Microsoft Configuration Manager
Microsoft Configuration Manager: A deep Windows update management platform with broad endpoint administration capabilities. Ranked #16 of 26 in Configuration Management Tools by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Paid; best for windows software update management.
At a glance
- Editor score7.6 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forWindows software update management
- Free planNo
- Paid from$1,455 usage-based
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports manual, automatic, and phased update deployments
- Provides maintenance windows and configurable restart controls
- Integrates with Intune, WSUS, Microsoft Update, and Azure
Where it doesn't
- Supports Windows platforms rather than a broad multi-platform environment
- Does not support offline device management
- Focuses more on updates than broad desired-state configuration management
Our verdict on Microsoft Configuration Manager
Microsoft Configuration Manager is an enterprise endpoint management platform for organizations managing Windows computers and servers. Its strongest fit is Windows software update management, with tools for tracking updates, assessing compliance, deploying operating-system and application updates, and monitoring deployment progress. Administrators can also manage Windows applications, operating systems, inventory, and compliance from the same platform.
Update deployment is the product’s clearest strength. Administrators can choose manual, automatic, or phased deployments, use software update points and distribution points, and provide local client caching. Maintenance windows support scheduled installation, while configurable restart notifications, snooze behavior, deadlines, and forced restarts provide control over device restarts. Third-party software update catalogs and signed update publishing extend coverage beyond Microsoft updates. Internet-based client management and the cloud management gateway support internet-connected clients without requiring VPN connectivity.
Its ecosystem fit is another important consideration. Configuration Manager integrates with Microsoft Intune, Windows Server Update Services, Microsoft Update, and Microsoft Azure cloud management gateway. That makes it a strong choice for organizations already managing Windows through Microsoft endpoint services. It is less suitable for teams seeking a broad, platform-neutral desired-state configuration tool or offline device support. Organizations focused on Windows update compliance, application deployment, inventory, and endpoint administration should find its scope aligned with those needs; teams requiring broader operating-system coverage or offline management should consider a different category fit.
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Microsoft Configuration Manager pricing
All 2 Microsoft Configuration Manager plans and prices →
Microsoft Configuration Manager fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $1,455 usage-based |
| Deployment model | Not verified |
| Agent model | Not verified |
| Drift detection | Not verified |
| Patch management | Not verified |
| Policy as code | Not verified |
| Compliance reporting | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Windows Server, Windows Embedded; existing macOS clients only |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 17 integrations: Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Azure, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Exchange Server, Exchange Online, Group Policy … |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | learn.microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Microsoft Configuration Manager integrations
Microsoft Configuration Manager lists 17 integrations on its own site.
- Microsoft Intune
- Microsoft Azure
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
- Exchange Server
- Exchange Online
- Group Policy
- Active Directory Domain Services
- Microsoft Entra ID
- SQL Server
- SQL Server Reporting Services
- Internet Information Services
- Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit
- User State Migration Tool
- Windows Deployment Services
- Delivery Optimization
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service
- BranchCache
Alternatives to Microsoft Configuration Manager
- PuppetA mature hybrid automation platform with strong drift, patching, and compliance controls.9.3
- AWS Systems Manager State ManagerA free AWS service for scheduled configuration, drift management, patching, and compliance reporting.9.1
- Google Cloud VM ManagerA focused Google Cloud tool for patching, policy enforcement, and VM compliance.9.0
See all Microsoft Configuration Manager alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Microsoft Configuration Manager is ranked in 6 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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