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Microsoft Configuration Manager vs Qualys Patch Management comparison

Microsoft and Qualys are both solutions in the Patch Management category. Microsoft is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.1, while Qualys is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.9. Microsoft holds a 12.0% mindshare in PM, compared to Qualys’s 4.3% mindshare. Additionally, 91% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 97% of Qualys users who would recommend it.
Microsoft Configuration Man...
Read 84 Microsoft Configuration Manager reviews
  • 10,784 Views
  • 3,235 Comparison Views
91% willing to recommend
Qualys Patch Management
Read 33 Qualys Patch Management reviews
  • 1,267 Views
  • 1,267 Comparison Views
97% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 12, 2025

Microsoft Configuration Manager and Qualys Patch Management compete in the IT management and patch management categories. Qualys Patch Management seems to have the upper hand due to its user-friendly patch scheduling and risk-based prioritization.

Features: Microsoft Configuration Manager provides robust application pushing, operating system deployment with PXE, and WSUS integration for patching. Additionally, it offers extensive reporting capabilities, compliance data gathering, and efficient mobile management with the Intune Connector. Qualys Patch Management is valued for simplifying third-party application patching, offering flexible script execution, and automating patch scheduling with effective risk-based prioritization.

Room for Improvement: Microsoft Configuration Manager users desire improved performance with non-Microsoft product updates and enhanced automation and cloud capabilities. They also seek simpler troubleshooting and better remote support. Qualys Patch Management could enhance built-in driver updates, expand application support to include Oracle, and refine its user interface for greater clarity, alongside faster responses to vulnerabilities.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Microsoft Configuration Manager is primarily on-premises, demanding skilled deployment due to its complexity, with mixed reviews on technical support and documentation. Qualys Patch Management focuses on cloud deployment with streamlined setup and generally positive customer service, although user training and response times are noted as areas for improvement.

Pricing and ROI: Microsoft Configuration Manager is tailored for larger enterprises, with costs justified by efficiencies in automation and network management. Qualys Patch Management offers competitive pricing but can seem expensive with added features. Still, it presents good value by managing large asset volumes effectively, emphasizing vulnerability management.

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To learn more, read our detailed Microsoft Configuration Manager vs. Qualys Patch Management Report (Updated: July 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Configuration Manager vs. Qualys Patch Management
July 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
1.0
Microsoft Configuration Manager is valued for managing devices, offering cost savings and enhanced productivity, despite some Mac support challenges.
Sentiment score
8.3
Qualys Patch Management boosts security, reduces vulnerabilities by 80%, saves 90% time, and improves efficiency and resource allocation.
No quotes available
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Configuration Manager report
With Qualys, we can save around 70 percent of time and between 30 to 40 percent of money.
We have a 50 percent return on investment due to reduced operational complexity and increased efficiency in patching and detection.
We have achieved significant time savings of 90 percent, primarily due to comprehensive oversight and visibility of security issues.
For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Patch Management report
ZS
Revathi VeeraRaghavan - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer2593263 - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
5.7
Microsoft Configuration Manager receives mixed reviews for support, praised for resources but criticized for first-level support effectiveness.
Sentiment score
7.4
Qualys Patch Management provides efficient support with quick resolutions, though users occasionally report delays or inconsistency in assistance.
For technical support from Microsoft, I would rate them a nine.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Configuration Manager report
The support team is experienced and responsive.
The support team is responsive and provides detailed information.
Whenever we raise a request and mention the priority of the ticket, they respond immediately via email or call.
For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Patch Management report
JunedBedrekar - PeerSpot reviewerArshad Nr - PeerSpot reviewerGokulM - PeerSpot reviewer
PJ
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.5
Microsoft Configuration Manager scales well for enterprises, though expertise and investments may enhance scalability, especially with cloud integration.
Sentiment score
8.5
Qualys Patch Management excels in scalability with high user ratings but may face challenges in cost and usability.
The product is suitable for our size, handling 800 devices.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Configuration Manager report
It scales efficiently across different machines globally, ensuring patches are deployed smoothly.
Qualys Patch Management is a globally scalable product, easily handling increasing workloads and users.
They introduce new modules as needed, making Patch Management highly scalable.
For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Patch Management report
MikeNelson2 - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer2589096 - PeerSpot reviewer
ZS
SP
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
7.0
Microsoft Configuration Manager is praised for stability, with issues mostly due to external factors and the need for proper setup.
Sentiment score
8.1
Qualys Patch Management is highly stable and reliable, with minimal downtime and effective management of rare technical issues.
There were misconfigurations by our team rather than issues with the product itself.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Configuration Manager report
I would rate the stability of Qualys Patch Management nine point five out of ten.
The stability of Qualys Patch Management is impeccable.
Overall, it is reliable.
For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Patch Management report
MikeNelson2 - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer2590236 - PeerSpot reviewer
SP
Karan Bhateja - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Room For Improvement

