SCCM 2303 Upgrade Step by Step Guide | New Features

This step-by-step guide will explore how to perform SCCM 2303 upgrade. Additionally, this post summarizes the new features and changes with the production release of SCCM Current Branch Version 2303, made available by Microsoft on April 10, 2023. The latest Fixes for SCCM 2303 KB24719670 Hotfix Update Rollup is released now.

To fully leverage the new features of SCCM 2303, it is essential to update your clients to the latest version after updating the site. Although the new functionality will be visible in the SCCM console after updating the site and console, the complete scenario will not be fully functional until the client version is up-to-date.

The production version of SCCM 2303 includes numerous new features and improvements. Some of these features may be familiar, as they were tested in the technical preview release of ConfigMgr version 2303 or before.

Microsoft recently announced changes to the release cadence of Configuration Manager. According to the update, the next version of SCCM, version 2309, will be released in September 2023, following the new release cycle of two versions per year in March (ending with xx03) and September (ending with xx09).

When installing a new site, the 2303 version of SCCM is available as a baseline version. The Configuration Manager Version 2303 includes all the previously released hotfixes and out-of-band updates. When you upgrade to SCCM 2303, you don’t need to install any of these updates before upgrading it.

Video – SCCM 2303 New and Removed Features

In this video, Anoop shared his thoughts on the latest release of SCCM 2303. He also covers the New and Removed Features | UUP Updates | MSfB | Collection Member Sync Status.

Community Hub Retirement

The hierarchy settings Community Hub configuration option is removed from the 2303 version onwards as part of the deprecation of Community Hub integration. The following option is no more available Only Full Administrators can opt into the hierarchy for unreviewed content via hierarchy settings.

Also, there is no Community Hub node available in the SCCM admin console. The documentation is the node available under Community Workspace.

• More details on Deprecated Features of SCCM – SCCM Unsupported/Removed Features

Microsoft Store for Business Retirement – SCCM Integration is Removed

As part of the Microsoft Store for Business Deprecation (MSfB), Microsoft is making the following changes to the customer experience by using this feature. Removing the ability to add a NEW integration between MSfB and SCCM.

• Removing a user’s ability to create a new Microsoft Store for Business in SCCM 2303 onwards.
• Display a warning message box when the user triggers a sync from MSfB.
• Display a warning in the Create Application Wizard when the user attempts to create a new app from Store license information.

SCCM 2303 New Features, Enhancements, and Fixes

There are many new features and improvements added in SCCM 2303 baseline version. The new features in the ConfigMgr version 2303 update include some of the features you might be already tested in the technical preview release:

Microsoft Configuration Manager Product Branding

Starting with SCCM version 2303, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager is now Microsoft Configuration Manager. Microsoft Configuration Manager is an integrated solution for managing all your devices. Microsoft brings together Configuration Manager and Intune, without a complex migration, and with simplified licensing.

Dark Theme Extended to Delete Secondary Site Wizard

The dark theme has been available as a pre-release feature since SCCM 2203. The SCCM 2303 release extended the dark theme to additional components deleting the secondary site.

This delete secondary site wizard will also have a new look for the normal theme. This is part of the ongoing effort to improve the dark theme and overall admin console experience.

The dark theme for SCCM Console provides a great look compared to the light theme. It’s also good If you are a person who spends a lot of time working in the SCCM Console, Dark mode can reduce eye strain in low-light conditions. Here you will see how you can Enable Dark Theme for SCCM Console.

Maintenance window schedules – Maximum Offset Days to 7

You can now offset monthly maintenance window schedules to better align deployments with the release of monthly security updates. SCCM Maintenance Window maximum Offset days value is 7 days for recurring monthly maintenance window schedules.

Enable Windows features Introduced via Windows Servicing

The setting for the policy Enable Windows features introduced via Windows servicing that is off by default is now integrated with the SCCM 2303.

