSUS is a software update service to manage updates released for the products developed by Microsoft. Both SCCM and WSUS are products of Microsoft.

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, formerly known as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), is a Windows-centric endpoint management tool for devices within an Active Directory domain. Historically deployed on prem on a Windows Server, SCCM can now also be deployed as cloud-hosted within Azure.