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The Best Patch Management Software & Tools for Windows, Etc
UPDATED: October 3, 2024
Patching your servers, desktops, laptops and any other system in your Network will either Save you or Cripple you – for this reason, we're going to review the Best Patch Management Software and tools for you to ensure all updates, patches and critical services packs are continually being installed and updated.
In recent months, exploits for Windows systems have been made public by various hacker groups that have been subsequently used for exploiting those vulnerabilities and exposing systems to massive breaches and ransomware viruses. Many of these cryptowall or cryptolocker/ransomware viruses are bringing down businesses, schools, home users and even Hospitals as of recently.
Here's the Best Patch Management Tools & Software:
- Atera – FREE TRIAL A cloud-based platform of remote monitoring and management systems that includes an automated patch manager. The company also offers bundles that provide business management modules for managed service providers and all editions include a ticketing system. Get a free trial.
- Syncro – FREE TRIAL This cloud-based package of tools for managed service providers includes a patch manager for endpoints running Windows.Start a 14-day free trial.
- NinjaOne Patch Management – FREE TRIAL Formerly NinjaRMM, is a remote monitoring and management (RMM) system with an integrated patch manager for Windows, macOS, and the software products of 135 third-party suppliers. A cloud-based platform. Start a 14-day free trial.
- SuperOps – FREE TRIAL This package of remote monitoring and management tools includes an automated patch manager for Windows and macOS. Start a 14-day free trial.
- ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus – FREE TRIAL A suite of software and operating system management utilities that covers Windows, Windows Server, Linux, and macOS. Runs on Windows Server and Linux.
- N-able N-sight Patch Management – FREE TRIAL A package of remote monitoring and management tool that include a patch manager. Delivered from the cloud.
- GFI LanGuard A combined vulnerability scanner and software manager that includes a patch manager. Runs on Windows Server.
- Pulseway WSUS Part of a cloud-based remote monitoring and management platform, this patch manager can update Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus third-party software.
- SecPod SanerNow Patch Management A cloud-based cyber-hygiene endpoint management and security system that includes a patch manager with associated vulnerability scanner and asset manager.
- Kaseya Part of Kaseya VSA, which is a remote monitoring and management system, this is a patch manager for Windows, macOS, and third-party software.
- Cloud Management Suite This patch manager is part of a cloud-based remote monitoring and management suite.
- SysAid A cloud-based platform for system management tools that includes a patch management module. It patches Windows Server and endpoint OSes plus a list of third-party software.
- ITarian Formerly known as Comodo ONE, this is a remote monitoring and management suite that includes a patch manager covering Windows and Linux.
- AutoMox A cloud-based vulnerability scanner that will patch Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.
Having a proper Patch Manager Software Tool implemented in your network will save you from dealing with many of the issues from above – along with many sleepless nights of installing patching manually.
Some admins and network engineers would argue having WSUS and/or SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) in place will solve the patch management issue – and in some cases its true. But there are caveats and downfalls to utilizing a Microsoft based software solution. WSUS is, at times, complicated and not as friendly as it should be to use, as well as the issue of only being able to manage Windows updates.
SCCM, on the other hand, demands a team to manage it, incurring more costs on top of the licensing costs involved already. This is why we recommend a 3rd-party patch manager to help you cover all your bases and all systems and software that you have in production.
The Best Patch Management Software
Below is a list of software that will assist in keeping all systems up-to-date and secure without much effort and minimal configuration.
1. Atera – FREE TRIAL
Atera is a package of software for managed service providers. The bundle of services includes a remote monitoring and management (RMM) service that has a patch manager built into it. The system is able to patch devices running Windows and macOS.
As well as updating the operating systems, the Atera patch manager is able to patch applications, such as Chrome, Zoom, Skype, Dropbox, and Adobe. The service detects new versions and copies over the installer, saving it in the cloud storage space that is included with each plan. Operators can choose whether to let the service install patches automatically at the next available maintenance window.
Atera offers three plans and all of them include the Patch Manager.
