Is it possible to have clients download software updates from Microsoft.com instead of the MP

[mfoxadm]

We have one MP with the Software Update Point role configured using WSUS on the same MP server. We have approximately 40 remote offices. Is it possible to configure clients to check in with the MP server to see what software updates are needed, but to download the updates from Microsoft.com instead of the MP?

[Peter van der Woude]

Yes, since SP1 (or R2) there is the possibility in the Download Settings of a software update deployment, to configure If software updates are not available on preferred distribution point or remote distribution point, download content from Microsoft Updates.

[mfoxadm]

But when you deploy the software update group, it downloads the updates to the MP. Therefor "If software updates are not available on preferred distribution point or remote distribution point, download content from Microsoft Updates" will always be available and will never download from Microsoft Updates. Correct?

[Peter van der Woude]

That setting indeed won't help you when the content of the updates is always available on a distribution point that's available to the client.

[Arti]

SO how we allow Direct access users to download updates from Microsoft?