Best Patch Management Software: Ranked and Reviewed (2025)

Did you know that 68% of organizations lack an effective patch management process? This staggering statistic, according to Microsoft’s 2022 Digital Defense Report, highlights the critical need for businesses to have robust patch management software in place.

Patch management software is essential for businesses to manage and secure their computing devices and IT networks. In this article, I will explore the best patch management software options available in , providing rankings and reviews based on factual data.

Key Takeaways

• 68% of organizations lack an effective patch management process
• Patch management software is crucial for managing and securing computing devices and IT networks
• This article provides rankings and reviews of the best patch management software options

What is Patch Management Software?

Patch management software simplifies the process of managing software updates across computing devices and IT networks. It replaces the standard approach of letting each application handle its own updates with a central interface that scans multiple apps for updates, reports missing patches, and in some cases, automatically installs them. This software is crucial for keeping systems secure and up-to-date.

With patch management software, you no longer have to manually monitor and install updates for each software on your devices. Instead, the software does the heavy lifting for you, ensuring that all the necessary patches and security updates are applied promptly.

This centralized approach to patch management saves time and reduces the risk of vulnerabilities caused by outdated software. By automating the update process, patch management software helps businesses maintain a secure IT environment and protect against potential cyber threats.

The Importance of Patch Management

Software vulnerabilities and exploits pose significant risks to organizations, potentially leading to data breaches, system disruptions, and financial losses. In today’s interconnected world, where cyber threats are ever-evolving, it is crucial for businesses to prioritize patch management.

According to Microsoft’s 2022 Digital Defense Report, a staggering 68% of organizations lack an effective patch management process. This puts their systems at risk of open vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. In fact, around 20% of all discovered vulnerabilities are classified as high or critical, underscoring the urgency of implementing robust patch management practices.

So, what exactly is patch management? It involves the process of identifying, assessing, and applying security patches or updates to software, operating systems, and applications. By regularly installing security patches, organizations can address vulnerabilities and protect their IT assets from potential exploitation.

Enter patch management software, a vital tool in the fight against software vulnerabilities. Patch management software automates the process of scanning and deploying patches across a network, ensuring that all systems are up-to-date and protected against known vulnerabilities. This software not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of human error that may occur with manual patch management.

“Patch management software plays a critical role in managing and rectifying vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding IT assets.”

Patch management software offers a centralized and streamlined approach to patch deployment, ensuring consistency and efficiency. It provides organizations with a comprehensive view of the software vulnerabilities present in their systems, allowing them to prioritize and remediate the most critical ones first. Additionally, patch management software helps organizations stay compliant with industry regulations and security standards.

Overall, patch management software is an essential element of any robust cybersecurity strategy. It helps organizations proactively address software vulnerabilities, reduce the attack surface, and enhance their overall security posture. By investing in reliable patch management software, businesses can safeguard their IT infrastructure, mitigate security risks, and fortify their defenses against potential threats.

Benefits of Patch Management Software

Benefits	Description
1. Vulnerability Mitigation	Identifies and resolves software vulnerabilities, minimizing the risk of exploitation.
2. Compliance Assurance	Helps organizations stay compliant with industry regulations and security standards.
3. Time and Resource Savings	Automates the patch deployment process, saving time and reducing the burden on IT teams.
4. Enhanced Security Posture	Strengthens overall security by keeping software up-to-date and effectively reducing the attack surface.
5. Centralized Management	Provides a centralized dashboard for monitoring and managing patch deployment across the network.

