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Category Archives: Windows 10


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Celebrating 15 Remarkable Years in the Microsoft MVP Community

Dear Community Members, Friends, and Colleagues,

As I mark my 15th anniversary in the Microsoft MVP program, I’m filled with immense gratitude, humility, and pride. What began as a passion for sharing knowledge and building connections has blossomed into a deeply rewarding journey—one shaped by innovation, collaboration, and the extraordinary people who make this community thrive.

Over these 15 years, I’ve had the privilege to learn from brilliant minds, contribute to inspiring projects, and witness the transformative power of technology firsthand. Whether through speaking engagements, blog posts, mentoring, or hands-on technical work, being part of the MVP program has continually deepened my commitment to empowering others and fostering open, inclusive collaboration.

To the community: thank you for challenging, supporting, and celebrating with me. Your curiosity, creativity, and kindness are what keep this ecosystem alive and forward-looking.

To Microsoft: thank you for the honor and trust. The MVP program is a unique platform that amplifies voices, nurtures growth, and builds bridges—not just between developers and users, but between ideas and action.

While this milestone is a moment to reflect, it’s also a reminder that there’s always more to explore, create, and share. I look forward to continuing this journey together—with the same spark, but even greater purpose.

With heartfelt appreciation,
James

Here are some photos with Awesome people that I have met during these years:

Here you see Vijay Tewari in the middle who nominated me for the first time 🙂
Damian Flynn on the left and me on the right are Microsoft MVPs for Virtual Machine Manager (VMM)
at that time in 2011.

Here you see Tina Stenderup-Larsen in the middle, she is amazing! A Great Microsoft Community Program Manager
supporting all the MVPs in the Nordics & Benelux doing an Awesome Job!
On the right is Robert Smit a Great Dutch MVP and friend.

Mister OMS alias Scripting Guy Ed Wilson.

When there is a Microsoft Windows Server event, there is Jeff Woolsey 😉
“The three Musketeers”

Meeting Brad Anderson, he had great lunch breaks interviews in his car
with Awesome people.

The Azure Stack Guys on the 25th MVP Global Summit 😊

Mister PowerShell Jeffrey Snover at the MVP Summit having fun 😂

Scott Guthrie meeting him at the Red Shirt Tour in Amsterdam.

Great to meet Yuri Diogenes in 2018 with his book Azure Security Center.
I know him from the early days with Microsoft Security, like ISA Server 😉

Mister Azure, CTO Mark Russinovich meeting at the MVP Global Summit in Redmond.
a Great Technical Fellow with Awesome Azure Adaptive Cloud Solution Talks!

Mister DevOps himself Donovan Brown in Amsterdam for DevOps Days

My friend Rick Claus Mister MS Ignite.

Mister Azure Corey Sanders at the MVP Summit.

Mister Channel 9, MSIgnite, AI Specialist Seth Juarez
He is a funny guy.

Meeting Scott Hanselman in the Netherlands together with MVP Andre van den Berg.
Scott is Awesome in developer innovations and technologies.
Following Azure Friday from the beginning.

Windows Insider friends for ever meeting Scott Hanselman.
With on the left MVP Erik Moreau.

Windows Insiders for Ever 💙
Here together with Dona Sarkar here in the Netherlands

Windows Insider Friends having fun with Ugly Sweater meeting.
On the right my friend Maison da Silva and on the upper right Erik Moreau and Andre van den Berg.
Friends for Life 💙

Microsoft Global MVP 15 Years Award disc is in the House 🫶
on Monday the 14th of July 2025.

Thank you All 💗


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Planning the Transition: Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in Enterprise Environments

Windows 10 Laptop needs Upgrade 🚀

Planning the Transition: Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in Enterprise Environments

The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 offers enterprise businesses exciting opportunities to enhance productivity, security, and the overall user experience. However, this transition requires thoughtful planning, especially when deploying at scale across varied environments. Let’s explore how enterprises can prepare for a seamless upgrade, considering scenarios like using Microsoft Intune, MECM, or focusing solely on the end-user perspective.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Windows 10 will be supported until October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide technical support or security updates for Windows 10. (You can join ESU Program for Windows 10 if necessary)

Understanding the Upgrade Landscape

Before diving into deployment strategies, enterprises should consider:

  • System Requirements: Ensure devices meet Windows 11 hardware requirements. Tools like the PC Health Check app can help.
  • Application Compatibility: Use Microsoft’s App Assure to verify that critical business applications work smoothly.
  • Infrastructure Readiness: Decide whether your deployment will be managed through on-premises infrastructure, cloud-based management, or a hybrid approach.