In the Client Settings – Default settings, under software updates. You will see the option Enable Windows features introduced via Windows servicing that is off by default, set to Not Configured.

Collections to Azure Active Directory Group Synchronization Improvements

The collection member sync to Azure AD Group status is shown in one of the Tabs in the SCCM Admin console. There are 3 status messages as listed below. This is available in the Collection Cloud Sync dashboard for the chosen collection on the bottom pane.

• Success
• In Progress
• Failed – with the reason for failure

New Audit Message for Authorization Failure message in Admin Service

New Audit Message for Authorization failure message in the admin service is introduced with the 2303 version of SCCM. You can now view request details and status messages. These messages are shown in “All Status Message” at “Status Message Queries” in the “Monitoring” ribbon.

Unified update platform (UUP) GA Release

A one-time 10-GB download to distribution points with your first UUP update. UUP is becoming the default and only way to download quality updates. This means that you should plan for an extra 10GB download to distribution points (not endpoint clients) with the March 28th update.

The Windows 11 April Cumulative Update KB5025239 shows around 10 GB size (~2 GB + ~5GB) for the initial deployment, but for the later updates, the size will not be very large. Let’s check out the benefits of UUP deployments after the initial burden of 10 GB of content.

• Up to 30% smaller client downloads for monthly quality updates
• Cumulative update integration with feature updates (i.e., get current in one reboot)
• Seamless retention of installed language packs (LPs) and optional features on demand (FODs) during feature updates
• Reduced client downloads for feature updates (i.e., inbox app downloads are conditional)
• Automatic OS healing during the update process1 that requires no action from the enterprise admins
• End-user acquisition of language packs and FODs

Endpoint Security Reports for Tenant Attached Devices in Intune

Microsoft also added Endpoint Security Reports for Tenant Attached Devices in Intune admin center portal. Let’s check Endpoint Security Reports for Tenant Attached Devices in Intune. Endpoint security reports cover a range of security aspects, such as device compliance, inventory, security, and threat protection.

The Active Malware tab allows you to view the operational report to see the list of devices and users with active malware and includes details of the malware category.

• Endpoint Security Reports For Tenant Attached Devices In Intune

SQL Server 2022 Version Support added for Configuration Manager

Starting with SCCM 2303, support is added for the SQL server 2022 RTM version. You can use this version of SQL Server for the following sites:

• A central administration site
• A primary site
• A secondary site

More details on How To Upgrade SCCM SQL Server to 2019 | Primary Site Database. The following table identifies the recommended compatibility levels for Configuration Manager site databases:

SQL Server version	Supported compatibility levels	Recommended level
SQL Server 2022	150, 140, 130, 120, 110	150

1. SQL Server Upgrade For SCCM Secondary Server (Part 1)
2. Upgrade SSRS SQL Server Reporting Services (Part 2)
3. How To Upgrade SCCM SQL Server | Primary Site Database (Part 3)

Prerequisites of SCCM 2303 Upgrade Production Version

Here are the prerequisites you must meet before upgrading to the production version of SCCM 2303. Ensure you have gone through all these points before starting the SCCM 2303 upgrade:

• The following SCCM versions are supported for the upgrade to 2303.
  • 2111, 2203, 2207, or 2211.
  • Read more details about the support Life Cycle of ConfigMgr.
• Install update 2303 at the top-level site of your hierarchy (CAS or Standalone Primary).
• The SCCM version should have an online Service Connection Point.
• Evaluate Upgrade Checklist – below section has more details.
• Upgrade to a supported version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 ADK – SCCM 2303 supports Windows 11, Server 2022, and Windows 10 2004 ADKs.

To learn about the new features in SCCM Production past release, you can also refer to the below section of the “What’s New” post.

