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Microsoft Configuration Manager, formerly known as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), is a Windows-centric endpoint management tool for devices within an Active Directory domain. Historically deployed on-premises on a Windows Server, Configuration Manager can also be deployed as cloud-hosted within Azure.
TL;DR: SCCM is Microsoft's paid endpoint management tool for Windows-heavy enterprises. It offers full lifecycle management, OS deployment, and compliance monitoring. The tradeoffs: high cost, complex infrastructure requirements, limited third-party patching, and poor support for non-Windows systems. Organizations with mixed OS environments or remote workforces often find SCCM inadequate as a standalone solution.
How does SCCM work?
SCCM is installed on a Windows Server to help organizations manage endpoints. It requires an agent on managed devices to function.
Devices outside the corporate network typically need VPN access to receive patches and configuration updates. Organizations can set up cloud management gateway (CMG) servers to reduce VPN dependence.
SCCM relies on WSUS to cache and distribute patches. An SQL database stores configuration and inventory data. For more on WSUS, see our complete WSUS guide.
Which operating systems does SCCM support?
SCCM supports these operating systems:
Windows 10 and Windows 11 (including 24H2)
Windows Server 2012 through 2025
Windows devices in Azure Virtual Desktop
Windows embedded devices (IoT)
macOS support was deprecated in January 2022 and fully ended on December 31, 2022. Organizations managing Mac devices should use Microsoft Intune or a cross-platform solution.
SCCM pros and cons at a glance
| Factor | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| OS coverage | Full Windows lifecycle management | No macOS support; minimal Linux |
| Integration | Native Microsoft ecosystem fit | Requires additional tools for non-Microsoft apps |
| Deployment | OS imaging, PXE boot, compliance monitoring | Complex infrastructure, SQL dependency |
| Cost | Included in some Microsoft 365 plans | Expensive for non-enterprise; high maintenance costs |
| Third-party patching | Better than WSUS alone | Still requires additional tools for full coverage |
| Remote management | CMG option available | VPN dependency without CMG; management overhead |
Pros of SCCM
Full lifecycle management for Windows
SCCM provides flexibility over patch deployment, system-wide reporting, and centralized control of Windows machines. With correct configuration, it serves as a complete lifecycle management system for Windows-heavy IT departments.
Native Windows integration
SCCM integrates well with Windows and Microsoft products. It supports Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, allowing employee devices to be controlled and flagged if not updated.
GUI-based management with Microsoft support
SCCM uses a GUI that's easier to learn than tools like Chef or Puppet. As a paid Microsoft service, it has community and official support channels.
OS deployment to bare metal
SCCM can deploy Windows images to devices without an OS using PXE (Preboot Execution Environment).
Hardware and software inventory
SCCM tracks what hardware devices have and what software is installed.
Compliance monitoring
You can configure device settings and monitor compliance status across your fleet.
Cons of SCCM
Using SCCM requires significant precursor infrastructure and database setup. Your team will spend time installing and maintaining dependencies before SCCM becomes useful.
High acquisition and operating costs
SCCM is typically bundled with Microsoft enterprise agreements and is expensive for non-enterprise companies. Pricing is opaque with separate costs for endpoints and servers. The on-premises SQL requirement adds ongoing operating costs.
Third-party patching limitations
Microsoft prioritizes its own ecosystem. Most organizations need additional tools to patch non-Microsoft software. On Microsoft's feedback page, third-party patching improvements remain the top request. Third-party software accounts for up to 76% of vulnerabilities on average PCs.
No macOS or Linux support
macOS support ended in 2022. Linux support is minimal. Organizations with non-Windows systems purchase additional products to supplement SCCM. According to Automox research, 60% of organizations use ten or more applications to manage endpoints. This tool sprawl creates visibility gaps and training overhead.
Limited cloud support
SCCM uses on-premises infrastructure by default. Hosting in Azure requires a gateway for device communication. Cloud-hosted SCCM doesn't scale like cloud-native software.
VPN dependency for remote workers
SCCM assumes devices connect to your domain frequently. Remote devices check in less often, leaving them on outdated software. VPNs slow work and employees avoid them, increasing security risk.
Additional SCCM limitations
Silent software installations make it hard to detect what's been deployed
Installation failures produce no immediate warnings
Server outages block all installations across the organization
No mobile device patching (iOS and Android require separate solutions)
No touchless deployment (Windows Autopilot not supported natively)
Steep learning curve for administrators
Requires expertise in Active Directory, WSUS, and SQL
What does SCCM require?
Infrastructure requirements:
Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID domain
SQL database
Cloud management gateway (CMG) for VPN-free management
Licensing:
Microsoft 365 E3, E5, or F5
Enterprise Mobility and Security (EMS) E3 or E5
Intune user subscription license (USL)
Is SCCM right for you?
Large Windows-heavy organizations may already use SCCM. If you aren't using it yet, consider alternatives first.
Microsoft is investing more in Intune, which makes sense for many use cases. Intune doesn't manage servers, so SCCM may still be needed there. Many organizations run both tools together using co-management.
If you use multiple operating systems, you'll need additional tools beyond Microsoft's ecosystem. An all-in-one endpoint management platform provides better visibility.
Frequently asked questions
Is SCCM being discontinued?
No. Microsoft continues to support Configuration Manager. In 2024, Microsoft announced a shift to annual releases starting in 2026, signaling continued but slower investment. Microsoft is putting more development resources into Intune for modern device management.
What is the difference between SCCM and Intune?
SCCM is on-premises and designed for domain-joined Windows devices. Intune is cloud-native and supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Many organizations use both in co-management mode, gradually shifting workloads to the cloud. See our SCCM vs WSUS comparison for more details.
What is SCCM co-management?
Co-management lets you run SCCM and Intune together, with Windows devices managed by both platforms simultaneously. You can move individual workloads (like compliance policies or Windows Update) to Intune while keeping others (like OS imaging) in SCCM. This provides a gradual migration path to cloud management.
Is SCCM free?
No. SCCM requires licensing through Microsoft 365 enterprise plans or Enterprise Mobility and Security agreements. It also requires SQL Server licensing and infrastructure costs.
Can SCCM manage Mac and Linux?
No. macOS support ended December 31, 2022. Linux support is minimal. For cross-platform management, organizations use Microsoft Intune for Mac devices or a unified endpoint management platform like Automox.
What is replacing SCCM?
Microsoft positions Intune as the modern alternative for device management. SCCM remains necessary for server management and advanced scenarios like OS deployment. For organizations needing cross-platform support, cloud-native platforms provide an alternative to the Microsoft ecosystem.
Automox as an SCCM alternative
SCCM works for enterprises with Windows-only infrastructures who can absorb the cost and complexity. For mixed OS environments, the limitations become significant.
Automox provides cross-platform endpoint management for Windows, macOS, and Linux without on-premises infrastructure. You get automated patching for OS and third-party applications, configuration management, and visibility across remote, on-premises, and virtual endpoints.
Endpoint management tooling series
This series covers Microsoft endpoint management tools:
WSUS complete guide - deprecation, alternatives, migration
WSUS overview - basics of Windows Server Update Services
SCCM vs WSUS - comparing the two tools
SCCM for client management (this article)
Intune for mobile devices
Endpoint Manager for Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)
Automox for easy IT operations
Automox is the cloud-native IT operations platform for modern organizations. It keeps every endpoint configured, patched, and secured anywhere in the world. IT admins can fix critical vulnerabilities faster, reduce complexity, and reclaim time spent on manual patch management.
Demo Automox and join thousands of companies transforming IT operations.
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