What is the primary function of a software patch?

The primary function of a software patch is to fix issues within existing software. Software patches are designed to address vulnerabilities, bugs, or other types of errors that can impact the performance or security of an application. When developers discover problems, they create these patches to improve system stability, enhance performance, and resolve specific issues that affect users. This is critical not only for maintaining software functionality but also for ensuring that applications run smoothly and securely.

While other choices may seem relevant, they serve different purposes. Creating user accounts pertains more to user management rather than maintenance of the software itself. Enhancing data security can be a result of applying a patch, as patches often address security vulnerabilities, but this does not encompass the entirety of what a patch does. Updating software with newer features can be part of a software upgrade rather than a patch. Therefore, the primary focus of a patch is indeed to fix problems rather than to introduce new functionalities or to manage users.