Scenario 1: Deployment Using Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is an excellent choice for organizations embracing a modern, cloud-first management approach. It simplifies remote deployment and is particularly well-suited for enterprises with hybrid or remote workforces.

Steps to Deploy with Intune:

  1. Prepare Devices: Ensure all devices are enrolled in Intune and compliant with Azure AD.
  2. Set Up Deployment Policies: Use Intune to create a feature update deployment policy that targets eligible devices.
  3. End-User Impact: Notify employees about the upgrade. With Intune, upgrades are minimally disruptive, allowing installations to occur outside work hours.
  4. Monitoring Progress: Use the Intune admin center to track the deployment and address any failed upgrades.

Best Use Case: Organizations prioritizing remote or hybrid work scenarios, or those aiming to reduce reliance on on-premises infrastructure.

Scenario 2: Deployment Using MECM (Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager)

MECM provides robust control for enterprises with significant on-premises infrastructure. It’s ideal for managing complex upgrade scenarios, like retaining user profiles and configurations during deployment.

Steps to Deploy with MECM:

  1. Assess Readiness: Use MECM to run hardware inventory reports and verify device eligibility.
  2. Prepare the Upgrade Package: Download Windows 11 media and create a task sequence in MECM for an in-place upgrade.
  3. Deployment Strategy: Schedule phased rollouts, starting with a pilot group before scaling across the organization.
  4. Monitoring Progress: Leverage MECM’s detailed reporting tools to ensure smooth execution and troubleshoot issues.

Best Use Case: Enterprises requiring greater control over deployment tasks or operating primarily within an on-premises environment.

Scenario 3: Focusing on the End-User Experience

For some organizations, the primary focus of the upgrade is minimizing disruptions for end users and ensuring a seamless experience during and after the transition.

Key Considerations for End Users:

  1. Communication: Inform employees about what to expect, including changes in interface and new features in Windows 11.
  2. Training & Support: Offer training sessions or documentation to familiarize users with Windows 11’s productivity enhancements, Microsoft Learn is a great Learning platform for Windows 11 Training
  3. Feedback Mechanism: Provide a channel for users to report issues or seek support during the rollout.

Best Use Case: Any enterprise prioritizing user satisfaction and productivity during the upgrade.

Recommendations for a Smooth Transition

  • Pilot Testing: Start with a small group of users to test the upgrade process and gather insights.
  • Backup Strategy: Ensure critical data is backed up before proceeding with mass deployments.
  • Define Success Metrics: Monitor upgrade success rates, user satisfaction, and system performance post-upgrade.

Whether you’re leveraging Intune, MECM, or focusing on empowering end users, careful planning and clear communication are the keys to success. With the right approach, your organization can unlock the full potential of Windows 11 while keeping disruptions to a minimum.

Ready to take the first step? Let the upgrade journey begin! 🚀

Here you find more information from Microsoft about Planning for Windows 11

Here you find Microsoft Intune Documentation

Here you find Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Managers Documentation (MECM)

Have a look at Microsoft Copilot + PC to be ready for AI in your Business


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Happy Anniversary Day 50 years of Microsoft Innovation

50 years of Microsoft

A Legacy of Innovation and Transformation

Half a century ago, on April 4th, 1975, two young visionaries, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, co-founded Microsoft with a bold ambition: to make computing accessible and essential for everyone. What began as a small software company has grown into a global technology leader, continuously transforming industries and empowering billions of lives. As we celebrate Microsoft’s 50-year journey, let’s explore its milestones, innovations, and impact, including its contributions to datacenters, Windows Server, Hyper-V, Azure, and the leadership of its CEOs.