Pros:
- Minimalistic interface makes it easy to view the metrics that matter most
- Flexible pricing model makes it a viable option for small businesses
- Includes multiple PSA features, great for helpdesk teams and growing MSPs
- Can track SLAs and includes a time-tracking option for maintenance tasks
Cons:
- Focuses heavily on MSP related tools, other businesses may not be able to utilize multi-tenant features
From $129 per technician per month (Pro), $179 per technician per month (Growth), and $209 per technician per month (Power). You can get a free trial.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Atera is our top pick for a patch management tool because it includes the patch management function in with a long list of other endpoint and network monitoring and management services. There are many plans for the Atera cloud-based SaaS system and all of them include a Help Desk ticketing system. This can be used to channel all tasks to a support team. Automated endpoint management features include a software inventory that forms the basis of the patch manager. The patch manager screen can also be used to schedule automated endpoint maintenance tasks and to run custom scripts.
Download: Start a FREE Trial
Official Site: https://www.atera.com/signup/
OS: Cloud-based
2. Syncro – FREE TRIAL
Syncro provides software for managed service providers. That includes professional services automation (PSA) systems for MSP management and remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools for use by technicians when looking after the systems of their clients. The RMM package includes an automated patch manager.
Some of the important features of the Syncro patch manager are:
- Patching for Windows
- Operating system patching and third-party software updates
- Variable automation rules per patch severity rating
- Options for manual installation
- Completion status reporting
Pros:
- Included with a large package of system management and monitoring tools
- Syncro packages include PSA, RMM, and remote access systems
- A library of community-provided task automation scripts
- Support for custom automation scripts
Cons:
- The RMM monitors Macs but can’t patch them
Investigate the Syncro package further by accessing a 14-day free trial.
3. NinjaOne Patch Management – FREE TRIAL
NinjaOne (formerly NinjaRMM), is an SaaS remote IT monitoring and management solution to help you plan, deliver, and operate any IT service.
Patch management is one of the important tasks that any system management team needs to perform, and an automated patch manager is integrated
into the NinjaOne package.
This solution helps you keep your endpoint software up to date and secured, with its simplified patching solution. You can start patching tasks with out-of-box settings and create detailed patch reports. With NinjaOne you can automate patching for Windows platforms and third party software from over 120 different vendors.
What is it Unique about NinjaOne?
With the help of the NinjaOne policy framework you can customize scans and updates for any number of devices, whether is for a single or a group of devices. You can also allow fast patch deployment approval or rejection through patch management automation.
Here's some Features and Capabilities of NinjaOne:
- Automatic scans.
- Custom patches.
- Multi-patch deployments.
- Network wide management.
- Scheduled deployment.
- Subscription services.
Pros:
- Can silently install and uninstall applications and patches while the user works
- Patch management and other automated maintenance tasks can be easily scheduled
- Platform agnostic web-based management
Cons:
- Lacks support for mobile devices
The price is not listed in the official site, but you can get a quote. To download NinjaOne request a 14-day free trial from its official site.
4. SuperOps – FREE TRIAL
SuperOps is a SaaS package that provides remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools. This system is designed for use by managed service providers but it can also be useful for IT departments supporting their own corporate systems.
This package includes a patch manager that is able to update Windows and macOS automatically. It can also be used to update the software packages that run on those endpoints. The system rolls out packages automatically at the next available maintenance window, which an administrator needs to define in the SuperOps console.
There are four plans available for SuperOps. The first of these is a PSA-only package and that doesn’t include the Patch Management module. The other three packages, however, do.
Pros:
- Automated systems for use by managed service provider technicians
- Unattended patch rollout
- Patches operating systems and software packages
- Operates on remote systems
Cons:
- No on-premises version
The packages with patch management included are: Standard RMM-only for $99 per technician per month (billed annually), Pro Unified Basic for $99 per technician per month (billed annually), and Pro Unified Advance for $159 per technician per month (billed annually). Get a 14-day free trial.
5. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus – FREE TRIAL
ManageEngine has recently added a great new tool to their already great network monitoring software suite known as “Patch Manager Plus“. They offer a seamless, simple to use platform to keep Linux, Mac and Windows systems updated, as well as over 250 third-party applications.
Some of the options they provide with their solution include:
- Patch Compliance
- Real-Time Audits and Reports
- Approve/Decline Patches depending on Severity and Priority
- Implement Test Groups of computers
- Extensive list of 3rd-party Application support
Pros:
- Flexible deployment options across multiple platforms
- Can be installed on both Windows and Linux platforms, making it more flexible than other on-premise options
- Offers in-depth reporting, ideal for enterprise management or MSPs
- Integrated into more applications than most patch management solutions
Cons:
- ManageEngine is a feature-rich platform that takes time to fully explore and learn
Get started by downloading a 30-day free trial.
