Alternatives to Windows Server Update Services
A Windows Server role that lets administrators control distribution of Microsoft updates across their network. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Windows Server Update Services
A Windows Server role that lets administrators control distribution of Microsoft updates across their network.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Windows Server Update Services.
Action1
A cloud-based patch management service for Windows, macOS and Linux endpoints, free for 200 devices.
Action1 is a cloud service with no server to run, patches third-party apps as well as Windows, covers macOS and Linux, and is free for 200 endpoints.
PDQ Connect
A cloud-based endpoint and patch management service for Windows and macOS devices.
PDQ Connect is a paid cloud service that adds software deployment and inventory, covers macOS as well as Windows, and manages devices outside the office network.
Tactical RMM
A self-hosted remote monitoring and management tool with agents for Windows, Linux and macOS.
Tactical RMM is a self-hosted, source-available RMM that adds remote desktop, scripting and Chocolatey software installs to Windows patching, with agents for Linux and macOS too.
Fleet
An open device management platform for MDM, software patching and vulnerability management across operating systems.
Fleet is an open source, self-hosted platform that combines patching with MDM and vulnerability management across several operating systems, with some features needing a paid license.
Atera
A hosted IT management platform combining remote monitoring, ticketing, patch management and AI agents.
Atera is a paid hosted service with no self-hosted option that bundles patch management with remote monitoring, ticketing and an AI agent for incidents.
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft's cloud endpoint management service for managing and securing company devices and apps.
Microsoft Intune is a paid cloud service tied to a Microsoft tenant that manages devices and apps from one console, rather than an on-premises Windows Server role.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
Patch management software that scans endpoints and deploys operating system and third-party application updates.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is a paid product patching Windows, macOS and Linux plus third-party apps, drivers and BIOS, deployable on-premises or in the cloud.
Automox
Cloud service for patching operating systems, third-party software and configuration across Windows, macOS and Linux endpoints.
Automox is a paid cloud service applying one patch policy across Windows, macOS and Linux, with third-party patching, rollout rings and reboot enforcement.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit
Microsoft tools and security baselines for analyzing, testing and comparing Windows security configurations.
NTLite
A Windows image customizer for removing components, integrating updates and drivers, and automating setup.
Sysinternals Suite
Microsoft's bundle of Sysinternals troubleshooting and diagnostic utilities for Windows in a single download.
Munki
An open-source set of tools for managing software installs and removals on macOS client machines.
AutoPkg
A command-line automation framework for downloading, packaging and distributing macOS software.
Windows Admin Center
Browser-based remote management tool for Windows Server and PCs, included with Windows Server at no extra cost.