The Early Years: Coding the Future

Microsoft’s first big breakthrough came with the creation of an operating system for the fledgling personal computer market. In 1980, the company introduced MS-DOS, laying the groundwork for the revolutionary Windows operating system, launched in 1985. This graphical interface transformed computing, making it accessible to both businesses and individuals.

Guiding Microsoft Through Its Evolution: The CEOs Who Shaped the Company

Microsoft’s trajectory has been shaped by its visionary leadership. From the founders to the present, each CEO has left an indelible mark:

  1. Bill Gates (1975–2000): As co-founder and first CEO, Gates spearheaded the company’s initial growth, launching pivotal products like MS-DOS, Windows, and Office. His focus on innovation and accessibility built the foundation of Microsoft’s success.
  2. Steve Ballmer (2000–2014): During his tenure, Ballmer led Microsoft through massive expansion, particularly in enterprise solutions and cloud computing. He introduced Windows Server and laid the groundwork for services like Azure. Ballmer’s energy and passion defined his leadership style and kept Microsoft competitive in a rapidly changing market.
  3. Satya Nadella (2014–Present): Nadella ushered in a cloud-first, AI-driven era, transforming Microsoft’s culture and business model. His emphasis on inclusivity, empathy, and sustainability revitalized the company. Under his leadership, Azure became one of the world’s leading cloud platforms, and Microsoft made transformative acquisitions like LinkedIn, GitHub, and Activision Blizzard.

Lake Bill on Redmond Campus

Redefining Enterprise Technology: Datacenters, Windows Server, and Virtualization

As businesses increasingly relied on technology, Microsoft expanded its offerings to support enterprise needs. Windows Server, introduced in 1993, became a cornerstone for server management and networking. It evolved over the decades, incorporating features such as Active Directory, high availability, and security enhancements.

Microsoft played a pivotal role in virtualization with Hyper-V, launched in 2008. Hyper-V allowed organizations to maximize resource efficiency and reduce costs by running multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. Modern datacenters powered by Microsoft’s hardware and software solutions now form the backbone of its cloud services.

Embracing the Cloud: The Azure Revolution

Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, launched in 2010, redefined computing. It enabled organizations to access scalable infrastructure, deploy applications globally, and harness artificial intelligence with ease. Azure spans over 60 regions worldwide, making it one of the most comprehensive cloud platforms. Its ecosystem includes hybrid cloud solutions, advanced analytics, and IoT technologies.

Gaming, Devices, and Consumer Innovation

Microsoft entered the gaming industry with the Xbox in 2001, creating a thriving gaming ecosystem. Beyond gaming, the company innovated with devices like the Surface lineup, combining sleek design with productivity. Its integration of hardware and software demonstrated Microsoft’s versatility.

Shaping the Future: AI, Sustainability, and Datacenters

Microsoft continues to lead in artificial intelligence with tools like Microsoft Copilot. Its pledge to be carbon-negative by 2030 highlights environmental responsibility, with sustainable datacenter operations playing a central role.

Conclusion: A Legacy Built to Inspire

Microsoft’s 50-year journey is a testament to the power of innovation and visionary leadership. From Bill Gates to Steve Ballmer to Satya Nadella, each CEO has steered the company to new heights. With contributions ranging from datacenters and Windows Server to Hyper-V and Azure, Microsoft’s impact has been profound. As the company looks ahead, it remains dedicated to empowering people and organizations to achieve more, ensuring the next 50 years are as groundbreaking as the last.

Here’s to Microsoft—a company built to inspire and shape the future.

at Building 92 of the Microsoft Campus in Redmond.

 


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A little Christmas Story

Once upon a time, in a world where technology and holiday cheer intertwined, there was a bustling community of developers eagerly awaiting the latest updates from the Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows Server Insider programs. As the festive season approached, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation.

In the heart of this community were the Microsoft MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals) and Docker Captains, who were known for their expertise and passion for technology. They decided to come together to create something truly magical for developers around the world.