6. N-able N-sight Patch Management – FREE TRIAL
The Cloud Patch Management Software that forms part of N-able N-sight is a SaaS service, so you don’t need to install and host it on your own premises in order to use it. However, you do need to install an agent program for the entire RMM suite.
RMM stands for “remote monitoring and management” and this system of software includes all of the tools that a managed service provider (MSP) needs for technicians to support the system of client companies. The remote functions would also be suitable for use by a corporate IT department that supports many remote sites.
What is it unique about N-able N-sight Patch Manager?
The Cloud Patch Management software will automate most of the workflows for keeping operating systems and software up to date. However, it does still allow the technicians some control over what gets applied. The system allows operators to hold back some patches for further investigation. Thus, one patch does not hold up all the updates scheduled for rollout.
Here are some of the key features of N-able N-sight Patch Manager:
- Device discovery
- Manual approvals for individual patches or a series
- Auto-approvals for time-saving automation
- Scheduling for out-of-hours unsupervised operations
- Status reports for completed rollouts
- Updates operating systems, Microsoft products, and services such as Java and Web browsers
Pros:
- Excellent monitoring dashboard, great for MSPs or any size NOC teams
- Scalable cloud-based deployment
- Monitor for anywhere via web browser
- Automatic asset discovery makes inventory management easy, even on busy networks
- Wide variety of automated remote administration options make it a solid choice for helpdesk support
Cons:
- The platform can take time to fully explore all of its features and configuration options
Start with a 30-day free trial.
7. GFI LanGuard
GFI is another great solution for patch management and they offer not only the basic platform updates, but Windows Phone, iOS and Android as well. They conduct over 60,000 vulnerability assessments and ensure that your network systems and devices are kept up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.
Some features that GFI offers are as follows:
- Intuitive Reporting Dashboard/Console
- Anti-Virus Patch management as well as integration with major Security Software
- View Security issues within your Network including rogue USB Drives, Phones & tablets
- PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOX, GLB/GLBA and PSN CoCo Compliance
- and much more!
To get a full understanding of the level of management and detail that GFI LanGuard covers, please check out their Official website below.
Pros:
- Multi-platform support for Microsoft, Linux, and Mac
- Includes support for patching other popular third-party applications like Adobe, Java, and Runtime
- Simple, yet effective interface
- Built-in vulnerabilities assessment uses patch information to help gauge risk for security teams
Cons:
- Would like to see more features for scheduling patches
- Could use more up-to-date support for newer third-party applications
Free Trial and then between $10 – $25 per User thereafter!
8. Pulseway WSUS
Pulseway WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) is a patch management Windows server module. It notifies you when a new update is available so you can easily review and approve the updates from any device. With Pulseway WSUS’s API you can remotely monitor and manage Windows, Linux, and MacOS, including any third-party application, using the mobile app or web browser.
To start with this solution, just install the agent software on the computer that you need to monitoring. For security, all the communication between the application and the monitored device will be encrypted.
What is it Special about this Software?
Pulseway was one of the first to develop mobile IT management software. They made it easy to monitor software anywhere you are. The software is also easy to use and very convenient. With WSUS you can find any Windows update and apply it from a centralized place (including a mobile device). Then you can search according to update approval state or update installation status.
Features and Functionality:
- Browse through synchronization history.
- Run on-demand synchronizations.
- Manage the status of all the updates from the mobile app.
Pros:
- Has a freeware version for small deployments and testing
- Supports multi-platform deployments like Linux, Windows, and Mac
- Automated patching can run Windows updates as well as updates for common apps such as Adobe or Dropbox
- Custom script library allows you to build and run fixes at will, or through a scheduler
Cons:
- The interface could use improvement
Pulseway is a Pay-As-You-Go service, but according to the official site, a pricing estimation starts from $47 per month. Get Pulseway from its official website.
9. SecPod SanerNow Patch Management
SecPod SanerNow Patch Management is a SaaS system that delivers linked vulnerability scanning, patch management, and asset management. This system is able to supervise the management and security of devices running Windows, macOS, and Linux. The links between the three key functions of his platform coordinate to provide automated workflows.
