Patch management software

The world is a dangerous place for computers with out-of-date applications, but patch management software helps protect your fleet. With PDQ’s trusted history of simple, secure, and pretty damn quick Windows device patching, it’s never been easier to keep your systems running smoothly and endpoints secure.

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asian man in beanie looking at camera
PDQ Connect UI with shield iconPDQ Connect UI with shield icon

What is patch management software?

You already know that keeping your systems secure and up to date is crucial — and that's where patching comes in. Patch management is the process of regularly identifying, testing, and deploying software updates and the latest patches to ensure that your systems run efficiently and are protected against potential vulnerabilities and threats. A great patch manager, like PDQ Deploy or Connect, does just that. Patch management ...

  • Keeps systems current and secure. 

  • Improves performance and stability. 

  • Ensures compliance to regulations.

  • Simplifies endpoint management through automation. 

  • Enhances security and vulnerability management.

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Must-have patch management features

As a sysadmin, you want a patch management solution that helps keep your systems secure and up to date while minimizing manual effort and maximizing efficiency. Here are four features you might look for in a patching solution, like PDQ Deploy & Inventory and Connect.

Automation

A patch management tool should be able to automate the deployment of patches across any number of systems, reducing the time and effort required to keep systems up to date.

Scheduling UI i PDQ Deploy with Timer iconScheduling UI i PDQ Deploy with Timer icon

Automatic software deployment

Forget those late nights alone in the office. Schedule routine updates for off-hours so that they don’t interfere with your users’ workflow or your personal life.

Retry queue

Initiate deployments when an offline computer comes back online to target those hard-to-reach machines. Line up failed deployments and knock them down with automatic redeployment.

Reporting

A patch management solution should provide detailed reporting and data on patch compliance and system health, allowing administrators to identify and address issues quickly.

Report UI in PDQ Inventory with chart iconReport UI in PDQ Inventory with chart icon

Custom and prebuilt reports

Document information on each device, software solution, patch deployment, patch status, and more.

Status updates

In Deploy, set patch deployment notifications via email, Slack, or Microsoft Teams.

Data for audits

Gather information to audit your software and hardware, making the process significantly less nightmarish.

Prebuilt packages

Package libraries are instrumental in ensuring up-to-date patches are readily available to download and deploy, giving the busy sysadmin time back in their day.

Mockup of different applications PDQ offers as Prebuilt PackagesMockup of different applications PDQ offers as Prebuilt Packages

Package Library

Silently install over ready-to-deploy applications. Patch Windows, Google Chrome, and other popular solutions with just a few clicks.

Custom packages

Build your own packages for unmatched flexibility.

Collections

In PDQ Inventory, collections allow you to target devices based on specific criteria, giving you more granular control.

Collections UI from PDQ InventoryCollections UI from PDQ Inventory

Dynamic collections

Use filters for operating system (OS), OS version, installed application, and more to compile collections that stay up to date automatically when inventory changes.

Static collections

Populate collections manually to target machines based on your own relevant criteria, such as department.

Patch management for remote devices

Use our new agent-based solution, PDQ Connect, to keep your fleet up to date and secure via the cloud. View real-time data, deploy software using custom or prebuilt packages, and automate IT tasks — from one platform to any internet-connected Windows device.  

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PDQ Connect homepagePDQ Connect homepage

PDQ vs. leading patch management competitors

PDQ Deploy & Inventory's patch management software

PDQ Connect's patch management software

Leading competitors

Automated patch management features 

yes

yes

yes

Agentless local deployment

yes

no

no

Agent-based remote deployment

no

yes

yes

Extensive ready-to-deploy Package Library

yes

yes

no

Custom script deployment

yes

yes

no

Integrated patch & inventory management

yes

yes

no

Easy setup and use

yes

yes

no

Comprehensive knowledge base

yes

yes

no

Support from sysadmins 

yes

yes

no

Patch management FAQs

What are the benefits of patch management?

The main benefits of patch management software are improved security, performance, and efficiency. Between installing each Google Chrome, Microsoft Office, Windows Server, and Windows update, keeping your software current is time consuming. Add in any number of other solutions, and it becomes exponentially more difficult. Security patches are particularly critical since they address known vulnerabilities that hackers scramble to exploit before businesses update their machines. Each uninstalled software patch presents an invaluable opportunity for cybercriminals. But the benefits of patch management software go beyond thwarting hackers:  

  • Improve security vulnerability management 

  • Reduce endpoint security vulnerabilities 

  • Maintain regulatory patch compliance 

  • Enhance software performance 

  • Save time for the IT security team 

How do you incorporate patch management software?

A business can incorporate patch management software through careful planning. You should assess your needs and goals to implement measures that work for you. Since no two environments are identical, the software that works for another business may not be ideal for you. Consider the following criteria:  

  • Cybersecurity and patching needs 

  • Acceptable risks 

  • Asset management approaches 

  • Processes for testing patch updates before widespread distribution 

  • Patch deployment timeframes 

  • Policies for handling uncommon situations (e.g., distributing out-of-band patches) 

While each environment is unique, virtually all businesses with patch management software aim to install missing patches quickly while minimizing interruptions for users. Focusing on achieving these goals within your constraints can help you get the most out of your patch management software.  

What are patch management best practices?

Patch management best practices can help you avoid delays and keep your environment secure. Here are some of the best practices for optimizing your patch management software usage:  

  • Inventory your systems 

  • Deploy patches promptly  

  • Test updates 

  • Maintain a software update schedule 

  • Mark your calendar for Patch Tuesday when Windows patches are typically released 

  • Use a high-quality software patch management solution 

Implementing patch management software best practices in your environment can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness. 

How do you choose the right patch management software?

Selecting the best patch management solution for your business can save time, secure your environment, and make life easier for your IT team. To choose the best patch management software for your business, consider these factors:

  • Functionality

  • Ease of use

  • Supported systems and third-party applications

  • Reporting options

  • Available support

Once you’ve narrowed down your patch management software options, schedule a demo to see the solution you’re considering in action. Demos are a quick and easy way to explore the features, assess the ease of use, and ask any lingering questions.

How do you patch remote devices?

Two types of solutions allow sysadmins to manage remote devices: agent-based and agentless.

  • Agent-based solutions: Once an agent is installed on the target device, an agent-based solution allows remote monitoring, inventorying, patching, and deployment from the cloud whenever the machine is connected to the internet. PDQ Connect is an agent-based solution.

  • Agentless solutions: To patch remote devices through an agentless solution, the machine must connect to your VPN. If you have readily compliant users, this option can be quick, easy, and convenient. Otherwise, prepare to dedicate time to begging users to log in to your VPN. PDQ Deploy & Inventory use an agentless approach.