Azure Update Manager
Azure Update Manager: A strong fit for Azure and Arc teams managing scheduled, policy-based server patching. Ranked #14 of 48 in Patch Management Software by our editors (7.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for azure and Arc server administrators.
At a glance
- Editor score7.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAzure and Arc server administrators
- Free planYes
- Third-party patchingYes
- Founded1975 · Redmond, Washington, USA
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- No additional Update Manager charge for Azure VMs
- Recurring daily, weekly, or monthly maintenance schedules
- Third-party patching through repositories or WSUS
Where it doesn't
- Azure Arc resources can cost up to $5 per server monthly
- Non-Azure machines require Azure Arc connectivity
- Offline device support is not available
Our verdict on Azure Update Manager
Azure Update Manager is a Microsoft patch-management service for Windows and Linux server machines. It centralizes update-compliance monitoring across Azure virtual machines, Azure Arc-enabled servers, on-premises environments, and other cloud platforms. Administrators can assess updates, deploy patches immediately or on a schedule, scope deployments across machine groups, and review deployment results. It is best suited to teams already administering Azure infrastructure or hybrid and multicloud servers through Azure Arc.
Pricing is structured around the resource type. Azure VMs have no additional Update Manager charge with an Azure account. Azure Arc resources are priced at up to $5 per server per month, with daily prorating for managed Arc-enabled servers. The free Azure VM coverage makes the service particularly relevant for Azure-first environments, while Arc pricing should be considered when managing a broader server estate. The service is available through the web and API, with Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, and REST API support for administrative workflows.
Its strongest operational advantages are recurring maintenance schedules with daily, weekly, or monthly cadence, dynamic scoping, and Azure Policy-based deployment. It also supports third-party application patching through configured repositories or WSUS, resource-level role-based access control, update assessment and deployment reporting, and Extended Security Updates for supported Windows Server and SQL Server resources. Non-Azure machines require Azure Arc connectivity and depend on the machine’s configured update source, while offline device support is not available. Choose Azure Update Manager for centralized Azure and hybrid administration; teams seeking offline patching should consider an alternative.
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Azure Update Manager pricing
All 2 Azure Update Manager plans and prices →
Azure Update Manager fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Third-party patching | Yes |
| Reboot controls | Force |
| Scheduled deployment | Yes |
| Device limit | Not verified |
| Offline device support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: Azure Arc, Azure Policy, Windows Update, WSUS, Microsoft Update, Linux package repositories … |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | azure.microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Azure Update Manager integrations
Azure Update Manager lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- Azure Arc
- Azure Policy
- Windows Update
- WSUS
- Microsoft Update
- Linux package repositories
- Azure Workbooks
Alternatives to Azure Update Manager
- ManageEngine Patch Manager PlusA broad patching toolkit with free coverage and detailed deployment controls.9.4
- Action1Broad OS and third-party patch automation with a free first-200-endpoint plan.9.1
- AutomoxAffordable cloud patching with broader automation available on higher tiers.8.9
See all Azure Update Manager alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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