Key Points
- Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), formerly SCCM, is now part of the Microsoft Intune suite but maintains its own development and release schedule.
- Configuration Manager excels in on-premises control, granular patching, and advanced reporting, while Intune is better suited for cloud-native workloads and mobile device management.
- ConfigMgr is ideal for large enterprises and MSPs managing complex Windows environments, but not for small teams or those needing cross-platform support.
Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), formerly System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), is now integrated into the Microsoft Intune suite. While the software continues to receive its own development and release schedules, some functionalities and workloads have been shifted to Intune.
This guide offers a quick overview of how Configuration Manager can optimize patch management strategies.
What is Configuration Manager?
Configuration Manager can automate the following steps in the patching process: asset discovery, assessment, and deployment. It’s typically considered an on-premise solution, though it also has important capabilities for managing remote endpoints.
As you may suspect, however, Microsoft Intune covers for what the former lacks when it comes to cloud-native workloads. Conversely, Configuration Manager may be necessary to account for what Intune lacks in complex and hybrid enterprise environments.
Configuration Manager at a glance
The table below highlights the core functionalities and practical applications of Configuration Manager. See if the software’s capabilities align with your organizational needs.
| Category | Details |
| Core definition | A centralized endpoint management solution from Microsoft, now part of the Microsoft Intune suite. |
| Use cases | Patch management, software deployment, OS imaging, endpoint protection, compliance reporting, and hardware/software inventory for Windows-based environments. |
| Why it matters | Ensures systems are secure, compliant, and up to date with automated patching and centralized control. Supports hybrid environments and integrates with Microsoft Intune for cloud-based management. |
| Common mistakes | Overlooking prerequisite checks before deployment, not testing updates in a staging environment, misconfiguring Automatic Deployment Rules (ADRs), and failing to maintain an up-to-date inventory of assets. |
| Best for | Large enterprises, MSPs, and IT teams managing Windows environments who need granular control, on-premises capabilities, and advanced reporting. |
| Not ideal for | Small businesses with limited IT resources, teams needing cross-platform support (macOS, Linux), or those seeking a purely cloud-based solution without on-premises requirements. |
In summary, Configuration Manager, much like Intune, is designed for endpoint management. However, they excel in different scenarios. While ConfigMgr thrives in on-premises control and advanced patching workflows, Intune shines with cloud-native scalability and mobile device management.
Patch management capabilities of Configuration Manager
The capabilities of Configuration Manager go beyond basic update distribution, offering granular control, reporting, and integration with broader IT management workflows. Here’s a look at its core management features:
Automated update synchronization
Configuration Manager can automate patch management cycles by synchronizing updates directly with Microsoft Update and third-party catalogs. Patches can then be classified by severity, product, and applicability, reducing manual effort and common errors.
This automation reduces the risk of vulnerabilities and compliance gaps, streamlining the process of keeping systems up to date.
Dynamic device collections
Devices can be organized into dynamic collections based on criteria (e.g., department, operating system, risk level) using Configuration Manager, allowing tailored patching schedules and targeted deployments.
Third-party patch support
Beyond Microsoft products, Configuration Manager extends patching to third-party applications like Adobe, Java, and Chrome using vendor-specific update catalogs or partner solutions. This broader coverage addresses vulnerabilities in non-Microsoft software, strengthening an organization’s overall security posture.
Automatic deployment rules (ADRs)
ADRs automate the patching process by allowing IT teams to define schedules, criteria, and exclusions, such as excluding non-critical updates. This automation streamlines routine tasks, reduces manual workload, and ensures consistency across large-scale environments.
Maintenance windows
Configuration Manager allows administrators to schedule updates during off-peak hours or predefined maintenance windows. This scheduling minimizes disruption to business operations, ensuring updates are applied when they have the least impact on productivity.
Create a robust patch management strategy
If your focus is security, compliance, and deep Windows endpoint management, Configuration Manager is a strong choice to manage your fleet. For end-to-end IT operations, multi-platform support, or cloud-first strategies, an RMM platform may better complement. To learn more, see our featured blog on Autonomous Patch Management.
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