Some features that SecPod SanerNow offers are as follows:
- Automated vulnerability scanning that feeds through to patch management
- Data exchange between the patch manager and the asset manager
- Data privacy standards compliance for HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, plus others
- Options for automated or manual patch application
- Support patching and firmware updates for Windows, MAC, Linux, a wide range of third-party applications and hardware
To get more information about the SecPod SanerNow Patch Management platform, check out the service’s official, website.
Pros:
- Offers ITAM capabilities through a SaaS product, making it easier to deploy than on-premise solutions
- Features cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Can automate asset tracking, great for MSPs who bill by the device
- Can scan for vulnerabilities, make it a hybrid security solution
Cons:
- Better suited for larger environments
A free trial is available. The subscription price for SecPod SanerNow is set by negotiation.
10. Kaseya VSA
Kaseya VSA is a cloud-based IT management and monitoring solution that provides tools for MSPs and IT entreprises. With this software you can manage and secure any kind of IT capabilities.
Kaseya VSA’s Software Management module is a solution that provides central management, complete visibility, and automation to deploy and update all Windows, MacOS, and 3rd party software.
Why is Kaseya VSA special?
Thanks to Kaseya’s policy profiles, you can automate software maintenance across different platforms and perform any patch deployment for devices, on or off the network. Another outstanding feature of Kaseya VSA is its rapid software distribution using the Agent Endpoint Fabric that optimizes the delivery of installers, even if it is destined to a high latent network.
Kaseya's Best Features and Offerings:
- Protection from vulnerabilities.
- Fully remote control.
- Fast distribution on and off the network using Agent Endpoint Fabric.
- Schedule scans and analysis.
- Automation of approval, review, or reject, using Kaseya’s policy profiles.
- Full control with the capability to override profiles.
- Migration from VSA patch management module.
Pros:
- Automated software deployments can help streamline adding new machines to the client network
- Does a good job at monitoring overall health and resource consumption of devices
- Interface is simple and customizable
Cons:
- Free trial could be longer
- Remote control agent can take a long time before remote sessions are able to be started
- Patch management can be confusing
For price efficiency, the cost is based on the number of endpoints. The price is not published in the website, you have to request a quote. There is a free trial, but you need to request a demo from Kaseya VSA official site.
11. Patch Management by Cloud Management Suite
It is a cloud-based patch management platform for any type and size of network. Cloud Management Suite helps you manage your IT infrastructure, find vulnerabilities and fix them instantly. This solution allows you to manage all network devices and endpoints in or off the network, from the cloud and without the help of agents.
The main components of Cloud Management Suite are, Patch Management, Inventory Discovery, Remote Control, and Software Distribution. The patch management supports updates for different vendors such as Microsoft, Adobe, Java, Chrome, etc.
What Makes it Special?
Thanks to its amazing built-in reporting feature, IT managers can show detailed patching status reports to auditors and executives. The report provides summaries and in-depth information with customized parameters. IT managers also love Cloud Management Suite because its console is really easy to use and highly functional.
Patch Management Features and Capabilities of Cloud Management Suite:
- Patch tracking.
- Remote control.
- Software distribution.
- Inventory discovery.
- History and reporting.
- Amazing support
Pros:
- Simple yet informative interface
- Combines patch management with remote access
- Includes windows and application patch management
Cons:
- Could use a longer trial period
The price starts at $2.00 per endpoint per month. Request a quote, to get a closer estimate for a price according to your requirements Request a free trial for a 14-days period.
12. SysAid Patch Management
SysAid is a cloud-based IT management service and Service Desk solution. It assists users located in any size of network to resolve technology problems. Some of the most relevant features include help desk automation, asset management, patch management, network monitoring, performance analysis, and reporting.
SysAid Patch Management is integrated into SysAid IT Asset Management and helps Windows servers and endpoints, be updated with the latest patches. With this solution you can have an overview of the patches working on active devices on your network. You can also customize automatic processes to deal with the entire patch management.
The software is supported by Microsoft and third party applications such as Adobe Flash, Firefox, Chrome, Java, Apple iTunes, etc.
What is Special about SysAid Patch Management?
