Microsoft Desired State Configuration
Microsoft Desired State Configuration: A portable, open-source DSC CLI for defining and comparing machine state. Ranked #10 of 26 in Configuration Management Tools by our editors (8.2/10); pricing: Open source; best for developers needing portable declarative configuration.
At a glance
- Editor score8.2 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forDevelopers needing portable declarative configuration
- Paid fromFree
- Deployment modelSelf_hosted
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Runs agentless across Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Supports JSON and YAML configuration documents
- Compares configuration drift against desired state
Where it doesn't
- Does not cover patch management
- Does not provide compliance reporting
- Self-hosted deployment requires operational ownership
Our verdict on Microsoft Desired State Configuration
Microsoft Desired State Configuration (DSC) is an open-source, self-hosted configuration management platform for developers and administrators who need portable declarative configuration. Its current DSC 3.x implementation is a standalone command-line tool that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows without a local configuration manager service. Teams describe the desired state of machines and application components in JSON or YAML, then use resource operations to get, test, set, delete, or export configuration state.
The standout capability is its declarative, idempotent model combined with drift comparison. JSON schemas define resources and configuration documents, while custom resources can be authored in multiple programming languages. DSC also supports adapter resources for compatibility with PowerShell DSC resources, giving existing PowerShell-based configurations a path into the newer implementation. Integrations with Azure Machine Configuration, Azure Automanaged VM, and WinGet extend its fit within Microsoft-oriented environments. Developers who value portable documents, extensibility, and command-line execution should find this focus compelling.
DSC is open source and follows a self-hosted deployment model, so teams retain responsibility for operating the configuration workflow around the CLI. The published capabilities focus on desired-state definition, resource actions, schemas, drift comparison, and cross-platform execution rather than patch management or compliance reporting. Organizations seeking those functions as part of the same configuration product should consider an alternative with explicit coverage for them. DSC is a strong choice for teams that want an agentless, policy-as-code approach across Linux, macOS, and Windows, especially when Azure integrations or PowerShell DSC compatibility matter.
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Microsoft Desired State Configuration pricing
Microsoft Desired State Configuration fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment model | Self_hosted |
| Agent model | Not verified |
| Drift detection | Yes |
| Patch management | Yes |
| Policy as code | Yes |
| Compliance reporting | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Azure Machine Configuration, Microsoft Dev Box, WinGet, Azure Automanaged VM |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | learn.microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Microsoft Desired State Configuration integrations
Microsoft Desired State Configuration lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Azure Machine Configuration
- Microsoft Dev Box
- WinGet
- Azure Automanaged VM
Alternatives to Microsoft Desired State Configuration
- 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 Desired State Configuration alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Microsoft Desired State Configuration is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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