Key Points
- Configuration Manager overview: ConfigMgr is a Windows-centric endpoint management tool offering patching, OS deployment, application management, and inventory features, now integrated into the Microsoft Intune suite.
- Configuration Manager use cases: ConfigMgr supports patch management, software deployment, OS imaging, endpoint protection, compliance reporting, and inventory, making it ideal for enterprises and MSPs managing complex Windows environments.
- Patch management capabilities: ConfigMgr automates patching through update synchronization, dynamic device collections, third-party app support, Automatic Deployment Rules, and maintenance windows for consistent, low-disruption deployments
Configuration Manager, 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.
Secure endpoints with a trusted patch management solution.
Configuration Manager at a glance
What is Configuration Manager?
Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) is a Windows-centric endpoint management software. It offers remote management, patch management, application management, OS deployment, and inventory management features for multiple endpoints in an Active Directory domain. Although It’s typically considered an on-premise solution, ConfigMgr can now be deployed remotely by virtue of its being part of the Microsoft Intune family of products.
ConfigMgr use cases
As you may suspect, 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.
Typical use cases for this software include:
- Patch management
- Software deployment
- OS imaging
- Endpoint protection
- Compliance reporting
- Hardware and software inventory for Windows-based environments
These capabilities make ConfigMgr ideal for enterprises and MSPs managing Windows environments that require granular control, on-premises capabilities, and advanced reporting.
On the other hand, small businesses with limited IT resources, teams needing cross-platform support (macOS, Linux), or those seeking a purely cloud-based solution may not benefit fully from ConfigMgr.
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.
Modernize patch management strategy with a cloud-first approach.
Create a robust patch management strategy
If your focus is security, compliance, and deep Windows endpoint management, Configuration Manager is a strong choice for managing your fleet. For end-to-end IT operations, multi-platform support, or cloud-first strategies, an RMM platform may better complement your environment. To learn more, see our featured blog on Autonomous Patch Management.
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