Key Features of Patch Management Software

Patch management software offers several key features to simplify and enhance the patching process. These features include:

1. Support for Various Operating Systems: Patch management software should be compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and more. This ensures that all devices in your network can be efficiently patched and secured.
2. Automation of Scanning and Patch Deployment: To save time and effort, patch management software automates the scanning process to detect missing patches and deploys them seamlessly across your devices. This feature ensures that your systems stay up-to-date and protected.
3. Customization Options for Scheduling and Deployment: Every business has different patching requirements. Hence, it’s crucial to choose a software that offers customization options for scheduling patch scans and deployments. This flexibility allows you to prioritize critical patches and minimize disruptions to your operations.
4. Rebooting Options: Some patches require a system reboot to be fully installed and activated. Patch management software provides convenient rebooting options to ensure that patches are effectively applied without causing unnecessary downtime.
5. Auditing and Reporting Capabilities: Comprehensive auditing and reporting features enable you to track patch installation status, identify vulnerabilities, and generate detailed reports. This helps you evaluate the effectiveness of your patch management process and demonstrate compliance with security standards.

When selecting a patch management solution, it’s essential to consider these key features and ensure that the software meets your specific business needs. Now that we’ve covered the important features, let’s explore the best patch management software options for MSPs in the next section.

“The right patch management software can streamline the patching process, improve security, and ensure your systems are protected from vulnerabilities. By considering key features such as operating system support, automation, customization, rebooting options, and auditing capabilities, you can select a solution that meets your organization’s specific requirements.”

Best Patch Management Software for MSPs

As Managed Service Providers (MSPs), efficiently handling large-scale deployments and providing centralized management is crucial. That’s why it’s important to choose the best Patch Management Software for MSPs. Here are some top solutions to consider:

NinjaOne Patch Management

NinjaOne Patch Management offers a comprehensive suite of features designed specifically for MSPs. It allows for efficient patch deployment, automatic scanning for vulnerabilities, and centralized management, ensuring MSPs can effectively handle patch management at scale.

GoTo Resolve

GoTo Resolve is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for MSPs to manage patches across multiple clients. It offers features such as automated patch scanning, patch scheduling, and reporting capabilities, enabling MSPs to streamline their patch management processes.

Datto

Datto’s patch management software provides MSPs with robust capabilities to automate the patching process. With its intuitive interface, MSPs can easily schedule and deploy patches, ensuring the systems they manage are protected against vulnerabilities.

Atera

Atera offers a comprehensive patch management solution with features like automatic patch scanning, customized patch approval workflows, and real-time status tracking. MSPs can efficiently manage and deploy patches across their clients’ systems, ensuring security and compliance.

N-able N-central

N-able N-central is a powerful patch management software that allows MSPs to automate patch deployment, ensuring timely updates across their systems. It provides centralized management, patch reporting, and integration with other MSP tools for enhanced efficiency.

Kaseya VSA

Kaseya VSA offers MSPs a robust patch management solution with automation capabilities, comprehensive patch monitoring, and reporting. MSPs can efficiently manage patches across multiple devices and clients, reducing security risks and ensuring system stability.

Choosing the right Patch Management Software for MSPs is crucial to efficiently handle large-scale deployments and provide centralized management. Consider the unique needs of your MSP and evaluate these top solutions to find the one that best fits your requirements.

Software	Key Features
NinjaOne Patch Management	Efficient patch deployment, automated vulnerability scanning, centralized management
GoTo Resolve	User-friendly interface, automated patch scanning, scheduling, and reporting
Datto	Robust patch automation, intuitive interface, easy patch scheduling and deployment
Atera	Automatic patch scanning, customized patch approval workflows, real-time status tracking
N-able N-central	Automated patch deployment, centralized management, patch reporting, integration with other MSP tools
Kaseya VSA	Automation capabilities, comprehensive patch monitoring, reporting, efficient management across devices

Best Patch Management Software for IT Departments

As an IT professional, finding the best patch management software for your department is crucial to effectively manage and secure your IT infrastructure. With the right software solution, you can automate the patch deployment process, centralize management tasks, and generate comprehensive reports to ensure the overall security of your systems.

