Windows Update Rings
Understanding the Concept
Windows Update for Business in Intune uses update rings to manage quality updates (monthly security patches) and feature updates. Update rings control deferral periods, deadline settings, and user experience during updates.
Key update ring settings include: quality update deferral (0-30 days), feature update deferral (0-365 days), automatic update behavior (auto download and install, notify only), active hours, and deadline-based updates that force installation after a deadline.
A phased deployment strategy uses multiple update rings: pilot ring (0-day deferral for IT testing), early adopters (7-day deferral), broad deployment (14-day deferral), and critical systems (21-30 day deferral). This staged approach reduces risk while maintaining security.
Key Points
- Update rings control quality and feature update delivery
- Quality update deferral: 0-30 days delay from release
- Feature update deferral: 0-365 days delay from release
- Deadline-based updates force installation after specified date
- Active hours protect user productivity during work time
- Phased deployment: pilot → early adopters → broad → critical
Phased Update Deployment
Pilot
IT team: 0-day deferral
Early
Early adopters: 7 days
Broad
General: 14 days
Critical
Critical systems: 21-30 days
Why This Matters in Real Organizations
Unpatched systems are the primary attack vector for ransomware and malware. Windows Update rings ensure timely patching while staged deployment reduces the risk of update-related issues affecting the entire organization.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Interview Tips
- Explain your Windows Update ring deployment strategy
- Discuss how you balance update speed with stability
- Describe how you handle update failures at scale
Exam Tips (MD-102)
- Know update ring settings and deferral periods
- Understand deadline-based update enforcement
- Know the difference between quality and feature update deferrals
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