Introduction

Keeping software up to date is one of the simplest things that can be done to increase security and productivity. On the other hand, organisations can find managing the updates complex and time-consuming. Introducing Windows Autopatch, a cloud service that automates the ability to patch not only Windows, but Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Teams.

Unique Features of Windows Autopatch

Windows Autopatch offers a solution to some of the challenges facing businesses today:

  • Securing Your Systems: With Windows Autopatch, you can maintain up-to-date software, effectively reducing the risk of threats and vulnerabilities to your devices.
  • Boosting Productivity: As new features become available, Windows Autopatch incorporates them, equipping end users with the most recent tools to improve their work and collaboration.
  • Streamlining IT Admin Tasks: Windows Autopatch automates regular endpoint updates, allowing IT professionals to concentrate on value-adding tasks.
  • Reducing On-site Infrastructure: The shift to Software as a Service (SaaS) with Windows Autopatch reduces the need for on-site hardware, as updates are cloud-delivered.
  • Facilitating New Services: Windows Autopatch makes the enrollment process easier and reduces the time IT Admins need to get started.
  • Limiting User Interruptions: Windows Autopatch minimizes disruptions to users by releasing updates in sequential deployment rings and reacting to reliability and compatibility signals.

Update Management

The goal of Windows Autopatch is to deliver software updates to registered devices, freeing up IT and minimizing disruptions to your end users. Once a device is registered with the service, Windows Autopatch takes on several areas of management:

  • Windows Quality Updates: Windows Autopatch strives to ensure that a minimum of 95% of suitable devices receive the latest Windows quality update within 21 days of its release.
  • Windows Feature Updates: Windows Autopatch aims for at least 99% of suitable devices to be on a supported Windows version, enabling them to continue receiving Windows feature updates.
  • Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise: Windows Autopatch targets to maintain at least 90% of suitable devices on a supported version of the Monthly Enterprise Channel (MEC).
  • Microsoft Edge: Windows Autopatch sets up suitable devices to take advantage of Microsoft Edge’s progressive rollouts on the Stable channel.
  • Microsoft Teams: Windows Autopatch enables suitable devices to utilize the standard automatic update channel.

Enabling Windows Autopatch

To enable Windows Autopatch, you need to have an active Microsoft 365 or Windows Enterprise E3 or higher tenant. Your Windows devices also need to be running Windows 10 or Windows 11.

  1. Login to the Endpoint Manager portal.
  2. Navigate to Tenant Administration > Windows Autopatch > Tenant Enrollment.
  3. You must have Global Admin permissions to enable the service.
  4. Read and agree to allow Microsoft to run the Windows Autopatch Readiness Assessment Tool and assess/store the data.
  5. Once the Readiness Assessment Tool shows the status as Ready, you can begin the Windows Autopatch Enrollment.
  6. Register or Add Devices into Windows Autopatch.

Windows Autopatch

Please be aware: Devices enrolled in Windows Autopatch that fail to satisfy the minimum OS prerequisites will be automatically updated to the lowest supported Windows version, which is currently Windows 10 20H2.

Conclusion

Windows Autopatch is a service that eliminates the need for organizations to plan and manage the update process. Instead of relying on your IT department, it shifts the responsibility to Microsoft by leveraging Windows Update for Business and other service components to update devices. This feature is available in Windows Enterprise and it automatically updates both Windows and Microsoft 365 to enhance security and productivity throughout your organization. With Windows Autopatch, businesses can prioritize their core strengths and achievements while leaving the updates in the hands of Microsoft.