O365 ADR Staged approch

[mels_101]

Hi all

Just wondering best way to automate this.

4000 clients w7/w10

3500 on semi annual channel, can i automate this updates using ADR's and split them up into stages?

So day 1 after a build update, 500 machines targeting a device collection

day 3 500 machines targeting a device collection

day 5 500 machines targeting a device collection

day 7 500 machines targeting a device collection

etc

Thanks in advance

[KoreBreach21]

As far as I know, it can't be done due to the current limitations of ADRs.  An ADR HAS to make a deployment, and that deployment can only target one collection.

Dividing up your machines into smaller collections can be great for large roll-outs that may put a strain on your bandwidth (local or internet).  For this, I've started using collections that split the computers into "waves" based on the last number or letter of the randomly-assigned SMS GUID (the "unique identifier").  For example, Wave #1 may be workstations with GUIDs ending in 0-1.  Wave #8 may be for GUIDs ending in E-F.

ADRs leave a lot to be desired.  Even after using them for several years, I still don't trust them.  I always make my ADR-required deployment to an empty collection so I can review what it contains before I make deployments for my pilot, prod, OSD, and "delayed reboot" collections.  One time, I tried using several ADRs... one for each deployment I needed to make.  The results were terrible because each ADR tried downloading and distributing the same patches, making for confusion on the DPs and eating-up a ton of bandwidth.

Reviewing the results of an ADR before creating "real" deployments has saved my bacon on more than one occasion.  Recently, MSFT decided to include a forced-update to Edge Chromium in the monthly updates, before my company was ready to do the update.  Caught that one just in time.  You never know what MSFT might do.  I know that MSFT wants you to just trust them with deployment rings and a more "hands off" approach (such as Windows Update for Business where you don't even choose your patches).  That's asking a lot, given recent history.

I'm sure, with some scripting, that you could find a way to do what you want, but I would strongly caution you not to for the reasons I outline above.