Gartner Insights Abstract

Modernize Windows and Third-Party Application Patching

Published: 30 July 2024

Summary

End-user services leaders can improve efficiency and security by taking a modern approach to patching Windows and third-party applications on endpoints. This research provides guidance on strategies and technologies that can improve endpoint patching.

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Overview

Key Findings
  • Endpoint management teams are often overwhelmed with the volume of applications to patch, the frequency of updates and the criticality of applying patches to reduce vulnerabilities.

  • Outdated patching processes that are labor-intensive depend on extensive testing, and monolithic rollout processes are too slow to effectively defend against a growing volume of cyberattacks.

  • Endpoint management teams rarely have the right tools to identify and remediate performance and stability issues caused by patching.

Recommendations

To improve endpoint patching success, end-user services leaders must:

  • Enable location-independent management of OS updates and application patches by embracing modern Windows management methodologies with unified endpoint management (UEM)

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