What Is WSUS?

In order to understand the WSUS add on, you must first understand how WSUS works and why it exists. WSUS stands for Windows Server Update Services. It is a feature that is available free to anyone who runs windows. The WSUS client automatically downloads Windows updates, ensuring that your system is always running at its best. Not only does WSUS update individual computers, however, but it can update your entire network. It allows network administrators to set certain types of updates to approve automatically. It also allows them to preview updates before they are installed.

Why Is it Important to Maintain Your WSUS?

Updates can make or break a computer network. Unnecessary updates can clog up your network and slow down individual computers. If your network is comprised of a range of computers running different versions of Windows, the wrong updates could render your computers incompatible with each other. On the other hand, many updates include important security features that should not be missed. The only way to ensure that your WSUS is working the way it should is to monitor it closely and make sure that you keep control over your system.

What Does the WSUS Diagnostics Tool Do?

Solarwinds free WSUS Diagnostics Tool can help you maintain your WSUS. It provides a simple way to validate your configuration values and it can help you determine the cause of any defective values. It enables you to test the connectivity of your server resources and it helps you do diagnose any problems with your WSUS. In short, the Diagnostics Tool ensures that your WSUS is working as it should and helps you find a solution when it is not.

Solarwinds also offers an additional WSUS add on that extends the power of your WSUS. The Patch Manager gives you more control over the patching of third party applications. It extends your WSUS so that you can do more and have more control over your updates than ever.