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Currently we are using Microsoft WSUS for windows updates patches deployment for domain computers, & WDS for network based windows 10 deployment. as both roles are EOL/EOS by microsoft , therefore We are searching for some affordable alternative products either by microsoft or 3rd party.
What other companies are using for server/clients Windows Patch Mmanagement and Network boot windows deployments? (WSUS/WDS alternatives)

5 Spice ups
2

For WSUS Action1 is free for 100 endpoints, if you have more than this, you pay for any additional - patch management, inventory, etc.

As for deployment, fog, clonezilla, intune/autopilot, sccm - take your pick.

FYI, WSUS is not stopping, Microsoft are just no longer developing any new features for it, it’s still available in 2025.

There are loads of patch management solutions too, Ivanti Neurons, PDQ Deploy/Inventory, NinjaOne ManageEngine SolarWinds it’s going to come down to cost and your needs.

4 Spice ups
3

I’ve used WSUS and PDQ to manage Windows updates. I feel like you get more control over the timing with PDQ. WSUS gives you more Windows products you can update. At my current place we use Tanium but so far I’m not a fan of it.

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@peter-action1 Action1 is the way to go.

1 Spice up
5

Patch My PC is great for third-party patching. It’s very much set and forget it.

Windows AutoPatch works well along with Intune for devices.

6

I’m in a similar boat. Currently I use WSUS and PDQ Deploy. Deploy does a good job with the monthly workstation and server updates, but WSUS covers a lot more programs; hopefully PDQ will add them for whenever Microsoft pulls the plug.

I currently use MDT and PDQ Deploy for workstation imaging; Microsoft says Windows 11 isn’t supported but it’s working; although if it stops working I’ll be out of luck, so I’m looking for alternatives for that, too.

7

In addition to the suggestions already made, if you have the appropriate azure/365 licensing, you can use Intune for Windows 10/11 and Azure ARC for on prem servers so that you can use Azure updates for servers just as you would if they were Azure Virtual Machines.

That being said, having done all of them Action1 has been the best solution. ARC is free, but you have to have analytics workspaces to hold the data and there is a cost to that.

Intune if you are licensed for it is easy enough to do but the reporting is not great and it lags terribly behind the actual patching and third party products are an issue.

2 Spice ups
8

Windows Update for Business is a great replacement for WSUS. It is essentially free and can be controlled via group policy or Intune. Intune also includes reporting.