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Complete Guide to Patch Management Software and Automation in 2025

Patch management is essential for security and compliance. This 2025 guide explains how to automate updates across Windows, Mac, Linux, and third-party apps.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Complete Guide to Patch Management Software and Automation in 2025

RMM patch management is important to maintaining secure and efficient IT systems. As businesses rely on technology more and more, managing patches becomes necessary. You must use these RMM tools to prevent security vulnerabilities and maintain smooth operations.

This guide explores the key features and best practices for patch management and automation. It merges insights from cloud-based, Windows, Mac, third-party, and enterprise patching workflows to give you a complete view of the patching landscape in 2025.

What is Patch Management?

Patch management is applying updates, called patches, to software, operating systems, and applications to fix security vulnerabilities, bugs, or performance issues. These include:

  • Security patches: Fix vulnerabilities attackers could exploit.
  • Bug fixes: Resolve software glitches or stability issues.
  • Feature updates: Add or enhance functionalities.
  • Driver updates: Improve hardware compatibility.
  • Out-of-band (OOB) updates: Emergency patches released outside standard cycles.

The Role of RMM in Patch Management

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools automate patch management across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party apps. They provide:

  • Real-time scanning and alerts
  • Centralized dashboards for update status
  • Scheduling tools to deploy patches during off-peak hours
  • Compliance tracking and reporting

Automated Patch Management

Automated patch management software identifies missing patches, prioritizes them based on severity, and deploys them across endpoints without human intervention. Key benefits include:

  • Faster vulnerability remediation
  • Reduced manual workload
  • Consistent patching across devices
  • Fewer errors and missed updates

Cloud-Based Patch Management

Cloud patching tools deliver updates remotely, without the need for on-premise infrastructure. This is essential for:

  • Remote and distributed teams
  • Faster scalability for MSPs and IT departments
  • Reducing the overhead of managing physical servers
  • Centralized monitoring from any location

Windows Patch Management

Windows patch management focuses on deploying Microsoft updates across desktops, servers, and VMs. It includes security patches, feature updates, driver updates, and more.

  • Establish patch baselines
  • Test updates in staging environments
  • Automate with tools like SCCM or cloud RMMs
  • Monitor patch compliance in real time

Mac Patch Management

MacOS systems require patching for the OS, firmware, and third-party apps. Automated tools help by:

  • Scanning and deploying updates across distributed Mac endpoints
  • Maintaining security and compliance
  • Reducing performance issues and crashes
  • Supporting tools like Jamf, Addigy, Kandji, and Level

3rd-Party Patch Management

Third-party apps (e.g., Zoom, Adobe, Java) often introduce vulnerabilities. Managing these is critical. Good third-party patching software will:

  • Automatically detect and apply missing patches
  • Integrate with existing IT infrastructure
  • Support compliance reporting
  • Minimize downtime with scheduling and pre-deployment testing

SCCM Patch Management

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a Microsoft tool that:

  • Manages updates for Windows, servers, embedded systems, and VMs
  • Supports phased and automatic deployments
  • Integrates with WSUS and Intune for hybrid management
  • Offers compliance assessments, reporting, and rollback functionality

Top RMM Patch Management Software in 2025

When choosing an RMM patch management tool, three options stand out for their capabilities and ease of use. Below are some top tools to consider:

1. Level

A modern, browser-based RMM platform built for fast, automated patch deployment across Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party apps. Level offers real-time alerts, patch scheduling, and simple pricing that scales with you.

  • Cross-platform patching for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Real-time alerts and reporting
  • Scheduled deployment and patch profiles
  • Transparent pricing at $2 per endpoint/month
  • 2. Action1

    A cloud-native patch management solution ideal for remote and distributed teams. It automates patch detection, deployment, and compliance tracking, with a free plan for up to 200 endpoints.

  • Cloud-native with P2P distribution
  • Free up to 200 endpoints
  • Prioritized patching and compliance tracking
  • 3. Automox

    A lightweight, cloud-first patching tool designed for speed and scalability. Automox supports scripting and policy-driven updates across multiple OS platforms, including third-party applications.

  • Cloud-based with support for over 500 apps
  • Policy-driven patching and automation via scripting
  • Great for global or hybrid workforces
  • 4. NinjaOne

    A full-featured RMM solution with robust patch management, remote monitoring, and endpoint automation. It supports unattended remote patching with granular control and real-time compliance tracking.

  • Comprehensive RMM with real-time visibility
  • Supports remote patching without VPN
  • Pre-approval, rollback, and compliance features
  • 5. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus

    An enterprise-grade patching tool that supports over 850 third-party applications and all major OS types. It includes customizable deployment policies, detailed reporting, and built-in rollback options.

  • Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and 850+ third-party apps
  • Extensive reporting and automation
  • Built-in patch testing and rollback
  • Best Practices for Patch Management

    • Define patch policies tailored to your infrastructure
    • Prioritize security patches and test non-critical ones
    • Schedule deployments during off-hours
    • Use automation to scale and reduce errors
    • Track patch status and maintain audit logs
    • Train IT staff to use patch tools effectively
    • Proactively test patches in staging environments

    Why Patch Management Matters

    Patch management plays a crucial role in:

    • Vulnerability remediation
    • Endpoint security
    • Regulatory compliance
    • System stability and uptime
    • Cost control through prevention

    Whether you’re managing 50 or 5,000 endpoints, automating patch management is no longer optional—it’s critical.

    Simplify Your IT Management with Level

    Why Choose Level for Patch Management

    Level is built for modern IT teams and MSPs who need simple, powerful, and scalable patch management without the complexity or high costs of legacy tools. Here’s why Level stands out:

    Cross-Platform Support

    Patch Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party applications from one browser-based dashboard, no local infrastructure required.

    Automated & Flexible

    Automate patch scans and deployments with customizable schedules, delay updates until stable, and get real-time alerts when patches fail.

    Lightweight & Fast

    Level is fast to deploy, easy to learn, and designed to run lean, ideal for teams managing hundreds or thousands of endpoints.

    Built-In Security

    With features like end-to-end encryption, IP restrictions, custom access controls, and audit logs, Level helps you stay compliant and secure.

    Transparent Pricing

    $2 per endpoint per month, with no contracts or hidden fees. Minimum $20/month. Nonprofits and public sector teams enjoy a 10% discount on annual billing.

    Unified RMM Experience

    Beyond patching, Level includes remote access, endpoint monitoring, scripting, and asset inventory, streamlined under one intuitive UI.

    Book a demo or try Level free for 14 days right now!

    FAQs About RMM Patch Management

    What is RMM patch management?

    RMM patch management refers to using RMM tools to automate the patch management process. These tools help IT professionals deploy patches, monitor systems, configure, and make sure that all software, including third-party applications, is up-to-date and secure.

    How does automated patch management improve security?

    Automated patch management improves security by having all devices receive the latest patches as soon as they are available. This reduces the window of vulnerability and minimizes the risk of security breaches caused by outdated software or missing patches.

    How can RMM tools help with compliance?

    RMM tools assist with compliance by upholding patch management policies and providing detailed reports on patch deployments. These reports can demonstrate compliance with industry regulations during audits and keep systems up-to-date and secure.

    Level: Simplify IT Management

    At Level, we understand the modern challenges faced by IT professionals. That's why we've crafted a robust, browser-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that's as flexible as it is secure. Whether your team operates on Windows, Mac, or Linux, Level equips you with the tools to manage, monitor, and control your company's devices seamlessly from anywhere.

    Ready to revolutionize how your IT team works? Experience the power of managing a thousand devices as effortlessly as one. Start with Level today—sign up for a free trial or book a demo to see Level in action.