Microsoft on Monday announced the general availability of a feature called Autopatch which automatically keeps Windows and Office software up to date on enrolled devices.
The launch, which comes a day before Microsoft releases its monthly round of security patches, is available to customers with Windows Enterprise E3 and E5 licenses. However, it does not support Windows Education (A3) or Windows Front Line Worker (F3) licenses.
“Microsoft will continue to release updates on the second Tuesday of every month and now Autopatch helps streamline update operations and create new opportunities for IT professionals,” Lior Bela said.
Autopatch works by applying security updates first to the devices in the so-called test ring, which contains a minimum number of representative devices. After a validation period, updates are pushed to the First (1% of devices), Fast (9%), and Broad (90%) rings.
The service was first teased by the tech giant in April 2022 in an attempt to apply Patch Tuesday updates in a timely manner and prevent potential attack vectors.
In addition to Windows 10 and 11 updates, Autopatch also covers Microsoft Edge and Microsoft 365 software, while allowing organizations to create test rings, monitor updates, and even pause and roll back changes. In case of problem.
On top of that, the service incorporates provisions for an accelerated release cadence if a threat is deemed critical (e.g., a zero-day flaw).
“Windows Autopatch aims to keep at least 95% of eligible devices on the latest Windows Quality Update 21 days after release,” the company said. Remarks in its documentation.
“When running an accelerated version, the usual goal […] no longer applies. Instead, Windows Autopatch dramatically accelerates the release schedule to update the environment faster.”
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