SCCM Version 2709 the Final Release or the Beginning of a New Annual Update Cycle! Microsoft has changed how SCCM updates are released and supported. From now on, there will be just one major update every year, usually in September, and each version will be supported for 24 months.
SCCM is still an important tool for managing on-premises systems, but it’s now in a maintenance stage. Microsoft will keep providing fixes and security updates, but there won’t be many new features. The focus is clearly shifting away from SCCM toward cloud-based management tools.
Microsoft Intune is now the core platform driving innovation in device management. Organizations can start their cloud journey with Cloud Attach and Co-Management. It enables unified management of both on-premises and cloud devices.
The SCCM 2709 version will stop getting support in 2029. Companies should start moving to Microsoft Intune, plan their updates more efficiently, and train their IT teams to use modern tools like Intune and Entra. Since the future of managing devices is moving to the cloud, organizations that begin this transition early will be better prepared and enjoy more flexibility, automation, and security.
Table of Contents
How often will SCCM be Updated?
There will be one major update every year, usually in September, with 24 months of support for each version.
Is the Annual Update Cycle a New Direction for SCCM?
No. It is just an official move to a predictable once-a-year release model for easier planning.
Is SCCM Going Away?
No, not yet. It’s still supported but now in a maintenance phase, with fewer new features.
How can We Start Moving to Intune?
You can start with Cloud Attach and Co-Management to manage both on-prem and cloud devices together.
What should We Do before 2029?
Prepare to move to Intune and train IT teams in modern tools like Intune and Entra, since SCCM support for version 2709 ends in 2029.
Where is Microsoft Adding New Features?
All new features are coming to Microsoft Intune, not SCCM.
Why is Microsoft Moving to an Annual Release Model?
To improve stability, predictability, and align with the broader Endpoint Manager ecosystem.
Will Hotfixes or Out-of-band Updates still be Released?
Only for critical security or functionality issues.
How Does this Affect Existing Environments?
Existing setups remain supported; any major changes will be announced early.
What will Happen to Version Numbers?
The YYMM format continues, but there’ll be only one main release each year.
How Long will Each Version be Supported?
For 18 months, with overlapping support windows.
Does this Mean Fewer New Features?
No. Features will be bundled into the annual release for better stability.
How should Organizations Plan for this Change?
Treat it as a yearly maintenance cycle and plan testing and upgrades accordingly.
SCCM Version 2709 the Final Release or the Beginning of a New Annual Update Cycle
The annual release helps IT admins to reduces pressure. Instead of rushing to test and deploy updates every few months, admins can plan their upgrade once a year. It also reduces the risk of unexpected issues or downtime after updates.
- Plan upgrades with confidence – making it easier to prepare and schedule updates.
- Focus on stability and security – Each release will improve reliability, performance, and protection instead of adding frequent new features.
- Transition at your own pace: Keep using SCCM for on-premises devices while moving to Microsoft Intune whenever your organization is ready.
- How to Move from Co-Management to Full Intune with Modern Identity Modern Policies and No On-Prem
- Top Scenarios and Core Tools for SCCM to Intune Migration
Microsoft Simplifies SCCM Updates Moving from 3 Releases a Year to 1
Microsoft is aligning SCCM with other enterprise products like Windows and Office by shifting from 3 updates per year to a single annual release. This change simplifies the update process, reduces administrative overhead, and brings greater predictability for IT teams.
| Release per Year | Release per Year |
|---|---|
| Old Model | New Model |
| 3 | 1 |
Visualizing the New SCCM Cadence and Extended Support Lifecycle
Microsoft has introduced a simpler and more predictable release schedule for SCCM, with one major update every September, following the ‘YYMM’ naming pattern. Each version will now enjoy a 24-month support lifecycle an improvement over the previous 18-month period. This change gives IT teams greater stability, more time for planning, and a clearer roadmap for managing updates with confidence.
| Old Cadence | New Annual Cadence |
|---|---|
| 2303 March 2309 September 2403 March | 2409 September 2509 September 2609 September |
SCCM Release Timeline – What to Expect in Upcoming Versions
This planned release timeline provides IT teams and organisations with better visibility into what’s coming next. With a clear version, they can prepare in advance, schedule upgrades at the right time, and minimize disruptions.
- Version 2509 (December 2025) – Delivers key stability and quality improvements, including support for ARM64 devices.
- Version 2603 (March 2026) – Introduces enhanced security features aligned with the Microsoft Secure Future Initiative.
- Version 2609 (September 2026) – Marks the beginning of the new annual release cadence, emphasizing predictability and reliability.
- Version 2709 (September 2027) – A forward-looking release focused on future enhancements, with details to be announced later.
- Top 4 Pillars of SCCM to Intune Migration Workloads Identity Applications Policies
- Download 37 Page Best Intune Migration Document from Microsoft
- Migration Guide Intune Hybrid to Intune Standalone
How SCCM 2609 Aligns with Windows H2 Updates for Easier Management
Starting with version 2609, SCCM will release updates once a year. These updates will be scheduled at the same time as the Windows H2 (second half of the year) updates. This means that both SCCM and Windows will follow a similar release timeline. It helps IT teams plan upgrades more easily, test updates together, and manage their systems with less effort.
- Security and reliability remain the top priority for SCCM
- Critical security fixes and patches will continue to be released whenever needed
- Hotfix rollups will be provided only for major security or functionality issues
- Existing SCCM environments will continue to receive full support
- Advance notice will be given before any features are removed or deprecated, allowing IT teams to plan
SCCM Consistent 18-Month Support for Every Release
Each version of SCCM gets support for 18 months from its release date. This gives IT teams enough time to plan and complete upgrades without pressure. The below table helps you to show more details.
Read More – SCCM Versions Build Numbers Client Console Site
Read More – End of Support Dates for SCCM CB Current Branch ConfigMgr SCCM End of Life
| Version | Support Start | Support End |
|---|---|---|
| 2403 | March 2024 | September 2025 |
| 2409 | September 2024 | March 2026 |
| 2503 | March 2025 | September 2026 |
| 2509 | September 2025 | March 2027 |
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Author
Anoop C Nair has been Microsoft MVP for 10 consecutive years from 2015 onwards. He is a Workplace Solution Architect with more than 22+ years of experience in Workplace technologies. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group Community leader. His primary focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM and Intune. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Windows, Entra, Microsoft Security, Career, etc.