SCCM Current Branch Release	What’s New Feature in SCCM
SCCM 2211	SCCM 2211 New Features
SCCM 2207	New Features In SCCM 2207

SCCM 2303 Upgrade Checklist

To prepare for upgrading to SCCM 2303 in a production environment, it’s important to review the high-level checklist provided by Microsoft. Before starting the primary server upgrade, let’s look at the SCCM 2303 Upgrade Checklist.

• All sites run a supported version of SCCM.
• Review the status of your product licensing.
• Review Microsoft .NET versions (recommended version is 4.8).
• Review the version of the Windows ADK for Windows 10/Windows 11/Server 2022.
• Review Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 redistributable version 14.28.29914.0.
• Review SQL Server Native Client version.
• Review file and data replication between sites
  • Database replication.
  • File-based replication.
• Install all applicable critical Windows updates.
• Disable database replicas for management points at primary sites.
• Set SQL Server AlwaysOn availability groups to manual failover.
• Disable site maintenance tasks at each site.
• Temporarily stop any antivirus software.
• Back up customized files.
• Review hardware inventory customizations.
• Plan for client piloting.
• Plan to use service windows.
• Review supported extensions.
• Run the setup prerequisite checker (I recommend running the prerequisite check a week before the production upgrade).
• Update sites

Run EnableEarlyUpdateRing PowerShell Script for Downloading Configuration Manager 2303

Note! As of April 24, 2023, version 2303 is globally available for all customers to install. You can directly proceed to download, and install the new sccm version without PowerShell Scripting.

Currently, SCCM version 2303 is available for the early update ring, but opting in is required to install this update. Running the following PowerShell script can add your hierarchy or standalone primary site to the early update ring for version 2303.

To download SCCM 2303 production version using the PowerShell Version 2303 opt-in script, let’s proceed with the following steps to opt into the early update ring:

• Open a Windows PowerShell session as administrator.
• Run the EnableEarlyUpdateRing2303.ps1 script using the following syntax: EnableEarlyUpdateRing2303.ps1 <SiteServer_Name> | SiteServer_IP> Where SiteServer refers to the central administration site or standalone primary site server.
• After running the command, you will see the message “The command(s) completed successfully.”

Once completed, the version 2303 update should be visible in the console. In the SCCM Console, navigate to the Updates and Servicing node to check if the update SCCM 2303 is ready to install.

Run Prerequisite Check for SCCM 2303

When the console lists the update as available, you can run the prerequisite checker before installing the update.

We recommend running the Prerequisite Check for SCCM 2303 update a couple of days or a week before the update of SCCM infra to the latest version. Follow the steps to run the prerequisite check.

You must run the prerequisite check before performing any updates on SCCM Server. The prerequisite check will determine if the update can be installed without issues. To run a prerequisite check for SCCM version 2303, follow these steps:

• Launch the SCCM console. Navigate to Administration > Overview > Updates and Servicing Node.
• Right-click Configuration Manager 2303 update and click Run Prerequisite Check.

As part of the SCCM Updates and Servicing prerequisite check, SCCM Creates or updates the SCCM Update Package for 2303 and replicates it to child primary servers (if you have any). You can check hman.log for details.

You can check the Status of SCCM 2303 Prerequisite Check State. The State column shows the status Checking prerequisites in the Updates and Servicing node.

The status Prerequisite check passed means you have completed the prerequisite check for SCCM 2211 upgrade.

For the other step involved in this prerequisite check process, refer to \Monitoring\Overview\Updates and Servicing Status\Configuration Manager 2303 for details. You can review the ConfigMgrPrereq.log to check the status of the prerequisite check.

Install SCCM 2303 Update – Configuration Manager Version 2303

Let’s upgrade to SCCM 2303 Version. This is an in-console update, and basically, what it does to Install Update Package Configuration Manager 2303.

• Launch the Configuration Manager console.
• Navigate to Administration > Overview > Updates and Servicing Node.
• Right-click on Configuration Manager 2303 update and click on the Install Update Pack.

You must complete the Configuration Manager Update Wizard to start the SCCM 2303 upgrade process. The SCCM version 2303 includes the following, Review the details and Click Next.

