Microsoft has officially announced the deprecation of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), signaling the end of an era for this widely used patch management tool. While WSUS has served organizations for years by managing updates across Windows environments, its limitations—such as lack of cross-platform support, cumbersome third-party patching, and scalability challenges—have become apparent in today’s dynamic IT landscapes.

With WSUS on its way out, it’s essential to explore robust alternatives that can not only fill the gap but also offer modernized features tailored to diverse and complex IT needs. In this blog, we’ll highlight the best WSUS alternatives, focusing on their key features, pricing, and why they are better suited for today’s IT environments.

1. SecOps Solution

SecOps Solution is an advanced agent-less vulnerability and patch management tool that empowers organizations to promptly identify, prioritize and remediate vulnerabilities across their infrastructure and applications.

Features:

• Patch Management
• Supports both agent-less and agent-based SaaS and on-premise deployment modes available
• SecOps Solution provides the status of every individual patch at every stage of the patch process so that the user can monitor the process
• It provides a feature to create custom patch policies as well as gives a few predefined policies for keeping the systems secure
• Our solution offers pre-validated and revertible patches, ensuring one-click deployment and minimal disruption to operations.
• It supports driver and offline patching.
• Vulnerability Management

Pricing: SecOps Solution offers subscription-based pricing tailored to the specific needs and size of each organization. You can contact the SecOps teams for pricing.

How is it better than WSUS?

• Serves as a one-stop shop for vulnerability management. This eliminates the need for acquiring additional scanners or tools.
• With support for both agentless and agent-based architectures, SecOps Solution caters to diverse infrastructure needs, including on-prem installations.
• SecOps Solution delivers both summary and in-depth reports for all patch jobs, simplifying analysis and decision-making for IT teams.
• Provides detailed reporting and remediation guidance.

2. Automox

Automox is a cloud-native patch management platform designed to automate and simplify patching across diverse operating systems. Its real-time patching and centralized dashboard make it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.

Features:

• Simple and straightforward agent setup
• SaaS mode-only Agent-based architecture
• Custom and predefined patch policies are available
• Policy-based reporting, but report generation can be complex

Pros:

• Simple setup and basic patch management capabilities

Cons:

• Limited customization in scheduling.
• Lacks extensive post-patch status validation
• Does not support driver patching
• Does not support offline patching

3. SolarWinds Patch Manager

SolarWinds Patch Manager is a comprehensive patch management solution that integrates with existing infrastructure like WSUS and SCCM, offering real-time insights and automation to keep systems secure and compliant.

Features:

• Supports both agent-based and agentless architecture
• Supports driver patching
• Supports offline patching
• Custom and predefined patch policies are available

Pros:

• Simplified deployment for both Microsoft and non-Microsoft patches.
• Detailed reporting and easy integration with existing systems.

Cons:

• Setting up SolarWinds Patch Manager can involve multiple steps, including downloading the software, configuring the Patch Manager Web Console, and integrating it with the SolarWinds Platform
• Does not support software deployment and custom script execution
• Lacks detailed post-patch validation

4. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus

ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is an all-in-one solution for automating patch deployment across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. With support for over 350 third-party applications, it ensures seamless patch management across environments.

Features:

• Only supports Agent-based setup On-prem and SaaS options are available
• Custom patch policies
• Supports driver patching
• Supports offline patching
• Good transparency with status updates for each stage

Pros:

• Suitable for basic patch management, but faces challenges with setup complexity and limited transparency

Cons:

• Lacks predefined policies for common applications
• Generates basic reports for patch tasks
• Complex agent setup lacks proper Linux support
• Lengthy configuration process

5. NinjaOne

NinjaOne offers comprehensive remote monitoring and management, including patch management and software deployment.

Features:

• Supports agent-based and agent-less deployment architecture
• Provides custom and predefined patch policies
• Supports software deployment and custom script execution
• Supports driver patching

Pros:

• Unified platform for RMM and patching.
• Intuitive interface.

Cons:

• Does not support offline patching

6. Ivanti Patch for Windows

Ivanti Patch for Windows delivers automated patching for both Windows and Linux systems while offering extensive support for third-party applications. It integrates well with SCCM and simplifies patch management.

Features:

• Supports agent-less and agent-based on-premise
• Custom patch policies
• Supports driver patching
• Supports offline patching

Pros:

• Standard patch management features with a complex setup process and limited transparency

Cons:

• Difficult agent setup that consumes significant resources
• Lacks predefined patch templates, requiring additional setup
• Supports basic reports for patch jobs
• Does not specify details for post-patch machine status validation

7. Patch My PC

Patch My PC simplifies patch management by automating updates for over 300 third-party applications. It integrates with Microsoft SCCM and Intune, providing an easy and efficient patching solution for Windows systems.

Features:

• Configuration is quick and easy
• Integration with Microsoft SCCM and Intune.
• Easy-to-use interface with automated updates.
• Supports offline patching

Pros:

• Wide range of supported apps.
• Simple and quick setup.

Cons:

• Lacks advanced reporting.
• Only supports Windows environments.

8. PDQ Deploy & Inventory

PDQ Deploy & Inventory is a patch management tool designed for Windows environments, offering easy-to-use features and customizable patch deployment options that allow IT admins to automate tasks efficiently.

Features:

• Only supports agent-less deployment architecture
• Provides custom and predefined patch policies
• Supports software deployment and custom script execution
• Supports driver patching
• Supports offline patching

Pros:

• A powerful tool for Windows systems.
• High level of customization in patch deployment.

Cons:

• Windows-only support.
• Generates basic reports for patch tasks

9. Kaseya VSA

Kaseya VSA is an all-in-one remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool that includes patch management automation for various operating systems. Its comprehensive IT management suite makes it ideal for medium to large enterprises.

Features:

• Full-featured RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) platform.
• Automated patch deployment across multiple OS and environments.
• Built-in compliance and reporting tools.

Pros:

• All-in-one IT management solution.
• Excellent automation for patch management.

Cons:

• The higher learning curve for beginners.
• Can be expensive for small businesses. As issues reported in terms of pricing state, it has hidden charges and is not a preferred option for MSSP.

10. GFI LanGuard

GFI LanGuard combines patch management with vulnerability scanning, giving organizations a robust solution to secure Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. Its centralized dashboard provides real-time patching insights.

Features:

• Supports both agent-less and agent-based deployment mode
• Supports software deployment and custom script execution
• Supports offline patching

Pros:

• Comprehensive network security features.
• Real-time patch management and reporting.

Cons:

• Does not support driver patching
• Initial setup and configuration can be complex and time-consuming

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SecOps Solution is a Full-stack Patch and Vulnerability Management Platform that helps organizations identify, prioritize, and remediate security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in seconds.‍

‍To learn more, get in touch.