MOTEX survey reveals challenges in Windows Update management

A survey conducted by MOTEX involving 1,017 IT and Windows PC administrators highlights significant disparities in how companies manage Windows Updates. While 61.8% of all surveyed companies use centralized tools for management and distribution, a notable gap exists based on company size. In organizations with fewer than 300 employees, 44.4% rely on individual users to perform updates themselves.

Across all company sizes, the most significant challenge reported is the difficulty of applying updates to devices in remote environments. Other major hurdles include the difficulty of ensuring widespread compliance and tracking the current update status of devices.

In response to Microsoft deprecating Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), 42.3% of WSUS users are migrating to or considering Microsoft Intune. However, 35% intend to continue using WSUS until it is completely phased out. Regarding unpatched devices, 43.2% of respondents favor implementing network access controls or isolation as a primary response.