The company debuted the Unified Update Platform (UUP) in November 2016. Microsoft developed the platform to reduce the size of updates and to make finding new updates more efficient. This is particularly important for feature updates. UUP is essentially a way to make Windows updates more seamless by reducing the amount of data included in the update package. Microsoft says it is now bringing a public preview of the service to on-premises Windows systems. This preview is available for enrolled commercial customers and is rolling out during Q3 2022. For on-premises, UUP will link Windows Server Update Services to Microsoft’s Configuration Manager to ensure updates are smooth and efficient.
Faster Updates
Microsoft is also working on a way to provide faster updates to business customers. While most organizations will hold off on Windows updates until they are stable, there are situations where introducing a security update quickly is desirable. According to Microsoft, the new Windows Update for Business (WUfB) gives IT admins control over the rollout of update, including allowing them to expedite releases across Windows 11 and 10. However, WUfB comes with the following requirements:
Licensing Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 or E5 (included in Microsoft 365 F3, E3, or E5) Windows 10/11 Education A3 or A5 (included in Microsoft 365 A3 or A5) Windows 10/11 Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) per user Microsoft 365 Business Premium Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Joined Hybrid joined Windows Update services Devices must be configured to scan the Windows Update service and be receiving updates from it. Update Health Tools Client Update Health Tools KB4023057 must be installed on all relevant devices. Recommended: Client/device data processing in Intune Devices are configured to send diagnostic data for better experience.
Tip of the day: With a single registry tweak, it’s possible to add a ‘Take Ownership’ button to the right-click context menu that performs all of the necessary actions for you. You’ll gain full access to all possible actions, including deletion, renaming, and more. All files and subfolders will also be under your name. The Take Ownership context menu will set the currently active user as the owner of the files, though they must also be an administrator. They can then enter the folder or modify the file as they usually would.