Microsoft Configuration Manager needs improved integration, automation, Linux compatibility, and enhanced PowerShell, UI, mobile support, and AI alerts.
Qualys Patch Management needs better integration, accuracy, and support, faster deployments, and improvements in interface, reporting, and pricing.
I can suggest that Microsoft Configuration Manager should get the Autopilot feature because Autopilot is the main part of Intune, and nowadays everybody is using Autopilot.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Configuration Manager report
There is a limitation where Qualys may not always offer solutions for remediation, particularly for end-of-life or end-of-service applications.
It would be better if Qualys Patch Management identifies whether the process has failed at the first instance and provides a retry button or retry mechanism, allowing retries for failed patches.
For critical options, they could make them red, green for medium, and blue for less significant options.
For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Patch Management report
JunedBedrekar - PeerSpot reviewerKaran Bhateja - PeerSpot reviewer
AL
AN
 

Setup Cost

Microsoft Configuration Manager pricing is high but offers comprehensive features, with value seen mainly for larger infrastructures.
Qualys Patch Management is seen as cost-effective for its robust features and scalable pricing, despite varying opinions on support.
The setup cost is considered sufficient.
The pricing for Microsoft Configuration Manager is okay for me.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Configuration Manager report
We get many more features at the same price as other solutions such as Microsoft SCCM.
The pricing is reasonable and less expensive than the previous tool.
Qualys Patch Management is expensive.
For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Patch Management report
MikeNelson2 - PeerSpot reviewerJunedBedrekar - PeerSpot reviewerArshad Nr - PeerSpot reviewerChaitanya Kajjam - PeerSpot reviewerRamachandran Sugumar - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Valuable Features

Microsoft Configuration Manager offers scalable endpoint management, efficient deployment, vulnerability fixes, and integration, crucial for enterprises with remote operations.
Qualys Patch Management offers automated patching, comprehensive reporting, and seamless integration, enhancing efficiency and asset management for multi-OS environments.
If I want to get a fetch report for anything, such as hardware-related issues or group policy-related issues, I need to fetch the report by using SCCM's scripting language and remediation part.
The product valuable for deployment recovery.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Configuration Manager report
We leverage this functionality to deploy scripts that adjust registry values, effectively patching vulnerabilities and enhancing the security of our machines.
We have been able to apply workarounds for zero-day vulnerabilities efficiently.
It provides insight into the organization's security posture and keeps databases updated with new CVEs.
For more quotes and insights, download the Qualys Patch Management report
JunedBedrekar - PeerSpot reviewerMikeNelson2 - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer2589096 - PeerSpot reviewerArshad Nr - PeerSpot reviewerMubashir K - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Categories and Ranking

