I've been managing some WSUS servers on Server 2016 without any major issues as long as they're well looked after. Now, I'm looking to upgrade to either Server 2022 or 2025. Has anyone had experience running WSUS on 2025? If so, have you encountered any problems?
5 Answers
If possible, avoid WSUS on Server 2025. I tried it out, and it was just too unstable for any serious work. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend running anything on 2025 right now.
Remember, Microsoft announced WSUS's deprecation back in 2024. Best to stick with Server 2022 until you decide on a more permanent solution. Here’s a link for reference: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/windows-server-update-services-wsus-deprecation/4250436
If you're planning a major update, you may want to consider alternatives. WSUS is on a decline, and it seems like Server 2025 isn't the best option. I've heard it's fairly disorganized and likely to get worse. Microsoft is pushing solutions like Intune and Arc instead. That said, if you're in a tight spot, it still works to some degree—just don’t count on it as a long-term solution.
But WSUS will still be supported until 2035, right? Have you actually tried using it on Server 2025?
Honestly, I'd go with Server 2022 for now and then switch to 2025 later when it's more stable.
I’m kind of leaning that way too, but I’m trying to keep an open mind about 2025.
Just so you know, you can’t really do an in-place upgrade from WSUS—it’s a weird limitation.
I've been using WSUS on Server 2025, but it's been pretty unstable compared to the solid performance I got with 2022. There’s an ongoing hassle with the Reporting Server service; it keeps failing, which means I have to restart the app pool or even do a full IIS reset about once a month. My setup on 2022? Totally smooth sailing. I keep putting off contacting Microsoft support because they haven't been great lately. The whole situation is frustrating!
This is exactly what I needed to know. I went through a lot of trouble when I set up my WSUS on Server 2016. I had to deal with a ton of issues on 2019 before I finally switched to 2016, and it worked perfectly after that. I'm hoping to avoid another nightmare.
I've had similar problems on my home lab with WSUS on Server 2022, so I can relate.
Microsoft might have announced it, but WSUS is still part of the 2025 OS and will be supported until 2035. They really just meant there won't be any new features coming.