Alternatives to PDQ Deploy
On-premises Windows tool for deploying software, running scripts and pushing configuration changes to computers. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
PDQ Deploy
On-premises Windows tool for deploying software, running scripts and pushing configuration changes to computers.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as PDQ Deploy.
PDQ Connect
A cloud-based endpoint and patch management service for Windows and macOS devices.
PDQ Connect is the cloud-based sibling that also manages macOS and devices outside the office network, replacing the on-premises Windows console with a hosted service.
ManageEngine Endpoint Central
Unified endpoint management suite for patching, software deployment, remote troubleshooting and securing desktops, servers and mobiles.
ManageEngine Endpoint Central adds patching and remote control for desktops, servers and mobiles, available as a download or hosted, but takes time to configure.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
Patch management software that scans endpoints and deploys operating system and third-party application updates.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus focuses on patching Windows, macOS and Linux including third-party apps, with cloud or on-premises deployment and agents on each machine.
Action1
A cloud-based patch management service for Windows, macOS and Linux endpoints, free for 200 devices.
Action1 is a cloud patching service free for 200 endpoints that also covers macOS and Linux, but it has no on-premises option.
Tactical RMM
A self-hosted remote monitoring and management tool with agents for Windows, Linux and macOS.
Tactical RMM is a free self-hosted RMM that installs software via Chocolatey and runs scheduled scripts, under a source-available license rather than a commercial one.
Automox
Cloud service for patching operating systems, third-party software and configuration across Windows, macOS and Linux endpoints.
Automox is a cloud-only service patching Windows, macOS and Linux under one policy, replacing the on-premises Windows tool.
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft's cloud endpoint management service for managing and securing company devices and apps.
Microsoft Intune moves software deployment to a paid Microsoft cloud console that also manages phones and apps, requiring a Microsoft tenant.
Also worth comparing
These listings name PDQ Deploy as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Windows Server Update Services
A Windows Server role that lets administrators control distribution of Microsoft updates across their network.
PDQ Deploy is a paid on-premises Windows tool that pushes software, scripts and patches to machines, covering third-party software rather than only Microsoft updates.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
NTLite
A Windows image customizer for removing components, integrating updates and drivers, and automating setup.
FOG Project
A free, self-hosted network imaging server for capturing and deploying operating system images to computers.
OCS Inventory NG
Open-source IT asset management server that inventories hardware and software across an organisation's devices.
PowerShell Universal
A self-hosted platform that turns PowerShell scripts into scheduled automation, REST APIs and web dashboards.
Sysinternals Suite
Microsoft's bundle of Sysinternals troubleshooting and diagnostic utilities for Windows in a single download.
