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  1. Home>
  2. IT Topics>
  3. Security>
  4. Software Update Monitoring
PRTG Logo

Software Update Monitoring with PRTG

Check that your programs and applications are patched and up-to-date

  • Monitor patches & updates in your network, including Windows
  • Get notified of faulty or incomplete updates and missing patches
  • Free up precious time with automated, real-time monitoring
Free download
product overview

Our users give top ratings for monitoring with Paessler PRTG

Gartner peer insights
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Capterra
G2
Trustpilot

PRTG software update monitoring: What you will find on this page

Table of content
  • 3 update problems you can avoid by using PRTG
  • What update & patch monitoring looks like in PRTG
  • 4 reasons to choose PRTG as your update checking tool
  • Go beyond update and patch monitoring with PRTG
  • Explore our preconfigured PRTG sensors for software update monitoring
  • Software Update Monitoring: FAQ

PRTG makes Windows update & patch management as easy as it gets

Custom alerts and data visualization let you quickly identify and prevent system updating issues.

Free download
PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Greater software security with PRTG update checker

Paessler PRTG’s professional update and patch monitoring improves your network security and gives you peace of mind by ensuring your active operating systems and applications are always up-to-date.

Why?

Software and operating systems constantly evolve as weak spots are eliminated and security loopholes are closed. You must quickly add security updates and patches in order to remove dangerous entryways into your systems.

How?

With PRTG in the background, you no longer need to manually check for the latest versions, and you can rest assured that everything is in order with your Windows and Linux systems, and other hosts.

Table of content

3 update problems you can avoid by using PRTG

Icon update

Missing updates

PRTG helps you keep track of your entire network to avoid missing updates. IT infrastructures tend to expand over the years with new servers, routers, workstations, and other network devices and endpoints from different manufacturers.

Because they’re added to the network at different times, they often run on different versions of an OS or on different systems. Plus, the same patch or update is not always required for every computer. Avoid these update issues with PRTG.

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Installation errors

PRTG helps you avoid errors during installations. Like backups, many updates are performed at night to prevent them from disrupting a company’s daily business.

However, if errors occur at night, they’re not always detected the next morning. The PRTG automatic update and patch checker keeps system administrators in the know so you can avoid costly errors.

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Security loopholes

PRTG helps you close security loopholes and avoid security risks due to outdated software. Without an update and patch checker, security loopholes can quickly crop up in the network – and firewalls and antivirus software often provide for little or no defense against network attacks.

PRTG update and patch monitoring helps system administrators keep their systems secure.

What update & patch monitoring looks like in PRTG

Diagnose network issues by continuously tracking software updates and patches. Show faulty or incomplete updates and other key metrics in real time. Visualize monitoring data in clear graphs and dashboards to identify problems more easily. Gain the overview you need to troubleshoot errors during the installation of updates.

PRTG screenshot graph live data traffic

Live traffic data graph in PRTG

PRTG Screenshot device tree view

Device tree view of the complete monitoring setup

PRTG screenshot map entire it infrastructure

Custom PRTG dashboard for keeping an eye on the entire IT infrastructure

PRTG screenshot graph live data traffic

Live traffic data graph in PRTG

PRTG Screenshot device tree view

Device tree view of the complete monitoring setup

Start update monitoring with PRTG and see how it can make your network more reliable and your job easier.

Free download
PRODUCT OVERVIEW

IT experts agree: Paessler PRTG is a great solution for IT infrastructure monitoring

PCMag

“All-around winning
 network monitor”

IT Brief

“The real beauty of PRTG is the endless possibilities it offers”

ITPro

“PRTG Network Monitor 
is very hard to beat”

4 reasons to choose PRTG as your update checking tool

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A complete dashboard overview

Get an easy, visualized dashboard overview of the status of your software and operating system, as well as any updates and patches that were successful or failed.

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Customizable automatic notifications

Should an update fail or security patches become available, you will be notified immediately by email, SMS, or whatever mode you choose.

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Automation for a lighter workload

By relying on PRTG sensors and notifications, you no longer need to lose precious time manually checking each and every case.

Icon security shield

Better security to avoid weak spots

Thanks to the additional safeguarding of your update process, you can ensure critical weak spots are eliminated as quickly as possible to bolster your network security.

Go beyond update and patch monitoring with PRTG

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Free update and patch checker

Just want to ensure your operating system is always up-to-date? If so, then the free version of PRTG is for you. It comes with 100 sensors, alerting and reporting functionality, and many other features. Download PRTG, create your sensors, and get started with free limited monitoring.

