Security Compliance

Self-Led Project Plan for Patch Manager

This article provides a step-by-step guide for self-led onboarding of SolarWinds Patch Manager. It includes installation, integration with the SolarWinds Platform, configuration of WSUS and SCCM settings, patch approval and deployment, third-party updates, compliance reporting, alerting, and best practices to help you streamline patch management, maintain system security, and ensure compliance efficiently.

First published date

8/15/2025 8:47 PM

Last published date

8/20/2025 4:39 PM

Overview

Installation & Setup

Confirm Patch Manager Installation

Ensure Patch Manager is installed and ready for configuration.
Patch Manager Installation Guide

Verify SolarWinds Platform Integration

Confirm Patch Manager is properly integrated with the SolarWinds Platform for centralized visibility and alerting.
Integrate Patch Manager with the SolarWinds Platform

Configuration & Settings

Configure WSUS Servers

Add and configure WSUS servers for centralized patch management.
Add a WSUS server

Configure SCCM Integration

Integrate with Microsoft SCCM for extended patch management capabilities.
Integrate Patch Manager with SCCM

Set Up Patch Manager Accounts & Roles

Assign user accounts and roles for patching tasks and access control.
Patch Manager Security Roles

Patch Management Operations

Import and Publish Third-Party Updates

Download, approve, and publish third-party patches via Patch Manager.
Third-Party Updates Setup

Schedule Update Approvals & Deployments

Automate approval and deployment of Microsoft and third-party patches.
Schedule Patch Tasks

Create Patch Management Jobs

Build and schedule recurring jobs for scanning, approval, and deployment.
Manage Patch Manager tasks

Monitoring & Reporting

Run Patch Compliance Reports

Generate built-in reports for patch compliance status across endpoints.
Patch Compliance Reporting

Create Custom Reports

Build custom patch reports for specific nodes, groups, or compliance rules.
Customize an existing report

Alerts & Notifications

Configure Patch Notifications

Set up email notifications
Configure the Patch Manager email settings

Best Practices & Enhancements

Backup Patch Manager Configuration
Export and save configuration settings before major changes.
Use Approval Rules
Automate patch approval workflows based on criteria.
Validate Environment Compatibility
Ensure compatibility with WSUS, SCCM versions, and supported OS platforms.

Notes

This plan is designed for customers who prefer a self-paced onboarding experience.
- Self-Led Project Plans
For assisted onboarding, refer to SolarWinds Deployment Services.
- Deployment Scope
For troubleshooting, contact SolarWinds Support.
- Submit a Ticket

Product section

Patch Manager

Disclaimer: Please note, any content posted herein is provided as a suggestion or recommendation to you for your internal use. This is not part of the SolarWinds software or documentation that you purchased from SolarWinds, and the information set forth herein may come from third parties. Your organization should internally review and assess to what extent, if any, such custom scripts or recommendations will be incorporated into your environment. You elect to use third-party content at your own risk, and you will be solely responsible for the incorporation of the same if any.