Freedom251 › IT Automation Software
PDQ Deploy
What PDQ Deploy is
PDQ Deploy is self-hosted Windows software for IT teams deploying updates, third-party applications, custom installers, and PowerShell scripts. Its Package Library contains hundreds of popular apps and scripts that PDQ says it tests for silent installation. Administrators can build multistep packages with MSI installations and PowerShell or modify prebuilt packages. Jobs run at scheduled times or recurring intervals, and heartbeat triggers can start deployments when offline computers return. Deployment history records status, package, and target details. A central server keeps packages, schedules, and histories available across administrators. PDQ Deploy works with PDQ Inventory for targeting, collections, and reporting, with documented targeting through Active Directory and Spiceworks. Data remains on the organization’s network; stored passwords use AES encryption and internet traffic uses HTTPS. Windows authentication controls access. A 14-day trial requires no credit card. The plan costs $1,950 per administrator per year and covers unlimited endpoints.
Who it suits
PDQ Deploy suits IT teams managing Windows devices that need scheduled software deployment, package customization, and reporting. It is designed for organizations able to host the system and license each administrator.
What it does well
- Deploys updates, applications, installers, and PowerShell
- Hundreds of packages in the Package Library
- Supports recurring schedules and heartbeat triggers
- Unlimited endpoints per administrator license
- Data stored on the organization’s network
What to know first
- Windows-only requirements
- Each administrator needs a separate license
- Self-hosted deployment model
- Costs $1,950 per administrator yearly
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PDQ Deploy & Inventory | per admin/year · Unlimited endpoints · one license includes Deploy and Inventory · no license sharing · volume and multiyear discounts available | $1,950 a year |
As pdq.com lists them, read 5 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
PDQ Deploy provides centralized Windows deployment with scheduling, custom packages, and deployment history. Its self-hosted model and per-administrator licensing should be considered alongside the Windows requirements.
Facts from PDQ Deploy's own pages
- Authentication
- Deploy & Inventory uses existing Windows authentication for access and does not currently have its own application authentication. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Central server
- A central server can maintain packages, deployment histories, and schedules across multiple administrators at one company. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Company
- PDQ says it was founded in Utah in 2001 by sysadmins Shawn Anderson and Shane Corellian. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Custom packages
- Administrators can create multistep packages, including MSI installations and PowerShell scripts, or modify prebuilt packages. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Deployment history
- The product records current and completed deployments, including status, package, and target details. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2001 · pdq.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- South Salt Lake, Utah, United States · pdq.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Integration
- PDQ Deploy works with PDQ Inventory for targeting, collections, and deployment reporting; its documentation also describes targeting computers defined in Windows Active Directory and Spiceworks. · docs.pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Package library
- Its Package Library provides hundreds of popular third-party apps and scripts, which PDQ says it tests for silent installation. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PDQ Deploy lets IT teams deploy Windows updates, third-party applications, custom installers, and PowerShell scripts to Windows devices. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Scheduling
- Deployments can run at specified times or recurring intervals, and heartbeat triggers can start scheduled deployments when offline computers come online. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Security
- Deploy & Inventory data is stored locally on the organization's network, and the product encrypts stored passwords with AES while using HTTPS for its internet traffic. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Subscription limit
- Each administrator using Deploy & Inventory needs a separate annual license, while the license covers unlimited endpoints. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- The product page says Deploy includes access to PDQ support, and the combined license includes Package Library updates while active. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The Deploy & Inventory console and target machines require Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 or later and .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later; some older Windows releases and Home editions are unsupported. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Trial
- PDQ offers a free 14-day trial of Deploy & Inventory, with no credit card required. · pdq.com, 5 Oct 2026
Where PDQ Deploy stands on Freedom251
- IT Automation Software#50 of 77
- Application Deployment Software#38 of 44
- App Installation#21 of 24