Among the top patch management software options available for IT departments, there are several standout solutions that offer a wide range of features. These include:

Software	Key Features
NinjaOne Patch Management	Automated patch deployment, centralized management, detailed reporting
Microsoft Intune	Cloud-based patch management, policy enforcement, compatibility with Microsoft products
ManageEngine	Multi-platform support, flexible patch deployment options, vulnerability assessment
Pulseway	Real-time patch monitoring, remote patch deployment, customizable patch policies
Solarwinds Patch Manager	Comprehensive patch management, third-party application patching, compliance reporting
Automox	Automated patch deployment, granular control over updates, cloud-based management

Each of these software solutions offers unique features that cater to the needs of IT departments. Whether you prioritize automated patch deployment, centralized management, or comprehensive reporting, there is a patch management software that can meet your specific requirements.

By implementing one of these best-in-class solutions, you can streamline your patch management process and enhance the overall security of your IT infrastructure.

“Finding the best patch management software for your IT department is crucial to effectively manage and secure your IT infrastructure.”

Important Features for Patch Management Software

When it comes to selecting the right patch management software for your organization, it’s essential to consider the key features that will meet your specific needs. These features play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient management and security of your computing devices and IT networks.

Operating System Support

One of the critical features of patch management software is its compatibility with various operating systems. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Linux, or other platforms, the software should provide comprehensive support to ensure all your devices are protected.

Automation

Automation capabilities are essential for streamlining the patching process. The software should be able to automatically scan your systems for missing patches and deploy them as needed, reducing manual effort and minimizing the risk of human errors.

Customization

Every organization has unique requirements when it comes to patch management. Look for software that offers customization options, allowing you to schedule and deploy patches according to your specific needs. This flexibility ensures that patching activities align with your business operations.

Rebooting Options

Patch deployments often require system rebooting to complete the installation process. The software should provide options for managing and scheduling reboots to minimize disruptions to your workforce and maximize system uptime.

Auditing and Reporting

To evaluate the effectiveness of your patch management process, robust auditing and reporting features are crucial. The software should offer comprehensive reporting capabilities that allow you to track patch deployment status, identify vulnerabilities, and generate compliance reports.

Features	Operating System Support	Automation	Customization	Rebooting Options	Auditing and Reporting
Example Software	Windows, macOS, Linux	Yes	Yes	Flexible scheduling	Comprehensive reporting
Another Software	Windows, macOS	Yes	Yes	Automatic	Real-time auditing

Choosing patch management software with these important features will ensure that your organization can effectively manage and secure its systems. Take the time to evaluate different solutions, comparing their offerings to find the best fit for your specific needs.

Next, in Section 8, I will discuss additional considerations for choosing patch management software, focusing on factors such as your device mix, remote employee needs, third-party application patching capabilities, software reliability, customer support, and ease of administration and use.

Considerations for Choosing Patch Management Software

When it comes to selecting the right patch management software for your organization, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can ensure that the chosen solution aligns with your specific needs and effectively safeguards your IT environment.

1. Device Mix

Different organizations have diverse device ecosystems, including various operating systems and software configurations. It is crucial to choose a patch management software that supports the specific device mix in your network, ensuring seamless compatibility and coverage across all devices.

2. Remote Employees

In today’s increasingly remote work environment, it is essential to consider the needs of your off-site employees. Look for patch management software that provides remote patching capabilities, allowing you to efficiently update and secure devices regardless of their physical location.

3. Third-Party Application Patching

Alongside operating systems, third-party applications can also pose security risks if not appropriately patched. Consider the capabilities of the patch management software in handling third-party application patching, as this feature is vital for comprehensive vulnerability management and reducing potential attack vectors.

4. Reliability of the Software Vendor

The reliability and reputation of the software vendor play a significant role in the effectiveness of your patch management solution. Research and evaluate the vendor’s track record, customer reviews, and industry standing to ensure they are a trusted provider with a proven commitment to software reliability and support.

5. Quality of Customer Support

Reliable and responsive customer support is crucial for addressing any technical issues or questions that may arise during the utilization of the patch management software. Consider the availability, responsiveness, and reputation of the vendor’s customer support team to ensure you have reliable assistance whenever needed.