Microsoft Configuration Man...
Ranking in Patch Management
1st
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
6.5
Number of Reviews
84
Ranking in other categories
Software Distribution (1st), Server Monitoring (6th), Configuration Management (3rd)
Qualys Patch Management
Ranking in Patch Management
2nd
Average Rating
9.0
Reviews Sentiment
7.5
Number of Reviews
33
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of September 2025, in the Patch Management category, the mindshare of Microsoft Configuration Manager is 12.0%, down from 17.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Qualys Patch Management is 4.3%, up from 1.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Patch Management Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Microsoft Configuration Manager12.0%
Qualys Patch Management4.3%
Other83.7%
Patch Management
 

Featured Reviews

JunedBedrekar - PeerSpot reviewer
Have effectively deployed patches and applications while integrating with cloud solutions
The features I find most valuable in Microsoft Configuration Manager are replication and scripting. If I want to get a fetch report for anything, such as hardware-related issues or group policy-related issues, I need to fetch the report by using SCCM's scripting language and remediation part. The inventory collection features of Microsoft Configuration Manager are good because we always prefer the inventory. We do it by using the script language. We use remote management capabilities in Microsoft Configuration Manager. Remote management capabilities are useful if the user is not providing access; we can use the backend users to update the group policy and sync the devices. These are the main features we require.
Read full review
Revathi VeeraRaghavan - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides a centralized platform for managing assets and vulnerabilities, enabling assessment, prioritization, and remediation
Qualys Patch Management system requires several improvements. Firstly, the inability to download asset patches and the lack of third-party application integration limit patch accessibility. Additionally, rollback options are unreliable, and pre-deployment patch testing is crucial. Reporting needs enhancement, particularly with group-based compliance percentages and clearer, VMDR-like reporting in the Patch Management module. Furthermore, detection speed should be improved, as patches are released 24 hours after QIDs are published. The user interface could be more functional, with dashboards for patch compliance visualization and simplified error code language. Finally, the Mac patch catalogue needs expansion, and automated workflows, policy enforcement, and testing procedures should be streamlined for seamless, user-independent operation.
Read full review
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
12%
Government
11%
Computer Software Company
9%
Manufacturing Company
7%
Computer Software Company
12%
Government
12%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Financial Services Firm
10%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business20
Midsize Enterprise13
Large Enterprise63
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business10
Midsize Enterprise5
Large Enterprise18
 

Questions from the Community

How does Ansible compare to Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM)?
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager takes knowledge and research to properly configure. The length of time that the set up will take depends on the kind of technical architecture that your org...
See all answers
How to choose between ManageEngine Desktop Central and Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (formerly SCCM)?
ManageEngine Desktop Central is very easy to set up, is scalable, stable, and also has very good patch management. What I like most about ManageEngine is that I can log on to every PC very easily a...
See all answers
What do you like most about SCCM?
One of the standout features of SCCM is its application management capabilities. It allows us to create packages efficiently and deploy them to specific groups within our network. This streamlined ...
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Qualys Patch Management?
From a pricing perspective, I find Qualys to be a bit higher, but it is worth it. Compared to other tools, it is on the costly side, but I believe it is worth the investment.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Qualys Patch Management?
Regarding improvements in Qualys Patch Management, I did not quite understand the downsides they were expecting. Initially, I was confused about where to find and how to use the available features....
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Qualys Patch Management?
Automated Vulnerability Remediation at Scale Key Objectives: Rapid Identification of Vulnerabilities:Using Qualys VMDR (Vulnerability Management, Detection, and Response) to detect CVEs across a ...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Compared 10% of the time
Tanium vs Microsoft Configuration Manager Logo
Tanium vs Microsoft Configuration Manager
Compared 8% of the time
BigFix vs Microsoft Configuration Manager Logo
BigFix vs Microsoft Configuration Manager
Compared 5% of the time
KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs Microsoft Configuration Manager Logo
KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) vs Microsoft Configuration Manager
Compared 5% of the time
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BigFix vs Qualys Patch Management Logo
BigFix vs Qualys Patch Management
Compared 15% of the time
Patch My PC vs Qualys Patch Management Logo
Patch My PC vs Qualys Patch Management
Compared 13% of the time
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus vs Qualys Patch Management Logo
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus vs Qualys Patch Management
Compared 11% of the time
Ivanti Security Controls vs Qualys Patch Management Logo
Ivanti Security Controls vs Qualys Patch Management
Compared 9% of the time
Microsoft Windows Server Update Services vs Qualys Patch Management Logo
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Compared 9% of the time
More Qualys Patch Management Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Configuration Manager
August 2025
Microsoft Configuration Manager reportDownload Microsoft Configuration Manager product report
Buyer's Guide
Qualys Patch Management
August 2025
Qualys Patch Management reportDownload Qualys Patch Management product report
 