The software comes with a great auditing patching process. This helps you ensure that all changes related to patches are, performed correctly, well documented, and that they comply with any regulations.
SysAid Features and Options:
- Optional add-on capability for SysAid Help Desk and SysAid ITSM.
- It supports on-premise and cloud environments.
- Pre-defined views in dashboard to see which patches are missing, approved, installed, or failed.
- Supports Patch Policy. Automatically install any patch supported by the software.
Pros:
- Offers SNMP monitoring through a simple plugin
- Flexible pricing options allow you to choose the features you pay for
- Good option for those looking for SNMP monitoring and patching solution
Cons:
- Lacks enterprise features – better suited for small to medium size networks
Sysaid Service Desk is offered in three plans, Basic, Full, and A La Carte. Each is suitable for different networks and budgets. The price is not published in the website, but you can contact them to get a quote. Get a free trial of the IT Asset Management and test the patch management capabilities.
13. ITarian Patch Management tool
ITarian is a free IT platform that allows remote monitoring and management. The software allows patch management, remote control, customized scripts, auto-discovery and deployment, and service desk.
With ITarian you can find which endpoints have vulnerabilities and which ones require patching. Once a vulnerability is found, you can create policies to help you automatically deploy updates to a single or group of endpoints and schedule the process.
You can also get a general overview of available updates with the help of reports and dashboard statistics. ITarian helps you deploy updates to Windows and Linux operating systems.
Features and Capabilities of ITarian include:
- Comprehensive patch sourcing.
- Automatic system discovery for all managed endpoints.
- Prioritize and schedule patch deployment.
- Efficient deployment, through scheduling, triggered on demand, and reboots.
- Comprehensive network status and health reports.
Pros:
- Simple interface is easy to learn on your own
- Can automatically discover machines on the network
- Patching policies are easy to create
Cons:
- Can support Linux in a limited capacity, but was built more for Windows
Free to install, Contact for additional Licensing. Get a complete free patch management software and tools for Windows.
14. AutoMox
AutoMox is a cloud-based solution that can automate patching and configuration for any device or group of devices in the network. AutoMox, tracks, controls, and manages the entire patching process.
The solution works with agents and policies, so that you can control the level of patch management automation, flow processes, and configuration deployments. With this solution, you can get a complete network inventory and learn about the status of the systems and its software. This will help you to quickly identify which systems are vulnerable and which ones need immediate updates.
Automox allows you to see real-time vulnerabilities in a single dashboard for different platforms, like Windows, Linux, and MacOS.
What's so Great about AutoMox?
The user interface is highly visual and very lightweight. You can easily install the agents remotely without interrupting the user. The dashboard is also very easy to setup and use.
Patch Manager Capabilities & Features that this software includes:
- Advanced patching policies.
- Automatic scans.
- Customize patches.
- Multi-patch deployments.
- Network wide management.
- Expanded third party software library.
- Schedule deployment
Pros:
- Highly visual, create use of colors and graphics to display top-level patching insights
- Supports custom scripts for custom patching workflows
- Can patch Windows, Linux, Mac, and third party applications such as Chrome and Adobe
- Pricing is based on number endpoints, making it a scalable patch management option
Cons:
- Would like to see better patch prioritization
- Scheduling could use improvement, better protections from accidental forced shutdowns
Automox offers three different pricing plans. Endpoint Monitoring (100% Free), Basic Patching ($2 endpoint/month), and Full Platform ($5 endpoint/month). Signup to Automox to get a 15-day free trial.
Conclusion
The importance of having your systems continually patched is more crucial than ever, in light of recent events. As we've seen, there are many exploits and vulnerabilities within Windows systems and other network devices that are not made public and usually get into the hands of the wrong people.
These attackers use these vulnerabilities, which usually have been patched only days prior, to launch global attacks via Email phishing and such to exploit these holes and infect your systems with Ransomware and Cryptolocker – we know because this happened to us once.
Patching, on top of user training and awareness, will save your data, files and possibly your business. We recommend grabbing one of these patch management tools from above and getting them implemented immediately. Our choice for the Best Patch Management software has to be ManageEngine Patch Management Suite or SuperOps!
They offer a robust and scalable solution that is backed by a massive company that will be there if questions or support issues arise. They have a track record for developing cutting edge software that many IT departments (including ours) cannot live without!