One snowy evening, as the MVPs and Docker Captains gathered around a virtual fireplace, they began to brainstorm ideas. “What if we could combine the power of Windows 11, Windows Server, and Docker Containers to create a seamless development experience?” suggested one MVP, their eyes twinkling with excitement.

The idea quickly gained momentum, and soon, the group was hard at work. They envisioned a world where developers could effortlessly build, test, and deploy applications using the latest features of Windows 11 and Windows Server, all within the flexible and scalable environment of Docker Containers.

With the help of the Insider programs, they gained early access to cutting-edge features and updates. The MVPs and Docker Captains worked tirelessly, sharing their knowledge and expertise to create a series of tutorials, guides, and sample projects. These resources were designed to help developers harness the full potential of Windows 11, Windows Server, and Docker Containers.

As the holiday season progressed, the community began to see the fruits of their labor. Developers from all corners of the globe started to adopt the new tools and techniques, marveling at the ease and efficiency they brought to their workflows. The combination of Windows 11’s sleek interface, Windows Server’s robust capabilities, and Docker Containers’ flexibility created a harmonious symphony of technology.

To celebrate their success, the MVPs and Docker Captains organized a virtual holiday party. Developers joined from far and wide, sharing stories of their experiences and the innovative projects they had created. The virtual room was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

As the night drew to a close, one of the Docker Captains raised a toast. “Here’s to the power of collaboration, the spirit of innovation, and the joy of the holiday season. May we continue to push the boundaries of technology and inspire developers everywhere.”

And so, the story of the Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows Server Insider Christmas, made possible by the dedication and expertise of the MVPs and Docker Captains, became a cherished tale in the developer community. It was a reminder that, with passion and teamwork, even the most ambitious dreams could come true.

Happy holidays, and may your coding adventures be merry and bright! 🎄💻🐳


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Update Windows 11 Insider Dev Preview Build 26120.1330 with Azure Windows Admin Center

Windows 11 Insider Preview Dev Build Update 26120.1330 in Microsoft Azure WAC.

The Microsoft Windows Insider Program Team released Windows 11 Insider Preview Dev Build Update 26120.1330

JOIN the Windows Insider Program, It’s a community of millions of Windows’ biggest fans who get to preview Windows features. While previewing Windows, Insiders can provide feedback and engage directly with Microsoft engineers to help shape the future of Windows.

Here I manage Windows 11 Insider Build in my MVP LAB with Microsoft Azure Windows Admin Center.

Since June 2024 Microsoft Azure Windows Admin Center supports Windows 10 / 11 in the Cloud.

Update Done via Azure WAC 😉


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Happy Holidays

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year 2024!
Thank you for all your support in the Community.

Join these Free LinkedIn Community Groups during the Holidays and keep up-to-date 😉

Microsoft Azure Monitor & Security for Hybrid IT

Azure Hybrid Community

Windows Admin Center Community

Azure DevOps Community

Containers in the Cloud

Azure Copilot and Security Copilot (NEW)


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Azure Update Management for Windows and Linux in Multi Cloud #Azure #Winserv #Linux

Microsoft Azure Update Management Center

Microsoft Azure Update Manager (preview) is a unified service to help manage and govern updates for all your machines. You can monitor Windows and Linux update compliance across your deployments in Azure, on-premises, and on the other cloud platforms from a single dashboard. Important: It’s still in Preview but GA is coming Soon 

To support management of your Azure VM or non-Azure machine, Update Manager (preview) relies on a new Azure extension designed to provide all the functionality required to interact with the operating system to manage the assessment and application of updates. This extension is automatically installed when you initiate any Update manager (preview) operations such as check for updates, install one time update, periodic assessment on your machine. The extension supports deployment to Azure VMs or Arc-enabled servers using the extension framework. The Update Manager (preview) extension is installed and managed using the following:

The extension agent installation and configuration are managed by the Update Manager (preview). There’s no manual intervention required as long as the Azure VM agent or Azure Arc-enabled server agent is functional. The Update Manager (preview) extension runs code locally on the machine to interact with the operating system, and it includes:

  • Retrieving the assessment information about status of system updates for it specified by the Windows Update client or Linux package manager.
  • Initiating the download and installation of approved updates with Windows Update client or Linux package manager.

