Understanding Azure Update Features and Benefits

Azure Update features and benefits are designed to simplify the process of keeping your Azure resources up-to-date.

Azure Update offers automated patching, which can be scheduled to run at a time that's convenient for you, reducing downtime and minimizing the risk of human error.

With Azure Update, you can also take advantage of feature rollouts, which allow you to test and validate new features before they're deployed to production.

This ensures that your Azure resources are always running with the latest security patches and features, without requiring manual intervention.

You can manage updates in Azure with flexibility, allowing you to install updates right away, schedule them for a fixed time, or update automatically during off-peak hours.

One of the convenient features is the ability to sync patch cycles in relation to Patch Tuesday, which is Microsoft's scheduled security fix release on every second Tuesday.

You can check for pending updates automatically or on demand in the Azure portal, giving you control over when and how updates are applied.

Implementing patch assessment and deployment schedules with Azure Policy and dynamic scoping can also help streamline the update process.

Here are some key update features in Azure:

Integration with existing systems is a breeze with Azure Update Manager. Customers who use Microsoft Configuration Manager can easily integrate Update Management with it.

Azure Update Manager supports multi-subscription scenarios, making it a versatile tool for managing updates across different subscriptions. Azure Update Manager also supports Azure Policy, allowing customers to enable periodic assessment at scale using policy and schedules on their machines at scale using Azure Policy.

For customers using Configuration Manager, Update Manager can even import and publish custom updates with WSUS, enabling third-party software updates on Windows systems. This is made possible by tools like System Center Updates Publisher, which can be configured to work with Update Management.

Access controls are a crucial aspect of integration and support. Providing granular access control for patch management at a per-resource level is essential.

You can delegate permissions for patch management tasks using role-based access control (RBAC), making it easier to manage access and ensure that only authorized personnel can make changes.

To implement granular access control, consider the following:

Azure Update Manager supports multi-subscription scenarios, making it a flexible solution for managing updates across different subscriptions.

If you're already using Microsoft Configuration Manager, you can integrate Update Management with it to streamline your update process. This is especially useful if you're managing PCs, servers, and mobile devices.

Azure Update Manager also supports update features via policies, allowing you to enable periodic assessment at scale using policy and schedules on your machines at scale using Azure Policy.

You can move your update configurations from SCCM to Azure Update Manager, making the transition smoother and more efficient.

Azure Update Manager doesn't support patching Windows 10 and 11, so if you need to keep these devices up to date, consider using Microsoft Intune instead.

For more information on the operating systems supported by Azure Update Manager, check out the Azure Update Manager OS support page.

Updating third-party software on Windows can be a challenge, but Update Management has got you covered. It relies on the locally configured update repository, which can be WSUS or Windows Update.

You can use tools like System Center Updates Publisher to import and publish custom updates with WSUS. This allows Update Management to update machines that use Configuration Manager as their update repository.

The process of configuring Updates Publisher is straightforward, and you can find instructions on how to do it in the Install Updates Publisher section.

By using Update Management and Updates Publisher, you can ensure that your Windows systems stay up-to-date with the latest third-party software.

Azure Update Manager is available at no extra charge for managing Azure VMs and Arc-enabled Azure Local VMs, as long as they're created through the Arc Resource Bridge on Azure Local.

You won't be charged for Azure Update Manager if your Arc-enabled server is enabled for delivery of Extended Security Updates (ESUs) enabled by Azure Arc, or if you have Microsoft Defender for Servers Plan 2 enabled for the subscription hosting the Arc-enabled server.

The price of Azure Update Manager for Arc-enabled servers is $5 per server per month, assuming 31 days of connected usage. This is charged at a daily prorated value of $0.16 per server per day, so you'll only be charged for the days when the server is connected and managed by Azure Update Manager.

Here are some scenarios where you won't be charged for Azure Update Manager:

Note that you will be charged for management of individual Azure Local machines, such as machines projected as Arc-enabled servers, and for all VMs on Azure Local that are not created by the Arc Resource Bridge.

Azure Update Manager offers robust support for multi-subscription scenarios, making it a versatile solution for managing updates across different subscriptions.

For those looking to integrate Azure Update Manager with other Azure services, it's worth noting that it supports update features via policies. This allows customers to enable periodic assessments at scale using policy and schedules on machines at scale using Azure Policy.

If you're currently using SCCM and want to move your update configurations to Azure Update Manager, there's a guide available to help you with the transition.

To get started with Azure Update Manager, head to the Azure Update Manager portal. This is the best place to begin your journey with Azure Update Manager.

Azure Update Manager supports update features via policies, which is a game-changer for customers who want to manage updates at scale. You can learn more about how to enable periodic assessment at scale using policy and how to enable schedules on your machines at scale using Azure Policy.

For customers who are moving from SCCM to Azure Update Manager, there's a helpful guide available to assist with the transition.

Update Manager is now offered as an Azure service with no dependencies on Azure Automation or Azure Monitor logs. This means you can use it independently without worrying about additional setup.

Update Manager is available for no additional charge with your Azure account. However, if you're using Azure Arc resources, you'll need to pay up to $5 per server per month.

To get started with Update Manager, simply read the documentation. It's a great resource to help you understand how to use the service effectively.

Patch management is the process of applying updates to secure vulnerabilities, fix bugs, improve functionality, and optimize performance. This is an essential part of keeping your systems up-to-date and secure.

For more information on the Azure SLA, you can read the documentation. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect from the service in terms of uptime and reliability.

If you're interested in learning more about Update Manager, I recommend checking out the Azure website for the latest information and resources.