Office 365 updating by using GPO/Internet

Bojan Zivkovic 21 Reputation points
2020-07-28T09:54:10.037+00:00

Hi, a few months ago we decided to go with Office 365 updating directly from Internet (GPO applying to all Windows 10 devices). An alternative to use Configuration Manager was on the table too but drawback of having huge packages for each update made the difference at the cost of less control.

Recent Office 365 update caused many issues so I want to know is there any way of deploying Office 365 updates directly from Internet to test devices only and later, with test being completed, to the production?

Thanks in advance.

Office Management
Office Management
Office: A suite of Microsoft productivity software that supports common business tasks, including word processing, email, presentations, and data management and analysis.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Emily Hua-MSFT 27,526 Reputation points
    2020-07-29T03:30:26.74+00:00

    Hi BojanZivkovic-6662,

    To install the tested updates for Microsoft 365, we generally suggest defining specific path instead of CDN (Office Content Delivery Network) as update source. But it does require downloading update files which needs more cost of control.

    According to your requirements, it's best set different update channels for test devices and other devices. Such as the Current Channel for test devices, then Microsoft 365 will receives new features at least once a month. And the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel for other devices, Microsoft 365 will get new features every six months. It needs a certain number of months when some features included in Current Channel are included in Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, during this time, you may have extensive testing.

    Besides, all the update channels will receive updates for security and non-security issues when needed. These updates usually occur on the second Tuesday of the month.

    For more detailed information about the update channels, please refer to "Overview of update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps" and "Update history for Microsoft 365 Apps (listed by date)".

    To change the update channel, please check out the reference "Change the Microsoft 365 Apps update channel for devices in your organization".

    Hope the information could help you.

  2. Bojan Zivkovic 21 Reputation points
    2020-07-29T11:29:52.127+00:00

    Thank you, I have sent your answer to my manager so now waiting for his opinion on this.