Finding the best automated patch management software can be challenging, but having one is essential to keep your computer and data safe.  Here are the top 10 best automated patch management software programs to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Top 9 Best Automated Patch Management Software

  1. SolarWinds Patch Manager – Best for comprehensive patch management
  2. Ivanti Patch for Windows – Best for Windows patch management
  3. ManageEngine Desktop Central – Best for overall desktop and server management
  4. Kaseya Patch Management – Best for comprehensive patch management
  5. SCCM from Microsoft – Best for managing Microsoft products
  6. BigFix Patch Management – Best for comprehensive patch management
  7. GFI LanGuard – Best for overall vulnerability management
  8. Qualys Patch Management – Best for compliance and reporting
  9. Puppet Enterprise – Best for configuration management

1. SolarWinds Patch Manager – Best for comprehensive patch management

PRICING: Prices start at $2,006

SolarWinds Patch Manager is comprehensive patch management software that helps you automate the process of identifying, downloading, and installing the latest patches, service packs, and hotfixes for Microsoft Windows operating systems and other popular applications. It also includes a powerful reporting feature that lets you see which systems are up-to-date and which need to be patched.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Integrations with SCCM
  • Third-party application patching
  • Prebuilt/pretested packages
  • Patch compliance reports
  • Patch status dashboard

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Generates reports for fixed systems
  • Helpful alerts and notifications
  • Choose which updates are installed

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Users report slow patch install times

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2. Ivanti Patch for Windows – Best for Windows patch management

PRICING: Contact for a quote

Ivanti Patch for Windows is a patch management tool that helps you keep your Windows systems up-to-date with the latest security patches. It is an automated patch management tool that lets you schedule when to install patches and automatically installs them on your systems. Ivanti Patch for Windows is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Patch Intelligence
  • Patch Lifecycle Management
  • Supports Third-Party Apps
  • Distributed and Remote Patching
  • Extensive Platform Support

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Strong security
  • Reduced risk of vulnerabilities
  • Extremely accurate and efficient

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Does not report on compliance level of patches

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3. ManageEngine Desktop Central – Best for overall desktop and server management

PRICING: Prices start at $795

ManageEngine Desktop Central is an automated patch management software that helps organizations keep the desktop and server environment up-to-date by delivering patches for both Microsoft and third-party applications. The software also has a robust set of features for desktop and server management, making it our top pick for enterprises. Desktop Central provides a unified platform for managing multiple machines either on-premises or in the cloud. The software can be deployed in less than an hour and doesn’t require any reboot or restart of services.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Automated Patch Deployment
  • Remote Desktop Sharing
  • IT Asset Management
  • User Administration
  • Active Directory Reports

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Easily automate regular maintenance
  • Simple to use
  • Online support is very helpful

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • The mobile app has room for improvement

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4. Kaseya Patch Management – Best for comprehensive patch management

PRICING: Contact for a quote

Kaseya Patch Management is comprehensive patch management software that provides automated patch management for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. The software has a wide range of features including patch deployment, reporting, and compliance management.  Kaseya Patch Management is designed to be simple and easy to use with a user-friendly interface. The software can manage large numbers of systems and can be used in enterprise environments.  Kaseya Patch Management is a cost-effective solution for comprehensive patch management.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Remediate Vulnerabilities
  • Analyze Trends
  • Pre-Deployment Staging
  • Enterprise Reporting 
  • Import/Export data

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Many powerful modules
  • Enormous detail and customization options
  • Excellent usability

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Tricky to update on Mac devices

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5. SCCM from Microsoft – Best for managing Microsoft products

PRICING: Request a quote

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a comprehensive management solution for IT professionals responsible for the software deployment, security, and compliance of endpoints in their organization. SCCM makes deploying and managing Microsoft products like Windows 10, Office 365 ProPlus, and third-party applications easy. SCCM is widely considered to be the best automated patch management solution available, especially for managing Microsoft products.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Device compliance
  • Reporting
  • Queries addressing
  • Software metering
  • Power management and remote control