6. Ease of Administration and Use

An intuitive and user-friendly interface can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your patch management efforts. Choose software that offers an easy-to-use administration dashboard and streamlined workflows, minimizing the learning curve for your IT team and enabling efficient management of patching processes.

By taking these considerations into account, you can make an informed decision and select a patch management software solution that meets the unique needs of your organization. Remember that thorough evaluation and selecting the right software is a crucial step toward effectively managing vulnerabilities and ensuring the security of your IT systems.

Best Patch Management Software Solutions for MSPs

As a managed service provider (MSP), choosing the right patch management software is crucial for effectively securing and managing your clients’ systems. Here, I present some of the best patch management software solutions tailored to the specific needs of MSPs. These solutions offer features such as remote patching, centralized management, and customizable policies, empowering you to meet the unique requirements of your clients.

1. NinjaOne Patch Management: NinjaOne Patch Management provides MSPs with a comprehensive solution for managing patches across diverse environments. With its intuitive interface and robust automation capabilities, NinjaOne simplifies the patching process, allowing you to efficiently secure your clients’ systems.
2. GoTo Resolve: GoTo Resolve offers a powerful patch management platform that streamlines patch deployment and ensures system compliance. Its centralized management features enable you to efficiently handle large-scale deployments and effectively manage patch policies across multiple clients.
3. Datto: Datto’s patch management solution enables MSPs to proactively protect clients’ systems from vulnerabilities. With Datto, you can automate patching processes, schedule updates during non-disruptive hours, and gain valuable insights through comprehensive reporting.
4. Atera: Atera offers a cloud-based patch management platform designed specifically for MSPs. With Atera, you can remotely manage and deploy patches across all client devices, ensuring optimal system performance and security.
5. N-able N-central: N-able N-central provides MSPs with a comprehensive patch management solution that includes automation, reporting, and remote patching capabilities. Its centralized dashboard allows you to efficiently manage and deploy patches across multiple clients from a single interface.
6. Kaseya VSA: Kaseya VSA offers MSPs a robust patch management solution to simplify the process of patch deployment and vulnerability management. With Kaseya VSA, you can automate patch scanning, testing, and deployment, ensuring that your clients’ systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.

Choose from these top patch management software solutions to enhance your MSP services and effectively secure your clients’ systems. Whether you require remote patching, centralized management, or customizable policies, these solutions offer the features needed to streamline your patch management processes. Take advantage of these innovative tools to safeguard your clients’ systems and deliver exceptional IT services.

Important Features of Patch Management Software

When evaluating patch management software, it’s crucial to consider the features that will meet your organization’s specific needs. Here are some key features to look for:

1. Operating System Support

Ensure that the patch management software supports the operating systems used by your organization. Whether you’re running Windows, macOS, Linux, or a combination of systems, compatibility is essential for effective patching.

2. Automation Capabilities

Look for software that offers automation features to streamline the patch management process. Automated scanning and patch deployment can save time and reduce the risk of human error, ensuring that your systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches.

3. Customization Options

Choose a software solution that allows customization of patching schedules and deployment policies. This flexibility ensures that you can adapt the software to fit your organization’s specific requirements and minimize disruptions to business operations.

4. Rebooting Options

Patch installation often requires system rebooting. Look for patch management software that provides flexible rebooting options, allowing you to schedule reboots during non-business hours or at convenient times to minimize disruption.

5. Auditing and Reporting Capabilities

Evaluating the effectiveness of your patch management process is crucial. Opt for software that offers comprehensive auditing and reporting features, allowing you to track patch status, identify vulnerabilities, and generate reports for compliance audits and management reviews.

By selecting patch management software with these important features, you can effectively manage and secure your systems, ensuring that they remain protected against potential security threats.