Also Known As

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM ), Microsoft SMS
No data available
 

Overview

Microsoft Configuration Manager streamlines IT management with features such as software deployment, patch management, and automation, centralizing operations for Windows environments. Integration with Microsoft products allows efficient oversight of workstations and servers.

Microsoft Configuration Manager provides comprehensive IT management, offering software deployment, patch management, and application pushing. Automation reduces manual tasks, ensuring consistency across systems. Centralized management enables standardized OS deployments, application updates, and configuration integrity. Integration with Microsoft products facilitates seamless operations, while hardware and software inventory, compliance reporting, and remote control functions enhance IT management. Users seek improvements in application deployment for those without deep scripting knowledge and desire better WSUS control, PowerShell and Intune integration, Linux compatibility, and user interface enhancements. Performance improvements are requested for remote user management and third-party application support.

What features enhance Microsoft Configuration Manager?
  • Software Deployment: Efficiently distribute software across large networks.
  • Patch Management: Automate and streamline update processes for security and functionality.
  • Automation Capabilities: Reduce manual effort and enhance consistency in IT tasks.
  • Centralized Management: Standardize OS deployments and application updates.
  • Integration with Microsoft Products: Seamless operation with existing Microsoft infrastructure.
  • Hardware and Software Inventory: Comprehensive tracking for assets and resources.
  • Compliance Reporting: Ensure compliance with internal and external standards.
  • Remote Control Functions: Enhance support and troubleshooting capabilities.
What benefits should users expect when evaluating Microsoft Configuration Manager?
  • Decreased Manual Work: Automation reduces time spent on repetitive tasks.
  • Enhanced Security: Automated patch management keeps systems secure.
  • Consistent Configurations: Centralized updates ensure uniformity across systems.
  • Improved Integration: Seamless operation within Microsoft ecosystems boosts productivity.
  • Comprehensive Oversight: Detailed inventory and reporting tools aid in strategic planning.
  • Streamlined Support: Remote capabilities improve IT support and user satisfaction.

Microsoft Configuration Manager is widely implemented in organizations to manage Windows workstations and servers. It is essential for deploying operating systems and applications, managing software updates, and conducting hardware and software inventories. The tool is crucial for endpoint and configuration management, ensuring compliance, and automating processes like patching and vulnerability management. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and education rely on Microsoft Configuration Manager to keep systems secure and operational, adapting it to address their specific needs and challenges in maintaining diversified IT environments.

Microsoft

Qualys Patch Management optimizes patching and vulnerability remediation through automation and intelligence insights, accelerating the process by 43% and improving patch rates by 90%. Its integration with CMDB and ITSM tools speeds up ticket closures by 60%, effectively reducing the attack surface while freeing IT and security resources. This cloud-based solution bridges the IT-security gap, making it essential for cybersecurity.

Qualys
 

Sample Customers

Bank Alfalah Ltd., Wªrth Handelsges.m.b.H, Dimension Data, Japan Business Systems, St. Lucie County Public Schools, MISC Berhad
Information Not Available
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Configuration Manager vs. Qualys Patch Management
July 2025
Free Report: Microsoft Configuration Manager vs. Qualys Patch Management
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