Managing operating system (OS) updates across an organization's Windows devices is crucial for maintaining security, performance, and compliance. However, coordinating these updates can be challenging without the right tools. Scalefusion Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) offers a comprehensive solution to streamline Windows OS update management. This guide provides detailed steps to effectively manage Windows OS updates using Scalefusion UEM. 

Why Windows OS Update Management Matters 

Before diving into the "how," let's reiterate the "why": 

• Security: Updates often include critical security patches that protect against vulnerabilities. 

• Compatibility: Newer applications and hardware may require the latest OS features. 

• Performance: Updates can improve device performance and stability. 

• Compliance: Many industries require devices to run on updated OS versions for data security. 

Configuring Windows OS Update Policies with Scalefusion 

Scalefusion enables IT administrators to define and enforce OS update policies across managed Windows devices. By creating and applying device profiles, admins can control how and when updates are installed. 

Step 1: Create or Edit a Windows Device Profile 

1. 1. Access Device Profiles:
       
      

      • Log in to the Scalefusion Dashboard. 
      • Navigate to Device Profiles & Policies > Device Profiles. 
        
        
   2. Create or Edit Profile: 
      
      
      • To create a new profile, click on 'Create Profile' and select 'Windows'. 
      • To edit an existing profile, Select the profile and click on 'Edit'. 

Step 2: Configure Windows Update Settings 

1. 1. Navigate to Windows Updates: 
      
      

      • Within the device profile, go to Settings > Windows Updates > Windows MDM Based Settings. 
        
        
   2. Enable Policy Configuration: 
      
      

      • Toggle on 'Configure Windows Policies' to access update settings. 
        
        

      

       

   3. Auto Update Settings: 
      
      

      • Active Hours: Set timeframes to prevent reboots during work hours. 
      • Auto Update Behavior: Choose between user-notified, automatic, or silent updates. 
      • Update Notifications: Control visibility, from full alerts to hidden notifications. 
        
        

      

   4. Deferral Settings: 
      
      

      • Feature Updates Deferral: Delay updates for testing before deployment. 
      • Pause Feature Updates: Temporarily stop updates during critical operations. 
      • Set Deadlines: Enforce update installation within a set timeframe. 
        
        

      

   5. Scheduling Settings: Define specific timeframes for update installations to minimize disruptions. This includes setting maintenance windows during off-peak hours, ensuring updates occur when device usage is low. 
      
      
      
      
   6. Branching Settings: Choose the appropriate Windows Insider Preview build for your devices, allowing access to pre-release features. This enables testing and feedback on upcoming Windows versions before general release. 
      
      
      
      
   7. Administrative & Network Settings: Control update-related administrative functions and network configurations. This encompasses managing restart policies post-update and configuring policies for devices on metered networks to optimize data usage. 
      
      
      
      
   8. Scanning: Determine the frequency and conditions under which devices check for available updates. Regular scanning ensures devices remain current with the latest security patches and feature enhancements. 
      
      
      
      
   9. Restart & Notification: Manage how and when devices restart after updates and customize user notifications. Options include scheduling restarts outside active hours and controlling the visibility of update prompts to users. 
      
      
      
      
   10. Delivery Optimization: Optimize the delivery of update files by enabling peer-to-peer sharing between devices. This reduces bandwidth consumption and accelerates the update process across the network. 
       
       

Step 3: Apply the Profile to Devices 

1. 1. Assign Profile: 
      
      
      • After configuring the settings, click 'Save' or 'Update Profile'. 
      • Assign the profile to specific devices or groups to enforce the update policies. 

Step 4: Monitoring and Initiating Updates 

Scalefusion allows IT administrators to monitor and initiate Windows OS updates at both device group and individual device levels. 

• Device Group Level:

• • Access Device Details: Go to the Devices section and click on the specific Windows device you intend to manage. 
    
    
  • Check for Updates: In the device's Device Information page, click on the Actions button and choose View Updates. This will show any pending updates specific to that device. 
    
    
  • Initiate Update: Select the desired updates from the list and start the installation process on the individual device. 

By utilizing these features, administrators can efficiently manage and deploy Windows OS updates across their organization's devices, ensuring systems remain secure and up-to-date.