Software	Operating System Support	Automation	Customization	Rebooting Options	Auditing and Reporting
NinjaOne Patch Management	Windows, macOS, Linux	Yes	Yes	Flexible	Comprehensive
GoTo Resolve	Windows	Yes	Yes	Scheduled	Robust
Datto	Windows, macOS, Linux	Yes	Yes	Flexible	Detailed
Atera	Windows, macOS	Yes	Yes	Scheduled	Insightful
N-able N-central	Windows, macOS, Linux	Yes	Yes	Flexible	Advanced
Kaseya VSA	Windows, macOS, Linux	Yes	Yes	Scheduled	Detailed

Best Patch Management Software Solutions for IT Departments

As an IT department, ensuring the security and efficiency of your systems is crucial. That’s where patch management software comes in. With the right solution, you can effectively keep your systems up-to-date and secure. Here are some of the best patch management software solutions for IT departments:

1. NinjaOne Patch Management
2. Microsoft Intune
3. ManageEngine
4. Pulseway
5. Solarwinds Patch Manager
6. Automox

These software solutions offer a range of features designed to streamline the patch management process and enhance system security. With automated patch deployment, you can ensure that your systems are always protected from vulnerabilities. Comprehensive reporting capabilities provide insights into the status of your patches, allowing you to track and monitor the effectiveness of your patch management efforts. Centralized management features make it easy to deploy patches across your entire IT infrastructure, saving you time and effort.

By implementing one of these best patch management software solutions, you can proactively address vulnerabilities, stay compliant with security standards, and protect your systems from potential security risks.

Comparison Table: Best Patch Management Software Solutions for IT Departments

Software	Key Features
NinjaOne Patch Management	– Automated patch deployment – Comprehensive reporting – Centralized management
Microsoft Intune	– Patch management for Windows and other platforms – Policy-based patch deployment – Integration with Microsoft 365
ManageEngine	– Automated patch scanning and deployment – Customizable patching policies – Patch rollback capabilities
Pulseway	– Real-time patch monitoring – Patch deployment schedules – Mobile app for remote management
Solarwinds Patch Manager	– Patch management for Microsoft and third-party applications – Customizable deployment and rollback options – Compliance reporting
Automox	– Automated patching for Windows, macOS, and Linux – Customizable policies and patch approval workflows – Real-time vulnerability monitoring

When choosing the best patch management software solution for your IT department, consider factors such as the specific needs of your organization, the compatibility with your existing systems, and the level of support provided by the software vendor. By selecting the right patch management software, you can streamline your patching process, minimize security risks, and ensure the smooth operation of your IT infrastructure.

Important Considerations for Patch Management Software

When selecting patch management software for your IT department, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. These factors will help ensure that the software you choose effectively meets your organization’s needs and provides efficient patching solutions.

Device Mix:

Analyze the device mix within your network, including the operating systems and software applications being used. Look for patch management software that supports a wide range of operating systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all devices in your infrastructure.

Remote Employees:

If you have a significant number of remote employees, it’s essential to choose patch management software that offers robust remote patching capabilities. This will help you effectively manage and secure devices that are outside of your physical network.

Third-Party Application Patching:

Consider the ability of the patch management software to handle third-party application patching. Many software vulnerabilities arise from outdated third-party applications, so having a comprehensive solution that covers these applications is crucial for maintaining a secure environment.

Reliability:

Ensure that the software vendor has a track record of reliability and stability in delivering patch management solutions. Look for reviews and customer feedback to gauge the overall performance and reliability of the software.

Customer Support:

Choose a patch management software provider that offers excellent customer support. Prompt and knowledgeable support can make a significant difference in case you encounter any issues during the implementation or usage of the software.

Ease of Administration and Use:

Consider the ease of administration and use when evaluating patch management software. The software should have an intuitive interface, easy-to-understand workflows, and efficient deployment options. This will ensure that your IT team can quickly adopt and effectively manage the software.

By carefully evaluating these considerations, you can select the most suitable patch management software that caters to your IT department’s specific needs, ensuring a secure and efficient patching process.

Conclusion

Patch management software plays a critical role in keeping computing devices and IT networks secure and up-to-date. By selecting the best patch management software for your organization’s needs, you can effectively manage vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security standards.