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All-in-one network monitoring tool

Want to monitor your entire IT infrastructure? PRTG can also keep a constant eye on the status of your network, applications, bandwidth, traffic, and more. Our comprehensive monitoring software comes with a customizable alarm system that alerts you to disruptions or malfunctions before they become emergencies.

Explore our preconfigured PRTG sensors for software update monitoring

PRTG comes with more than 250 native sensor types for monitoring your entire on-premises, cloud, and hybrid cloud environment out of the box. Check out some examples below!

Windows Updates Status (PowerShell)

The Windows Updates Status (PowerShell) sensor monitors the status of Windows updates on a computer and counts the available and installed Windows updates that are either from Microsoft or from the local Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server. It can show the following:

  • Time passed since the last update
  • Number of hidden, installed, and missing updates with low and moderate severity
  • Number of hidden, installed, and missing updates with unclassified severity
  • Number of hidden, installed, and missing updates with important and critical severity
Windows Updates Status (PowerShell)
Windows Updates Status (PowerShell)

WMI Security Center

The WMI Security Center sensor monitors the security status of a Windows client system. It can monitor all security products that are controlled by Windows Security Center / Windows Action Center. It can show the following:

  • Status code of the security product
  • Downtime
WMI Security Cente
WMI Security Cente

WSUS Statistics

The WSUS Statistics sensor monitors various statistics on a Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server via Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). It can show the following and more:

  • Number of critical or security updates that were not approved
  • Number of computers that have update errors, need updates, have not synchronized for seven days, are registered, are up to date, or were declined
  • Number of updates that are unapproved but needed, need files, are up to date, have client errors, or have stale update approvals
  • Number of WSUS infrastructure updates that were not approved for installation
WSUS Statistics
WSUS Statistics

See the PRTG Manual for a list of all available sensor types.

PRTG is compatible with all major vendors, products, and systems

compatible with all major vendors, products, and systems

PRTG makes Windows update & patch management as easy as it gets

Custom alerts and data visualization let you quickly identify and prevent system updating issues.

Free download
PRODUCT OVERVIEW

“The best thing about PRTG is that it provides for simple and effective monitoring, all the while respecting the security requirements of manufacturers. PRTG is so easy to use, that many of our monitoring tasks are now handled by our interns. We will definitely expand our use of the software in the future.”

Karsten Boettger, Head of IT
LAKUMED Clinics

”PRTG helps us monitor critical security systems to give customers the peace of mind that their devices are operational and protecting their valuable assets.”

Rob Jackson, President
Integrated Precision Systems

“When it comes to security, we do of course use classic tools such as firewalls, virus scanners, and intrusion detection systems. However, these are no longer enough today. PRTG provides for additional security by detecting unusual behavior which may be a sign that a hacker has outsmarted our security systems.”

Damir Karacic, IT Administrator
Noris Inklusion

“Monitoring with PRTG is crucial for security. Today’s threats can move low and slow, so in addition to looking at the usual suspects, you also need to keep tabs on other indicators. For example, if a server is running a peak capacity for no apparent reason, you want to know so you can take a look and see what’s up – for example an open connection that is being used to extract data in a ransomware attack.”

Jon Larsen, CIO
Richweb

“The best thing about PRTG is that it provides for simple and effective monitoring, all the while respecting the security requirements of manufacturers. PRTG is so easy to use, that many of our monitoring tasks are now handled by our interns. We will definitely expand our use of the software in the future.”

Karsten Boettger, Head of IT
LAKUMED Clinics

”PRTG helps us monitor critical security systems to give customers the peace of mind that their devices are operational and protecting their valuable assets.”

Rob Jackson, President
Integrated Precision Systems

Your software update monitor at a glance – even on the go

PRTG is set up in a matter of minutes and can be used on a wide variety of mobile devices.

device overview
Gartner peer insights

“Great interface, intuitive, full REST support. custom scripts, rest sensors add extra value. We have been using PRTG for 10 years now in multiple environments and use cases. it has by far the best interface and very easy to setup without prior experience.”

Read the complete review at Gartner Peer Insights

Create innovative solutions with Paessler’s IT partners

Partnering with innovative IT vendors, Paessler unleashes synergies to create
new and additional benefits for joined customers.

baramundi

baramundi

baramundi and PRTG create a secure, reliable and powerful IT infrastructure where you have everything under control - from the traffic in your firewall to the configuration of your clients.

