Free Software Updater Programs
I've put together a killer list of top-notch program updaters. I've personally tested each one to figure out how they work and see if they're actually useful. I keep this list updated regularly, swapping in new awesome finds and ditching the ones that don't cut it anymore.
Best Free Software Updater Programs
Grab one of these free tools, and it'll automatically scan all your programs to check for updates. Depending on the app, it might direct you to the latest version on the developer's site or even update your Windows software for you. They're all free, but some have upgrades for extra features.
Patch My PC Updater
Patch My PC is my go-to. It's super portable and handles software patches without any clicks or manual checks. You can easily spot which apps are updated or outdated, update them all at once, or just pick the ones you want. It even has scheduled auto-updates to keep everything fresh without lifting a finger.
You can tweak a ton of settings, like turning off silent installs, enabling beta updates, and forcing programs to close before updating. It can also double as a simple software uninstaller.
The only downside is that the interface isn't as user-friendly as some other options out there. But don't let that stop you from giving it a try. It's fast, works from a flash drive, and supports automatic updates—these are the must-have features I look for in a software updater.
It works with all versions of Windows. I use it on Windows 11, but it also did great on Windows 10 and Windows 8.
UniGetUI
This program stands out because it's basically a user-friendly interface for software published through various package managers like Winget, Scoop, Chocolatey, Pip, and NPM.
Don't worry if you're not familiar with those package managers. You don't need to think about them when using this program. Once you open UniGetUI (formerly WingetUI), you'll see a straightforward list of all the compatible software on your computer that you can update through it.
UniGetUI is a powerhouse. It updates several programs at once, skips prompts for one-click updates, checks for updates on a schedule (and even updates automatically), lets you ignore specific programs, helps you discover new apps, and uninstalls programs you don't want anymore. You can even install older versions of software.
While it’s not strictly about app updates, UniGetUI can import and export packages for easy future installs.
It works on Windows 11 and Windows 10 and can be installed on your computer or used as a portable software updater.
IObit Software Updater
IObit offers a super simple software updater packed with nearly all the features you’d need. It covers over 700 programs.
You can see the current and new version numbers clearly, so you know exactly how outdated the software is. This lets you skip minor updates if you want, but either way, you can easily see how much newer the update is.
The program supports both single and bulk updates. However, automatic updating and updating more than two programs per day require a paid upgrade.
In the settings, you can choose when IObit Software Updater should check for updates—automatically or just notify you. You can also decide if restore points should be made before every installation and if installer files should be deleted after setup.
It works with all modern Windows versions, including Windows 11 and even older ones like Windows XP.
Software Informer
Here's the new paragraph in a casual style:
Software Informer is a handy website for free software downloads. Its updater tool checks your apps against the downloads available on their site, making it easy to update your PC programs.
The app is super easy to use. There are two tabs: one for software giveaways and app recommendations, and another for updating the apps on your computer.
Some programs download directly through this tool, so you don’t have to visit each download page. Others need to be downloaded manually, and you'll have to install them yourself. When you select a program’s name, you'll be taken to Software Informer's site to learn more. It clearly shows current and new version numbers, so you know exactly what the update will change.
Software Informer can also uninstall programs if needed. In the settings, you can choose to launch the tool at startup, check for updates on a schedule, enable beta installations, change where setup files are stored, and delete setup files after installation.
It might not be your first choice, but if some of your programs can't be updated by other tools, it's worth a try.
Do I Need One?
You don't have to use one of these programs to update your software. You can always check for new versions yourself and update manually.
But using a dedicated software updater makes the whole process a breeze. Plus, the fact that all these great options are free is a huge bonus.