Whether you’re an MSP or an IT department, there are several top patch management software solutions available that offer a range of features to streamline the patching process and enhance system security. These solutions include NinjaOne Patch Management, GoTo Resolve, Datto, Atera, N-able N-central, Kaseya VSA, Microsoft Intune, ManageEngine, Pulseway, Solarwinds Patch Manager, and Automox.

When choosing a patch management software, consider important factors such as device mix, remote employees, support for third-party application patching, reliability of the software vendor, quality of customer support, and ease of administration and use. By carefully evaluating these considerations, you can select the best software solution that aligns with your organization’s specific needs.

Protect your systems from potential security risks by choosing wisely and implementing the right patch management software. With the right solution in place, you can effectively manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, and enhance the overall security of your computing devices and IT networks.

FAQ

What is Patch Management Software?

Patch management software simplifies the process of managing software updates across computing devices and IT networks. It replaces the standard approach of letting each application handle its own updates with a central interface that scans multiple apps for updates, reports missing patches, and in some cases, automatically installs them.

Why is Patch Management important?

Patch management is important because it helps keep systems secure and up-to-date. According to Microsoft’s 2022 Digital Defense Report, 68% of organizations lack an effective patch management process, leading to open vulnerabilities in their systems. IT vulnerabilities pose a high risk to business operations, with approximately 20% of all discovered vulnerabilities classified as high or critical.

What are the key features of Patch Management Software?

Patch management software offers several key features to simplify and enhance the patching process. These features include support for various operating systems, automation of scanning and patch deployment, customization options for scheduling and deployment, rebooting options, and auditing and reporting capabilities.

What are the best Patch Management Software options for MSPs?

Some of the top patch management software solutions for MSPs include NinjaOne Patch Management, GoTo Resolve, Datto, Atera, N-able N-central, and Kaseya VSA. These solutions offer a range of features designed to meet the specific needs of MSPs.

What are the best Patch Management Software options for IT Departments?

Some of the best patch management software solutions for IT departments include NinjaOne Patch Management, Microsoft Intune, ManageEngine, Pulseway, Solarwinds Patch Manager, and Automox. These solutions offer features such as automated patch deployment, centralized management, and comprehensive reporting.

What are important features to consider when selecting Patch Management Software?

When selecting patch management software, it’s important to consider features such as support for various operating systems, automation capabilities for scanning and patch deployment, customization options for scheduling and deployment, rebooting options, and auditing and reporting features for evaluating the effectiveness of the patch management process.

What considerations should be taken when choosing Patch Management Software?

Considerations for choosing patch management software include the device mix in your network, the number of remote employees, support for third-party application patching, reliability of the software vendor, quality of customer support, and ease of administration and use.

What are the best Patch Management Software solutions for MSPs?

Some of the best patch management software solutions for MSPs include NinjaOne Patch Management, GoTo Resolve, Datto, Atera, N-able N-central, and Kaseya VSA. These solutions offer features tailored to the needs of MSPs, such as remote patching, centralized management, and customizable policies.

What important features should Patch Management Software have?

Patch management software should have important features such as support for various operating systems, automation capabilities for scanning and patch deployment, customization options for scheduling and deployment, rebooting options, and auditing and reporting capabilities.

What are the best Patch Management Software solutions for IT Departments?

Some of the best patch management software solutions for IT departments include NinjaOne Patch Management, Microsoft Intune, ManageEngine, Pulseway, Solarwinds Patch Manager, and Automox. These solutions offer features designed to streamline the patch management process, including automated patch deployment, comprehensive reporting, and centralized management.

What important considerations should be made when choosing Patch Management Software?

Important considerations for choosing patch management software include the device mix within your network, the number of remote employees, support for third-party application patching, reliability of the software vendor, quality of customer support, and ease of administration and use.

Source Links

• https://www.techradar.com/best/best-patch-management-tools
• https://www.ninjaone.com/blog/best-patch-management-software-msp-it/
• https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterprisedesktop/tip/12-best-patch-management-software-and-tools