RMM Patch Management: The Complete 2025 Guide to Securing and Optimizing Your IT Infrastructure

Patch management is one of the most important processes for maintaining a secure, stable, and efficient IT environment. As organizations rely more heavily on digital tools and cloud-based systems, the demand for consistent, accurate patch deployment has never been higher. Without a solid strategy, you risk security breaches, performance degradation, and costly compliance violations.

In 2025, Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platforms have transformed patching from a manual chore into an automated, scalable process. This guide explores everything from automated patch management and cloud-based patch management to enterprise patch management software, with a detailed look at Windows patch management, Mac patch management, and 3rd party patch management software.

Whether you are an MSP managing thousands of endpoints across multiple clients or an internal IT department supporting a distributed workforce, this guide will show you how to implement the best patch management software for enterprises, follow SCCM patch management best practices, and ensure IT compliance while improving efficiency.

What is Patch Management?

Patch management is the process of applying updates, or patches, to software, operating systems, firmware, and applications. These updates may fix vulnerabilities, improve performance, or add new features. An effective patch program addresses several key categories:

• Security patches: Address vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit.
• Bug fixes: Resolve errors that impact system stability.
• Feature updates: Introduce new capabilities or enhancements.
• Driver updates: Improve hardware compatibility and performance.
• Microsoft out-of-band update deployment: Emergency fixes delivered outside of regular update schedules.

Patch management is closely linked to vulnerability remediation and endpoint security, making it a cornerstone of cybersecurity strategies for all organizations.

The Role of RMM in Patch Management

RMM platforms automate patch management across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and a variety of third-party applications. They offer:

• Real-time scanning for missing patches.
• Centralized dashboards to monitor update status.
• Scheduling tools for deploying updates during off-hours.
• Compliance reporting for IT audits and regulations.

With the right enterprise patch management software, teams can ensure consistency across all devices, reduce manual workload, and eliminate the risk of missing critical updates.

Automated Patch Management

Automated patch management allows IT teams to identify missing updates, prioritize based on severity, and deploy patches to endpoints without manual intervention. The benefits include:

• Faster vulnerability remediation: Reducing the time between patch release and deployment.
• Reduced human error: Eliminating manual steps lowers the risk of mistakes.
• Consistent patching: Every device receives updates on the same schedule.
• Scalability: Supports hundreds or thousands of devices without increasing staff workload.

For organizations researching how to automate patch deployment, automated systems offer significant time savings and improved security posture. Combining this with software update automation ensures timely application of both OS and third-party patches.

Cloud-Based Patch Management

Cloud-based patch management has become essential for modern organizations, especially those supporting remote or hybrid workforces. Benefits include:

• No need for on-premise servers or infrastructure.
• Updates can be deployed to any device, anywhere in the world.
• Centralized monitoring for global operations.
• Faster rollout of critical updates without VPN dependency.

For MSPs managing multiple clients, cloud-based solutions reduce travel, improve service delivery times, and allow technicians to work from anywhere.

Windows Patch Management

Windows patch management focuses on distributing Microsoft updates to desktops, servers, and virtual environments. Best practices include:

• Setting patch baselines for critical updates.
• Using pilot groups to test updates before full deployment.
• Applying SCCM patch management best practices for enterprise environments.
• Monitoring patch compliance in real time to ensure IT compliance.

Mac Patch Management

For Mac environments, patching goes beyond the operating system to include firmware and third-party applications. Automated Mac patch management solutions can:

• Scan for missing updates.
• Deploy patches across distributed endpoints.
• Maintain compliance with industry standards.
• Integrate with management tools like Jamf, Kandji, and Addigy.

3rd Party Patch Management Software

Third-party applications are a major source of vulnerabilities. The best 3rd party patch management software automatically detects missing updates for apps like Adobe, Zoom, and Java, then deploys them without disrupting users. Features to look for include:

• Integration with your existing IT infrastructure.
• Pre-deployment testing to avoid breaking dependencies.
• Reporting capabilities for compliance and audits.

