What are Intune update rings?

This article provides a high-level overview of Intune update rings, including what they are, how to create one, and how to use it for your customers.

What are update rings?

Intune update rings (also known as update rings or Windows Update for Business) are the modern method for managing Windows updates on end-user devices. Think of them as a cloud-based alternative to Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) but without the same limitations (for example, WSUS is end-of-life or computers require line-of-sight to the WSUS server).

With update rings, you can configure policies for general Windows Update settings, feature updates (e.g., upgrading to a newer Windows version), quality updates, and driver updates - all from within your customer’s Intune portal.

Using Nerdio Manager, you can centrally manage all of your customers' Intune settings from a single pane of glass. For more details, see Overview of Intune Policies and Configurations.

How do I create an update ring?

Follow the examples below to create an update ring.

To create an update ring:

1. Sign in to the Intune admin portal.

2. Navigate to Devices > Manage updates > Windows updates.

3. On the Update rings tab, select + Create profile.

   

   The Create Update ring for Windows 10 and later page opens.

4. On the Basics tab:

   • Name: Enter a name for the update ring.

   • Description: (Optional) Enter a description for the update ring.

   • Select Next.

     

5. On the Update ring settings tab:

   • Set your company’s preferred settings for the user Windows update experience.

   • Select Next.

     Note: See the screenshot below for an example of a typical update ring configuration.

     

6. On the Scope tags tab, select Next.

   Tip: You can skip this tab's settings since you’ll be importing the update ring profile into your Nerdio Manager instance.

7. On the Assignments tab, select Next.

   Tip: You can skip this tab's settings since you’ll be importing the update ring profile into your Nerdio Manager instance.

8. On the Review + create tab:

   • Verify the options you’ve selected are correct and you’re ready to create the update ring profile.

   • Select Create.

     

How do I use this update ring with my customers?

Now that you have an update ring policy, you can import it into your Nerdio Manager instance and deploy it to your customers. For details about how to import and apply the policy to your customer accounts, see Intune policy: MSP level general management.