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Seamless integration with Windows systems
  • Powerful and comprehensive management capabilities
  • Ideal for managing Microsoft products

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Limited Ability to Patch 3rd Party Applications

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6. BigFix Patch Management – Best for comprehensive patch management

PRICING: Prices start at $2.49 per client device per year

BigFix Patch Management is a comprehensive patch management solution that automates the entire patch management process, from discovery to deployment. It provides users with complete visibility into the patching status of their environment and granular control over which patches are deployed to which systems. In addition, BigFix Patch Management integrates with leading third-party products to provide a complete patch management solution.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Mobile Device Management
  • Server Automation
  • Real-Time Visibility and Control
  • Unlimited Endpoints
  • Malware Protection

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Automates the entire patch management process
  • Complete visibility of patching status
  • Granular control over patches

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • No free trial

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7. GFI LanGuard – Best for overall vulnerability management

PRICING: Prices start at $10.00

GFI LanGuard is security software that helps protect your computer from vulnerabilities. It does this by scanning for and identifying missing patches and then downloading and installing them. GFI LanGuard is one of the best automated patch management software solutions because it offers a comprehensive vulnerability management system. It can scan for missing patches, identify security vulnerabilities, and provide remediation guidance. GFI LanGuard can also be used to monitor compliance with patch management policies.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Web-Based Reporting
  • Third-Party App Integrations
  • Security Audits
  • Run in Virtual Environments
  • Compliant with Standards and Regulations

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Easy to monitor devices
  • Multiple scan tools
  • Perform automated restarts

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Limited to one console user at a time

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8. Qualys Patch Management – Best for compliance and reporting

PRICING: Prices start at $29.95 per asset

Qualys Patch Management is the best automated patch management software for compliance and reporting. It helps keep your systems up-to-date with the latest security patches. Qualys provides comprehensive visibility into your patching status, so you can identify which systems need to be patched. The software also includes patch deployment capabilities so that you can deploy patches to your systems quickly and easily.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Zero Touch Patch
  • Automated Correlations
  • Control and Manage Reboots
  • Deploy Patches On-Demand
  • Track Patch Status

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Easy to configure dashboards
  • 30-day free trial
  • Excellent monitoring and threat assessment

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Users report difficulty tracking vulnerabilities

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9. Puppet Enterprise – Best for configuration management

PRICING: Contact sales for pricing

Puppet Enterprise is the leading automated patch management software solution, especially for configuration management. With Puppet Enterprise, you can centrally manage your infrastructure and automatically deploy patches and updates across your entire environment quickly and easily. Additionally, Puppet Enterprise provides powerful tools to help you troubleshoot and resolve patching issues quickly and efficiently. Puppet Enterprise is the ideal solution for large organizations that need to manage many systems and devices centrally. With Puppet Enterprise, you can save time and money by automating the patch management process across your entire infrastructure.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Configurable Workflow
  • Activity Tracking
  • Assessment Management
  • Third-Party Integrations
  • Real-Time Analytics

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Powerful tools
  • Automate patch management process
  • Efficient troubleshooting

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Requires Ruby code

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References and Links

  • https://www.g2.com/products/solarwinds-patch-manager/reviews
  • https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/security-solutions-others/vendor/ivanti
  • https://comparecamp.com/manageengine-desktop-central-review-pricing-pros-cons-features/
  • https://www.softwareadvice.com/ca/help-desk/kaseya-vsa-profile/
  • https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/client-management-tools/vendor/microsoft/product/system-center-configuration-manager
  • https://www.peerspot.com/products/bigfix-reviews
  • https://www.softwareadvice.com/ca/patch-management/gfi-languard-profile/
  • https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/continuous-configuration-automation-tools/vendor/puppet/product/puppet-enterprise

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