In my case I’m updating Windows Server Insider version which is Azure Arc enabled in the following steps :


Here you see my Azure Arc enabled Domain Controller with Windows Server Insider.
Here you Click on Check for Updates
Go to Update Management Center

When you Click on Machines you will get a Nice Overview of your Servers

When you Click on History, you will see the assessment and keeps all activity history in one place.

Update reports are Important and you can make your Own reports or download
Public Templates.

In the following steps we are going to install the three updates on the Azure Arc Enabled Server :

Select the machine(s) for the One-time updates.
Click on Next

here you see the Updates.

You can select your reboot Options and the Maintenance Window in Minutes.

If everything is correct you can click on Install.

In History you see your job in progress

Update Management Overview
In Progress

This is what I like most, when you have to manage more then 100 Servers and they are in your Own Datacenter On-premises but also at Multi Cloud vendors Like in Azure, AWS, Google Cloud or are not Domain Joined Servers then here you can see your Update Compliance in a Single point of Dashboard Overview in the Microsoft Azure Cloud.

Create your Own Maintenance Configuration.

Click on Next DynamicScopes

Add a Dynamic Scope

Select the Filter(s)

Filter for Arc Servers and OS type Windows.

Then you see the Azure Arc Servers by your Filter.

Dynamic Scope is set.

select.

Machines.

Include Update Classification

Azure Update Management Center Overview with Updates Completed 🙂

Updates completed on Windows Server Insider Domain Controller.

Conclusion

Microsoft Azure Update Management Center is still in Preview but is a Great Single Dashboard Overview for managing your Updates on Windows Servers and Linux at any Place. It gives you Great Overview and you can see the status in one view. GA is coming soon, but you can now test and experience it before you go in production with this Awesome product.
Follow Microsoft Azure Update Manager here on X

More information on Microsoft Azure Update Management Center (Preview) here

 


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Installing Biometric Fingerprint for Windows Login #WIMVP #Security #Windows #WindowsHello

Windows Hello Fingerprint

Biometric tokenization is the process of substituting a stored biometric template with a non-sensitive equivalent, called a token, that lacks extrinsic or exploitable meaning or value. The process combines the biometrics with public-key cryptography to enable the use of a stored biometric template (e.g., fingerprint image on a mobile or desktop device) for secure or strong authentication to applications or other systems without presenting the template in its original, replicable form.

I still had an old laptop with Windows 10 Insider preview Build but with a Fingerprint Sensor, and logging into Windows is more secure with Windows Hello Fingerprint then using a password only.
In the following steps you will see how easy it is to install Windows Hello Fingerprint when you have a fingerprint sensor :

  1. Select Start  > Settings  > Accounts  > Sign-in options.
  2. Under Manage how you sign in to your device, you’ll see three choices to sign in with Windows Hello:
    • Select Windows Hello Face to set up facial recognition sign-in with your PC’s infrared camera or an external infrared camera.
    • Select Windows Hello Fingerprint to set up sign-in with a fingerprint reader.
    • Select Windows Hello PIN to set up sign-in with a PIN.

I already had a PIN installed, so I installed WindowsHello Fingerprint.

Windows Hello Setup.
Swipe your finger on the Fingerprint sensor.

Swipe again

Swipe again until it’s good.

Windows Hello Fingerprint is installed.

Login screen to sign in with Windows Hello Fingerprint.

Here is my Old laptop with Windows Hello fingerprint Sensor.

New Laptops with Windows 10/11 can use Windows Hello Face Authentication for login.

You can also buy a YubiKey Bio Series – FIDO Edition for biometric Authentication / Login for Windows.

Conclusion

In simple steps you can make your Authentication on your Windows device more secure with Windows Hello Fingerprint and Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) with a token like Yubikey. For security is passwordless better then typing your credentials and with
Biometric Authentication it’s much safer to login on Windows. So lot of choices, but my old laptop is more secure with Windows Hello Fingerprint Authentication 🙂

Security First and by Design


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Thank you #Community and #Microsoft for this Awesome Year 2022! Happy Holidays

What a Year 2022!!

