What is a common challenge faced during patch management?

A common challenge faced during patch management is incompatibility between software versions. When an organization attempts to implement a patch, it must ensure that the new software version is compatible with existing systems and applications. If there are discrepancies in versions across different systems, it can lead to a range of issues, such as application failures, system instability, and security vulnerabilities. This challenge is particularly pertinent in environments where diverse software applications and legacy systems are in use, requiring thorough testing and validation to prevent disruptions.

While other options present challenges in various contexts, they are generally not as central to the patch management process. Overheating of hardware resources is more related to physical hardware management and could arise from increased workloads but is not specific to the patching process itself. Excessive network traffic can occur during large updates or downloads but is not an inherent challenge of patch management. Similarly, while user requests may complicate the process, they do not directly relate to the compatibility of software versions, which remains a critical focus during any patch management effort.