Challenge
Previously, Office 365 apps were updated manually via SCCM deployments, leading to delays in patching and increased risk exposure. The goal was to automate updates using Microsoft’s cloud update infrastructure while maintaining control over update cadence and minimizing disruption.
Tools & Technologies
- Active Directory Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
- Office 365 Cloud Update Service
- Office Deployment Tool (ODT)
- Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel
- Microsoft 365 Apps Admin Center
Implementation
- Retired SCCM-based Office update deployments
- Configured GPOs to enable automatic updates via Office CDN
- Set update channel to Semi-Annual Enterprise for stability
- Enabled background updates and reduced user impact
- Validated update compliance via Microsoft 365 Apps Admin Center
- Ensured security patches were applied promptly across all endpoints
Architecture Diagram
Impact
- Eliminated manual SCCM update overhead
- Reduced exposure to vulnerable Office versions
- Improved patch compliance and reporting
- Aligned update strategy with Microsoft’s cloud-first model