I like to thank you Community for Supporting, Sharing and Reading New Microsoft technologies on my Blog, Twitter, Facebook and
LinkedIn Community Groups 💗 I wish you all happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year 2023 may the Best Wishes comes true ! 🎄🥂

I’m very proud and Honored  on the Microsoft Global MVP Awards 2022-2023 !

  • MVP Award for Cloud and Datacenter Management
  • MVP Award for Windows Insiders
  • MVP Award for Azure Hybrid

Thank you Microsoft Product Groups, MVP Award Program, Windows Insider Team, Azure Hybrid Team, Windows Server and Azure Stack HCI Team for all your support, NDA PGI sessions, and for the Awesome software, Features, solutions you are building 🙂
Wish you all Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year 2023 may the Best Wishes comes true ! 🎄🥂

Here are some Great links for Reading and Sharing :

JOIN these LinkedIn Community Groups for free and Share New Microsoft Technologies Together:

Windows Admin Center Community Group

Containers in the Cloud Community Group

Microsoft Azure Monitor & Security for Hybrid IT Community Group

Azure Hybrid Community Group

Azure DevOps Community Group

What I really love is the Microsoft Tech Community platform

For Microsoft Azure Hybrid:

Azure Arc Jumpstart site

Azure Hybrid and Multi Cloud documentation

Microsoft Azure Arc Community monthly Meetup (GitHub)

Follow on Twitter for Azure Hybrid:

@ThomasMaurer
@rcTibi
——————————————————————————————————————————————————-
For Windows Insiders:

Microsoft Windows Insiders Blog

Windows Insider Team on YouTube

The Windows Insider Program Team is really active on Twitter:
@WindowsInsider

@JenMsft

@NorthFaceHiker

@brandonleblanc

@amanda_lango

Get started with the Windows Server Insider program

What’s New in Windows Server 2022

Overview of Windows Admin Center

What’s New in SQL Server 2022


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#MVPLABSerie Azure Update Management Center (Preview) and #AzureArc enabled Servers #AzureHybrid

Microsoft Azure Update Management Center (Preview)

Update management center (preview) is a unified service to help manage and govern updates for all your machines. You can monitor Windows and Linux update compliance across your deployments in Azure, on-premises, and on the other cloud platforms from a single dashboard. Using Update management center (preview), you can make updates in real-time or schedule them within a defined maintenance window. Here you can find more information about Azure Update Management Center

In the following step-by-step guide, we will start with Azure Update Management Center (Preview) and Microsoft Azure Arc enabled Windows Servers running on-premises in my mvplab.local domain.

With getting started you can configure the environment.

I start here with my Azure Arc enabled Storage Server.

You have options like Hotpatch

We Check manually for Updates on Windows Server mvpstore01
Click on OK for Assessment.

Here are the Windows Server Security updates.
You can click on One-time-Update
But first we look in Update Management Center.

Here you see the Pending Windows Updates in Azure Update Management Center
Open query 

Microsoft Azure Resource Graph Explorer can be really powerful tool

When you have to manage many Windows Servers you can get the status
of these Azure Arc enabled servers and export the results into a CSV file.
Here you find some Azure Resource Graph Explorer queries

Now we start to Install One-time Updates.

Include Update Classification
Click on Add

Click on Next

Select the option if you want to reboot or not.

Review and Install

Updates installed on the Azure Arc Enabled Windows Server.

In Azure Update Management Center Overview Dashboard
you can see that one machine is completed.

For Monitoring you can make your own workbooks.

I like this History, to see if updates are successful or not.

Conclusion

Microsoft Azure Update Management Center is still in Preview but it’s a new way to manage all of your updates on your Servers on-premises with Azure Arc enabled, or on Azure Cloud, but also in other Clouds if you want. One Update Management Center from the Azure Portal is Awesome to work with and gives you control and overview of your update compliance in your datacenter(s).
Important: This Great tool is still in preview and not for production environments yet until it’s made GA by Microsoft and you have the full support on this awesome management tool.

JOIN Azure Hybrid Community Group on LinkedIn