TL;DR:
App auto-updates let each vendor push new versions straight to your devices. They're fast and convenient, but how much you can control their timing or test them before installation depends on the vendor.
Managed patching puts IT in charge of what gets deployed, where, and when, with testing and scheduling built into the process.
Most organizations use a mix of both: Low-risk apps keep their built-in updaters, while business-critical apps go through a managed patching tool.
On paper, app auto-updates look like an easy win: Chrome, Zoom, and Slack quietly patch themselves in the background, and nobody on your team has to touch an installer.
But managed patching makes a strong case too, since it lets you test updates first and decide when they land. The right approach depends on your environment, and in many cases, using both makes the most sense.
What is the difference between app auto-updates and managed patching?
App auto-updates install new versions through a vendor’s built-in updater, with timing and controls that vary by app. Managed patching gives IT a centralized process for testing, scheduling, deploying, and verifying updates across devices, which can include managing vendor updaters through enterprise policies.
What are app auto-updates?
App auto-updates are the update mechanisms that software vendors build into their own applications.
An auto-updating app periodically checks the vendor’s servers for a new version, downloads it, and installs it on its own. Chrome, Firefox, Zoom, and Microsoft 365 Apps all support automatic updates.
This approach costs nothing and requires minimal setup, which is why it's often the default for business software.
The downside is that you're limited to whatever update controls the vendor provides (if any). Some apps offer enterprise controls, like Chrome's update policies. Others only let you turn automatic updates on or off.
But even with these controls, you still need to manage updates separately for each app, without always having a central view of which versions are installed on your devices.
What is managed patching?
Managed patching is a centralized approach where IT decides which updates get deployed, to which devices, and when. It's a core part of any patch management strategy and typically covers both the operating system and third-party apps.
In a managed setup, you track the software installed across your ecosystem, test new versions on a small group of devices, roll them out on a schedule, and confirm that each device received the fix. For most teams, the hardest part is third-party patch management, since each app follows its own release cadence.
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App auto-updates vs. managed patching at a glance
Here’s a quick comparison table that summarizes the differences between managed patching and auto-updates:
App auto-updates | Managed patching | |
|---|---|---|
Who's in control | The vendor, within the admin controls it offers | Your IT team |
Update timing | Set by the vendor, unless the app supports admin policies | On a schedule or trigger you set |
Testing | Usually none, unless the vendor offers a preview channel | You test on pilot groups before broad rollout |
Visibility | Limited; you rarely know which version runs where | Central view of versions and patch status |
Reporting and compliance | Little to no audit trail | Deployment history and reports for audits |
Coverage | Only apps with a working updater | Depends on the tool; most cover OS updates and common third-party apps, and many support custom packages |
Version control | Varies; some apps allow pinning or rollback, many don't | You can pause rollouts or hold a specific version |
Cost and effort | Free and on by default for many apps | Requires a tool and initial setup, then runs mostly on its own |
When should you use app auto-updates?
App auto-updates are a good fit when convenience matters more than control, such as when:
The app is a standalone utility that no business-critical workflow depends on
The vendor's updater runs silently, without admin rights or user prompts
The app ships updates so often that testing every version isn't realistic (Chrome now releases security updates weekly)
You're a small team without a patch management tool, and some patching beats no patching
The devices are unmanaged or only lightly managed, so you can't push updates to them anyway
When should you use managed patching?
Managed patching makes the most sense when:
An untested update could break a line-of-business app or integration
You need patch reports and audit trails for compliance frameworks like HIPAA or PCI DSS
Your users don't have local admin rights, which causes some built-in updaters to fail silently
You need to see which version runs on every device the moment a new CVE drops
You want to control timing, like keeping installs outside business hours or holding a version while the vendor fixes a known bug
Can app auto-updates and managed patching work together?
Yes, and for most organizations, a hybrid approach is the most practical option. Here's how you can set up both:
Let low-risk utilities keep their built-in updaters, and route business-critical apps through managed patching
Give each app one primary update method so its updater and your patch tool don't compete
Use a tool like PDQ to schedule updates, target device groups, and report on detected apps, including the ones that update themselves
Keep browser auto-updates on, but use enterprise policies (e.g., Chrome's RelaunchNotification setting) to force a relaunch so updates actually apply
Final thoughts
Automatic updates and managed patching solve different problems. Auto-updates keep low-risk apps current with zero effort, while managed patching gives you the control, testing, and reporting you need for everything else.
If you're a small team running a handful of standalone apps, auto-updates may be enough to get by. If you manage business-critical software or answer to auditors, managed patching is the safer bet.
PDQ makes the managed side a lot less painful, with maintained packages, automated deployments, and reports that show exactly which devices are up to date. Sign up for a free trial to see how much of your patching you can take off your plate.
