Updated: October 2, 2023 (October 2, 2023)

Azure Update Manager Orchestrates Server Updates

Jim leads the Directions on Microsoft editorial team and has been writing about technology since the early 1990s. Most recently... more

Azure Update Manager, now generally available, can manage updates for Windows Server and Linux server OSs on Azure VMs and Azure Arc-enabled servers.
The service could provide a single update service for organizations with a mix of Azure, on-premises, and third-party cloud servers.
It replaces Azure Automation update management, which is planned for retirement in Aug. 2024.
Update Manager offers no interoperation with System Center, which many organizations still use for server OS updates.

Azure Update Manager is a new service that can help administrators assess the OS patching status of and manage patch installation for Windows and Linux server Azure VMs and Azure Arc-enabled servers. Update Manager can also manage Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Arc-enabled Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2, and support for SQL Server updates is in preview. Update Manager replaces Azure Automation update management, which will end operation when the Azure Log Analytics agent upon which it depends is retired on Aug. 31, 2024.

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