Read more
NetBrain

NetBrain

Integrating monitoring results from PRTG into NetBrain maps makes the foundation for network automation.

Read more
Telchemy

Telchemy

Combine PRTG’s monitoring of everything with SQmediator’s deep insights into your communications infrastructure to ensure and improve your company’s communications plant and troubleshooting abilities.

Read more

Find the root cause of the problem with our PRTG software update monitoring solution

Real-time notifications mean faster troubleshooting so that you can act before more serious issues occur.

Free download
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Paessler PRTG

Paessler PRTG

Network Monitoring Software – Version 25.2.106.1114 (May 05th, 2025)

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Hosting

Download for Windows and cloud-based version PRTG Hosted Monitor available

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Languages

English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese

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Monitor everything

Network devices, bandwidth, servers, applications, virtual environments, remote systems, IoT, and more

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Pricing

Choose the PRTG Network Monitor subscription that's best for you

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Software Update Monitoring: FAQ

 

What is patch monitoring?

Patches are offered for operating systems and software. They are usually made available when an error is detected which must be fixed at once. Such errors often include security loopholes. Windows, for example, can offer several patches in one package. Each patch detected by the PRTG patch checker has a different version number.

What is update monitoring?

Updates are also used to optimize programs. But unlike patches, they are scheduled in advance and do not take place at once. Updates (or “upgrades”) are offered when new features become available for a system or piece of software. They therefore upgrade and enhance programs. The program is updated and receives a new version number.

Why should I check for updates and patches?

Checking for updates and patches is crucial for several reasons, primarily related to the security, performance, and functionality of your software, operating systems, and applications. Here are some key reasons why you should regularly update and patch your systems:

  • Developers release updates and patches to fix security vulnerabilities discovered in their software.
  • Updates and patches often include fixes for bugs and glitches present in earlier versions.
  • As technology evolves, software developers update their products to ensure compatibility with the latest hardware and operating systems.
  • Updates often introduce new features, enhancements, or improvements to existing functionality.
  • Updates may include security measures to protect your data.
  • Software vendors typically provide support for the latest versions of their products.
How does checking updates with PRTG work?

A sensor scans your operating systems for their current version, then inquires online as to the most current version available. If the two do not match, you will be notified or an update will be arranged. An example: PRTG includes the preconfigured Windows Updates Status (PowerShell) sensor so you can be sure your Windows OS is always up-to-date.

What is a sensor in PRTG?

In PRTG, “sensors” are the basic monitoring elements. One sensor usually monitors one measured value in your network, for example the traffic of a switch port, the CPU load of a server, or the free space on a disk drive. On average, you need about 5-10 sensors per device or one sensor per switch port.

We asked: would you recommend PRTG? Over 95% of our customers say yes!

Paessler conducted trials in over 600 IT departments worldwide to tune its network monitoring software closer to the needs of sysadmins. The result of the survey: over 95% of the participants would recommend PRTG – or already have.

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Still not convinced?

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More than 500,000 sysadmins love PRTG

Paessler PRTG is used by companies of all sizes. Sysadmins love PRTG because it makes their job a whole lot easier.

PRTG

Monitor your entire IT infrastructure

Bandwidth, servers, virtual environments, websites, VoIP services – PRTG keeps an eye on your entire network.

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Try Paessler PRTG for free

Everyone has different monitoring needs. That’s why we let you try PRTG for free.

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Start update monitoring with PRTG and see how it can make your network more reliable and your job easier.

Free download
PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Products

  • Paessler PRTG
    Paessler PRTGMonitor your whole IT infrastructure
    • PRTG Network Monitor
    • PRTG Enterprise Monitor
    • PRTG Hosted Monitor
  • PRTG extensions
    Extensions for Paessler PRTGExtend your monitoring to a new level
  • Icon Features
    FeaturesExplore all monitoring features

Monitoring with PRTG

  • Network monitoring
  • Bandwidth monitoring
  • SNMP monitoring
  • Network mapping
  • Wi-Fi monitoring
  • Server monitoring
  • Network traffic analyzer
  • NetFlow monitoring
  • Syslog server

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  • PRTG Manual
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  • PRTG Support
  • PRTG Consulting

Contact

Paessler GmbH
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90411 Nuremberg 
Germany

info@paessler.com

+49 911 93775-0

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