SCCM Patch Management

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a Microsoft tool designed for managing updates in enterprise settings. SCCM patch management best practices include:

• Integrating SCCM with WSUS and Intune for hybrid management.
• Using phased deployments to reduce disruption.
• Leveraging rollback features for failed updates.
• Conducting compliance assessments regularly.

Best Patch Management Software for Enterprises

When selecting the best patch management software for enterprises, look for cross-platform support, automation features, and strong compliance reporting. Top contenders include:

1. Level

Cross-platform RMM with automated scheduling, real-time alerts, and transparent $2 per endpoint/month pricing. Book a demo to learn more.

2. Action1‍

Cloud-native patching with peer-to-peer distribution and a free tier for up to 200 endpoints.

3. Automox‍

Lightweight, policy-driven automation for Windows, macOS, Linux, and 500+ apps.

4. NinjaOne‍

Full RMM platform with granular remote patch control.

5. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus‍

Supports 850+ third-party applications and all major OS types.

Best Practices for Patch Management

To ensure effective patch deployment, follow these steps:

• Create a documented patch management policy.
• Prioritize security patches and schedule non-critical updates strategically.
• Implement software update automation to reduce delays.
• Track patch status and maintain audit logs for IT compliance.
• Test patches in a staging environment before deployment.
• Train IT staff on the latest tools and techniques.

Real-World Case Studies

Case Study 1: MSP Scaling With Cloud-Based Patch Management

Background:
A Managed Service Provider with 2,800 endpoints across 35 client organizations struggled to maintain consistent patch compliance. Clients operated on different schedules and platforms, including Windows, macOS, and multiple third-party applications. Manual patching consumed nearly 40 hours of technician time each week.

Solution:
The MSP implemented cloud-based patch management through an RMM platform that offered automated patch management for all operating systems and integrated 3rd party patch management software.

Key Actions:

• Set enterprise patch management software policies for each client.
• Used software update automation to schedule overnight deployments.
• Applied SCCM patch management best practices for their larger enterprise clients using hybrid environments.
• Configured real-time vulnerability remediation alerts.

Results:

• Patch compliance rose from 78% to 99% in three months.
• Reduced technician patching workload by 85%.
• Improved client satisfaction and contract renewals due to faster, more consistent updates.

Takeaway:
For MSPs, combining cloud-based patch management with strong automation and compliance tracking can dramatically improve service quality and operational efficiency.

Case Study 2: Enterprise Meeting IT Compliance Through Automated Patch Deployment

Background:
A global financial services company with 15,000 endpoints across multiple continents faced regulatory pressure to improve patch deployment times. The company’s security audits highlighted gaps in IT compliance and inconsistent patching for third-party applications.

Solution:
The IT department deployed enterprise patch management software capable of managing Windows patch management, Mac patch management, and 3rd party patch management software from a single console. They implemented automated patch management policies and Microsoft out-of-band update deployment workflows for high-severity vulnerabilities.

Key Actions:

• Created a patch management policy aligned with PCI-DSS and other industry regulations.
• Implemented software update automation for security patches while maintaining manual review for feature updates.
• Conducted quarterly patch testing drills to validate SCCM patch management best practices.
• Integrated reporting into audit workflows to provide regulators with detailed compliance proof.

Results:

• Reduced patch deployment window from 14 days to less than 48 hours for critical vulnerabilities.
• Passed two consecutive external compliance audits with zero findings.
• Eliminated over $250,000 in potential fines related to non-compliance.

Takeaway:
Large enterprises benefit from automated patch deployment combined with real-time reporting and compliance integration, ensuring they meet strict regulatory standards while reducing operational risk.

Final Thoughts

Patch management is no longer optional. In 2025, the combination of automated patch management, cloud-based patch management, and strong vulnerability remediation practices ensures security, compliance, and operational efficiency. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, investing in the right tools and strategies will keep your endpoints secure and your IT team ahead of potential threats.