In this blog post, I will explain how to install SCCM 2503, an in-console update released on April 23, 2025. It is now globally available as an in-console update for sites running version 2309 or later as the latest current branch update.
It focuses heavily on improving security and quality, following Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI). This version also includes several important bug fixes for issues like software metering failures on ARM64 devices and problems with Cloud Management Gateway communication.
The update process for Configuration Manager 2503 is straightforward. Administrators can install the update at the top-level site first, and then update secondary sites manually through the console. After updating the site, it’s also important to update the SCCM console and client agents to unlock all the new features and improvements.
Version 2503 brings better diagnostic and usage data collection at three levels: basic, enhanced, and full. These improvements help admins monitor deployments, client health, and compliance policies more efficiently. However, a known issue after upgrading is unexpected password prompts during PXE boot, which may be related to the latest ADK and WinPE versions.
Table of Contents
Key Enhancements in SCCM 2503
Discover the remarkable advancements featured in the latest version that will elevate your experience and performance.
| Enhancements | Details |
|---|---|
| Security and Quality Focus | Aligned with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI), this release emphasizes security and quality improvements. |
| Bug Fixes | Addresses several customer-reported issues, including 1) Software metering failures on ARM64 devices. 2) Client communication issues with Cloud Management Gateway when Microsoft Entra authentication is disabled. 3) Distribution point installation failures using alternate accounts. 4) Application installation failures in SQL AlwaysOn environments. 5) Misleading return codes in BGBSetup.log. 6) Incorrect error messages from WSUS location requests during verbose logging. |
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Installation Notes
Here are the Installtion note for SCCM Upgrade. Maily based on Update Process, Console Update and Client Update.
- Update Process: Install the update at the top-level site (CAS or stand-alone primary site). Child primary sites will automatically update post-CAS installation, while secondary sites require manual updates via the Configuration Manager console.
- Console Update: After the site update, update the Configuration Manager console to access new functionalities.
- Client Update: To fully leverage new features, ensure clients are updated to the latest version.
Diagnostic and Usage Data
SCCM Version 2503 takes a significant step forward by offering robust diagnostic data collection across various levels, enhancing your ability to monitor and optimize system performance effectively.
- Level 1 (Basic): Collects counts of applications, client versions, OS versions, and basic site infrastructure data.
- Level 2 (Enhanced): Includes application deployment details, Endpoint Protection policy usage, and mobile device management statistics.
- Level 3 (Full): Gathers comprehensive data such as compliance policy statistics, detailed client deployment errors, and collection evaluation metrics.
Note! Known Issues: Post-upgrade, some users have reported unexpected password prompts during PXE boot, even without configured passwords. This behavior may be linked to the latest ADK and WinPE updates.
Run Prerequisite Check for SCCM 2503
You can run the prerequisite checker before installing the SCCM 2503 update to check if it is ready to install. This SCCM update is applicable to sites that run version 2309 or later.
The prerequisite check will determine if the update can be installed without issues. To run a prerequisite check for SCCM version 2503, follow these steps.
- Launch the SCCM console. Navigate to Administration > Overview > Updates and Servicing Node.
- Right-click Configuration Manager 2503 update and click Run Prerequisite Check.
Install SCCM 2503 Update – Configuration Manager Version 2503
To upgrade to SCCM 2503 using an in-console update, follow these steps. By following these steps, you can smoothly upgrade SCCM to version 2503 using the in-console update method.
- Launch the Configuration Manager console.
- Navigate to Administration > Overview > Updates and Servicing Node.
- Right-click on Configuration Manager 2503 update and click on the Install Update Pack.
SCCM 2503 Upgrade Process
To start the SCCM 2503 upgrade, you need to complete the Configuration Manager Update Wizard. This version brings various enhancements. Review the details carefully, then click “Next” to continue the upgrade process.
Features Included in Update Pack
This update pack offers several features. Choose the feature you want to enable now. If you download a feature now, you can download it later from the Updates and Servicing section in the SCCM console. Check the newly added features in the Features tab, then click “Next” to proceed.
Client Update Settings
This update includes an update for the Configuration Manager client. You can upgrade your clients immediately or validate this client in a pre-production collection before you upgrade all your Configuration Manager clients.
- Upgrade without Validating
- This update overwrites your current Configuration Manager client package. All new client installations and upgrades use this update.
- Validate in pre-production collection
- Validate the client update on members of the pre-production collection while you keep your production client package intact. Later, you can overwrite the production package using Client Update Options in the Updates and Servicing node of the Configuration Manager console.
Review and Accept the Terms for this Update Pack
You must agree to the License Terms and Privacy Statement to continue the installation. You have to accept the terms and conditions laid out in these documents. Once you have accepted them, you can proceed with the installation.
Configure Upload Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Turn on this feature to enable uploading Microsoft Defender for Endpoint data for reporting on devices in Microsoft Intune. Once enabled, data from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint will be uploaded and used for reporting purposes on devices managed in Intune.
Summary of Update Package Installation
The update package for Configuration Manager 2503 will be installed, ignoring any prerequisite warnings. After installation, the new client version will be tested in production. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint data will also be enabled for reporting on devices uploaded to Microsoft Intune.
Configuration Manager Updates Wizard Completed Successfully
The Configuration Manager Updates Wizard has finished successfully. The screenshot below confirms that the Configuration Manager updates wizard has completed successfully.
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Update Pack Installation Status
Monitor the detailed installation under installation status and refer to the CMUpdate.Log, Hman.Log, and Sitecomp.Log for more information. All the upgrade steps, such as Download, Replication, Prerequisite Check, Installation, and Post-installation, were completed successfully.
New Console Installation
Now that the upgrade is successfully completed, close and reopen the console. It will prompt you to install the new console version 5.2503.1083.1000.
Upgrade Verification
Click on the top right corner of the console and select “About Configuration Manager.” Verify that the build number is 9135 and that the Microsoft Configuration Manager version is now 2503.
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Author
Vaishnav K has over 11 years of experience in SCCM, Device Management, and Automation Solutions. He writes and imparts knowledge about Microsoft Intune, Azure, PowerShell scripting, and automation. Check out his profile on LinkedIn.