Windows Server Update Services

Purpose

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) gives administrators full control over the update management process, eliminating the need for client computers to retrieve updates directly from Microsoft Update. WSUS administrators can specify the types of updates to download, create target groups of computers to receive updates, and determine which computers require updates before deployment. Administrators can approve updates for deployment automatically, uninstall updates, and generate reports to monitor update activity.

Where Applicable

System administrators can use the WSUS API to programmatically determine which updates apply to a computer or group of computers, download those updates, and install them with little or no user intervention.

Independent software vendors and end-user developers can integrate WSUS features into computer management or update management software to provide a seamless operating environment.

Developer Audience

The WSUS API is accessible by any language that supports the Microsoft .NET Framework, including Microsoft Visual Basic .NET, C#, and managed C++.

This documentation assumes that the developer is familiar with WSUS concepts and features and does not provide in-depth conceptual material. For conceptual material, see WSUS Product Overview.

For information on the WSUS client API, see Windows Update Agent.

Run-Time Requirements

WSUS runs on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP4 and later operating systems. The WSUS API is available on servers that include the WSUS installation. For information about run-time requirements for a particular programming element, see the Requirements section of the reference page for that element.

Using WSUS

Task-related topics that describe how to use the WSUS API.

WSUS Reference

Detailed descriptions of WSUS classes, interfaces, and other programming elements.