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Patch management is essential for security and compliance. This 2025 guide explains how to automate updates across Windows, Mac, Linux, and third-party apps.
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.
Patch management is applying updates, called patches, to software, operating systems, and applications to fix security vulnerabilities, bugs, or performance issues. These include:
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools automate patch management across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party apps. They provide:
Automated patch management software identifies missing patches, prioritizes them based on severity, and deploys them across endpoints without human intervention. Key benefits include:
Cloud patching tools deliver updates remotely, without the need for on-premise infrastructure. This is essential for:
Windows patch management focuses on deploying Microsoft updates across desktops, servers, and VMs. It includes security patches, feature updates, driver updates, and more.
MacOS systems require patching for the OS, firmware, and third-party apps. Automated tools help by:
Third-party apps (e.g., Zoom, Adobe, Java) often introduce vulnerabilities. Managing these is critical. Good third-party patching software will:
System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a Microsoft tool that:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patch management plays a crucial role in:
Whether you’re managing 50 or 5,000 endpoints, automating patch management is no longer optional—it’s critical.
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:
Patch Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party applications from one browser-based dashboard, no local infrastructure required.
Automate patch scans and deployments with customizable schedules, delay updates until stable, and get real-time alerts when patches fail.
Level is fast to deploy, easy to learn, and designed to run lean, ideal for teams managing hundreds or thousands of endpoints.
With features like end-to-end encryption, IP restrictions, custom access controls, and audit logs, Level helps you stay compliant and secure.
$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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.