• Configuration Manager site server updates
• Configuration Manager console updates
• Configuration Manager client updates
• Fixes for known issues
• New Features

You can check the following option from Ignore any prerequisite check warnings and install the update regardless of the missing requirements option from Configuration Manager Updates Wizard to continue with the upgrade even though there is any warning in the prerequisite check.

Review the newly added features in the Features tab and click the Next button to continue.

This is an important setting, and We always prefer to upgrade the SCCM client package on a small set of devices first. If everything is OK on those upgraded client devices, you can upgrade all the SCCM clients to the latest version, 2303.

• Client Update Settings page configuration
  • Upgrade without validating (Direct Production Upgrade)
  • Validate in pre-production collection (Test the client before the upgrade)
• Click the NEXT button to continue.

Read More! Client upgrade options are available in the blog post about SCCM Client Upgrade Promote Pre-Production Client to Production.

Important – To take full advantage of new ConfigMgr features, update the site, and SCCM clients must be upgraded to the latest version.

Review and Accept the license for this update pack and click Next to continue.

The Summary of update package installation 2303. Click the Next button to continue if you are OK with the settings.

Check the Summary of updated package installation and click Close to complete Configuration Manager Updates Wizard.

Summary of update package installation Success: Install Update Package Configuration Manager 2303 Prerequisite warnings will be ignored. Test the new version of the client in the pre-production collection.

Verification of Successful Installation of SCCM 2303 Update

Following are the verification steps for SCCM 2303 Update:

• In Configuration Manager Console, Navigate to the Monitoring workspace.
• In the Updates and Servicing Status, Select or Right-click on Configuration Manager 2303 and select Show Status.

Here you can see the detailed status of the SCCM 2303 installation on the site. You can also review the cmupdate.log to know the installation progress.

Note – When you install the update on the site, the prerequisite checker runs again.

The steps must be completed as part of the SCCM 2303 upgrade process. We have also included the log files you need to look into to get further details for troubleshooting scenarios.

SCCM 2303 Upgrade Steps	Log File Details
Checking if the Site Server is ready to apply the update	hman.log
Stopping CONFIGURATION_MANAGER_UPDATE service	hman.log
Updating CONFIGURATION_MANAGER_UPDATE service	hman.log
Starting CONFIGURATION_MANAGER_UPDATE service	hman.log
Extracting update package from the content library on-site server	cmupdate.log
Validating redistributable files	cmupdate.log
Checking if the CONFIGURATION_MANAGER_UPDATE service is updated	hman.log & cmupdate.log
Checking if the update is allowed to be applied	cmupdate.log
Turning off SQL Server Service Broker	cmupdate.log
Stopping ConfigMgr services	cmupdate.log
Unloading WMI provider	cmupdate.log
Deleting SMSDBMON triggers	cmupdate.log
Saving site control settings	cmupdate.log
Upgrading ConfigMgr database	cmupdate.log
Updating SQL Server’s registry	cmupdate.log
Updating RCM registry	cmupdate.log
Installing files required for the update	cmupdate.log
Installing the required language pack(s)	cmupdate.log
Installing required components	cmupdate.log
Installing required controls	cmupdate.log
Upgrading site control settings	cmupdate.log
Configuring SQL Server Service Broker	cmupdate.log
Installing required ConfigMgr configurations	cmupdate.log
Starting WMI provider	cmupdate.log
Installing required services	cmupdate.log
Updating Sites table	cmupdate.log
Updating Admin Console binaries	cmupdate.log
Turning on activation of SQL Server Service Broker queues	cmupdate.log

This was the status Summary of the SCCM 2303 Installation. Once these prerequisites are met, the installation process can proceed by using the SCCM installation wizard, which guides you through the process step-by-step.

• Download – Completed
• Replication – Completed
• Prerequisite Check – Completed
• Installation – Completed
• Post Installation – Completed

SCCM 2303 Admin Console Upgrade

Let’s upgrade the SCCM admin console to the latest version, 5.2303.1089.1000. You can use the notification bar below the ribbon menu to upgrade the SCCM console to the 2303 version, or if prompted, click on the OK button.

Note, Before upgrading the console, ensure all the console instances are closed from the standalone primary server.

A UAC prompt may appear. Click on Yes to continue. Please wait until the SCCM admin console upgrade is completed.

After installing the new version, the console upgrade will update the SCCM admin console extensions. So you don’t have to install the extensions after the upgrade process. Read More, How to Install SCCM Console Extensions?

After the SCCM 2303 console upgrade is complete, Launch the Configuration Manager console. Click on the Drop-Down option on the top left side corner of the console, and select About Configuration Manager.

• Microsoft Configuration Manager Version 2303
• Console Version: 5.2303.1089.1000
• Site Version: 5.0.9106.1000

SCCM 2303 Client Upgrade & Dashboard

The SCCM 2303 client upgrade is essential and should be completed as soon as possible. Let’s try to upgrade SCCM 2303 Client version, You can add the client to the SQL Query Client version Dashboard report to track the upgrade progress of the clients.

You have different options to upgrade the SCCM client to the 2303 version, Click on Promote. A prompt will appear on Yes to continue.

The Step by Step SCCM client automatic upgrade process is explained in the following post. More Details, SCCM Client Automatic Upgrade – Promote Pre-Production Client To Production.

Post-Update Checklist for SCCM 2303

Once the site updates to the SCCM 2303 version, complete common tasks and configurations using the following checklist.

• Confirm version and restart (if necessary)
• Confirm site-to-site replication is active
• Update Configuration Manager consoles
• Update Configuration Manager consoles
• Reconfigure database replicas for management points
• Reconfigure availability groups
• Reconfigure any disabled maintenance tasks
• Restore hardware inventory customizations
• Restore user state from active deployments
• Update clients
• Third-party extensions
• Enable any custom solutions
• Update boot images and media
• Update PowerShell help content

Quick Fact Checks

Let’s have a quick fact check of SCCM 2303.

Is SCCM 2303 version production ready?

Yes, it’s production-ready, even though this is in an opt-in release.

Is the SCCM 2303 version the latest baseline version?

Yes, 2303 is the latest baseline version of Configuration Manager (a.k.a SCCM).

What is the ConfigMgr 2303 Admin Console Version?

5.2303.1089.1000

What is the minimum SCCM version required to upgrade to 2303?

The minimum supported version to upgrade to the 2303 version is SCCM 2111.

Supported SCCM Version Details

Some updates for SCCM are available as both an in-console update version for existing infrastructure, and as a new baseline version. More details, SCCM Versions Build Numbers Client Console Site.

The following supported versions of SCCM are currently available as a baseline, an update, or both:

Version	Availability date	Support end date	Baseline	In-console update
2303 (5.00.9106)	April 10, 2023	April 10, 2023	Yes	Yes
2211 (5.00.9088)	October 10, 2024	November 30, 2022	No	Yes
2207 (5.00.9088)	May 30, 2024	August 12, 2022	No	Yes
2203 (5.00.9078)	February 12, 2024	April 8, 2022	Yes	Yes
2111 (5.00.9068)	October 8, 2023	December 1, 2021	No	Yes

The question of whether SCCM is dying has been on the minds of many people. On April 5, 2023, we shared our thoughts on this topic via a YouTube video. In order to make informed decisions about device management strategies, it is important for businesses to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and advancements in the IT industry.

Author

About Author – Jitesh, Microsoft MVP, has over six years of working experience in the IT Industry. He writes and shares his experiences related to Microsoft device management technologies and IT Infrastructure management. His primary focus is Windows 10/11 Deployment solution with Configuration Manager, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), and Microsoft Intune.