SCCM

SCCM (A.K.A ConfigMgr) Explained
SCCM is Microsoft Microsoft Endpoint Manager Configuration Manager. This solution is used by most of the organizations in the world to manage their enterprise devices. This is the best resource to Learn and troubleshoot on issues.

How is SCCM (A.K.A ConfigMgr) Used?
SCCM solution is mainly used to manage Windows devices. But it has rich capability to manage and Mac OS devices as well. As per Microsoft, this tool is managing more than 75% of enterprise devices of the world. Linux and Unix devices are not supported by MEMCM (A.K.A Microsoft Endpoint Manager Configuration Manager)

How CAN SCCM Be Applied to Your Organization?
This solution can be used to install the application within your organization. OS deployment is another feature of this solution used within most of the enterprises. Another important use of this solution is to deploy patches across the enterprise and secure those devices.

There are 1000000 devices managed by this solution around the world. And SCCM device management solution is used within organizations to deploy millions of applications.

Server Client Application
This solution is a server-client application. All the managed clients’ inventory is stored in the CM SQL database.

SCCM Core infrastructure, Updates for Configuration Manager, Supported configurations for Configuration Manager, Cloud-attached management of CM, Co-management for Windows 10,
Manage clients on the internet, Windows as a service, CMPivot, Application management.

Other Uses for SCCM

SCCM can used for Manage apps from the Microsoft Store for Business, OS deployment, Introduction to OS deployment, Upgrade to Windows 10, Phased deployments, Software update management, Introduction to software updates management, Manage Office 365 ProPlus updates.

SCCM MVP community group is one of the known community groups in the IT Industry.

Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706 1

Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706

Let’s discuss the Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706. I continue to produce comparison videos with every production release of SCCM CB.

This post helps you go through the “Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706.” The previous week was busy because of the SCCM CB preview and production version release.

Being on a business trip didn’t stop me from upgrading my LAB environment to the SCCM CB 1706 production version. In this post, you will find all the details of the Feature Comparison Video between SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 and 1706.

The post provides a look at the differences and improvements between the two versions, helping you understand what has changed and how the updates can benefit your system management.

Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706

In the comparison video tutorial, we see the SCCM console GUI changes. What are the new nodes added to the 1706 console? We also see some deep dives into new features, tools, and settings introduced in the SCCM CB 1706 version.

Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706
ConsoleSCCM CB 1706
Version1706
Console version5:00.8540.1300
Site Version5.0.8540.1000
Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706 – Table 1
  • Console – SCCM CB 1706 = Version 1706
  • Console version: 5:00.8540.1300
  • Site Version: 5.0.8540.1000
Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706 - Fig.1
Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706 – Fig.1

Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706

There are 24 Features in SCCM CB 1706, whereas only 21 in 1702. 3 new features were added in SCCM CB 1706 production release. The important point to note here is some pre-release features are still not ready for production release.

These are Cloud Management Gateway, Server Groups, TS Pre-Caching Device Guard, and Client Peer Cache, which are still in pre-release.

The new features introduced in SCCM CB 1706 are Create and Run Scripts, Surface Driver Updates, and PFX Create.

Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706 - Fig.2
Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706 – Fig.2

Compare the New Tools and Features of SCCM CB 1706

Client Peer Cache support for express installation files for Windows 10 and Office 365.  There are improvements for SQL Server Always On Availability Groups.

Update Reset tool is released with the SCCM CB 1706 production version. The CMUpdateReset.exe tool helps to fix issues when in-console updates have problems downloading or replicating content to primary servers.

The SCCM CB 1706 production release includes improvements for software update points working with boundary groups.

Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706 - Fig.3
Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706 – Fig.3

You have improved the integration of SCCM and Azure AD (AAD). These improvements streamline how you configure the Azure services you use with SCCM and help you manage clients and users who authenticate through Azure AD.

There are some new Compliance Settings (Configuration Items) for Windows 10 Intune-managed clients. The updated/improved categories are Password, Device, Store, and Microsoft Edge.

Android for Work configuration items for the Allow data sharing between work and personal profile settings descriptions have been updated.

NEW Compliance Policy Rules in SCCM CB 1706 Production Version

The following are very important compliance policies available in the SCCM CB 1706 version. Required Password Type—Either Alphanumeric or Numeric is supported for Windows phones, Windows devices, and iOS.

Block USB debugging on Devices, Block apps from unknown sources, and Require threat scan on apps. Compliance policies are supported for Android Devices.

Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706 - Fig.4
Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706 – Fig.4

New Additions in Application Management – SCCM CB 1706

We can deploy PowerShell Scripts from the SCCM CB 1706 console. Run scripts on collections of Windows client PCs and on-premises managed Windows PCs. The script runs in nearly REAL TIME on client devices.

NEW MAM Policy setting in SCCM CB 1706 – Block Screen Capture (only for Android), Disable contact sync, and Disable printing.  Software Updates – Manage Microsoft Surface driver updates, which is ONLY possible when your SUPs are on SERVER 2016.

SCCM CB 1706 Security Improvement

SCCM CB 1706 can deploy Device Guard policy management. Device Guard is a group of Windows 10 features designed to protect PCs against malware and other untrusted software.

References

What’s new in version 1706 of SCCM CB

We are on WhatsApp now. To get the latest step-by-step guides, news, and updates, Join our Channel. Click here. HTMD WhatsApp.

Author

Anoop C Nair is Microsoft MVP! He is a Device Management Admin with more than 20 years of experience (calculation done in 2021) in IT. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group HTMD Community leader. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM 2012, Current Branch, and Intune. He writes about ConfigMgr, Windows 11, Windows 10, Azure AD, Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, AVD, etc.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1707 Preview Upgrade Video Tutorial 2

SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1707 Preview Upgrade Video Tutorial

Let’s discuss the SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1707 Preview Upgrade Video Tutorial. The SCCM/ConfigMgr CB 1707 preview version was released last week. I enjoyed upgrading my SCCM CB 1706 preview version to 1707.

As expected, this was a straightforward process for me. I didn’t see any issues during the upgrade process of SCCM CB 1707. We see the SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1707 Preview Upgrade Video Tutorial in this post.

Preview versions of SCCM CB should NOT be deployed to a production environment. This is similar to the Windows Insiders program, which helps SCCM admins test the new features of SCCM CB.

Before installing this technical preview version, you can review the limitations of the SCCM CB version.

SCCM 1707 Preview Guide Upgrade Process and New Feature Overview

In this video, you will find all the details about the SCCM 1707 Preview Guide Upgrade process and an overview of the new features. The guide will walk you through each step of the upgrade process, ensuring you understand how to implement it smoothly.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1707 Preview Upgrade Video Tutorial – Video 1

SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1707 Preview Upgrade Video Tutorial

The screenshot below provides a comprehensive look at the new features introduced in SCCM 1707, helping you make the most of the latest updates and improvements.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1707 Preview Upgrade Video Tutorial - Fig.1
SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1707 Preview Upgrade Video Tutorial – Fig.1

What are the New Features Introduced in the SCCM CB 1707 Preview?

My favorite features of the SCCM CB 1707 preview version are Windows Defender application guard policies for Windows 10 RS3 and PowerShell Script parameter investments.

  • Client Peer Cache support for express installation files for Windows 10 and Office 365
  • Surface Device dashboard
  • Percent of Surfaces
  • Percent of Surface models
  • Top five operating system versions
  • Configure and deploy Windows Defender Application Guard policies for Windows 10 RS3
  • Add parameters when you deploy PowerShell scripts

Known Issues with SCCM CB 1707 Upgrade

SCCM CB 1707 upgrade process has not changed much. It’s the same as the preview SCCM CB preview upgrades. New features have been introduced in this preview version. There are some known issues with an upgrade when you install a passive primary server. 

The issue is the only application for the SCCM environment with 1706 TP and used the site server always-on, a feature that means the passive site server was configured.

We are on WhatsApp now. To get the latest step-by-step guides, news, and updates, Join our Channel. Click here. HTMD WhatsApp.

Author

Anoop C Nair is Microsoft MVP! He is a Device Management Admin with more than 20 years of experience (calculation done in 2021) in IT. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group HTMD Community leader. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM 2012, Current Branch, and Intune. He writes about ConfigMgr, Windows 11, Windows 10, Azure AD, Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, AVD, etc.

SCCM Upgrade Guide Updates and Servicing Configuration Manager 3

SCCM Upgrade Guide Updates and Servicing Configuration Manager

Let’s discuss the SCCM Upgrade Guide Updates and Servicing Configuration Manager. Microsoft SCCM team released the production version of SCCM 1706. The SCCM 1706 updates are available as an in-console update for previously installed sites that run SCCM CB versions 1606, 1610, or 1702.

In this post, we see the SCCM 1706 in-place upgrade video tutorial and the secret behind the success of SCCM CB Updates and Servicing. The SCCM 1706 upgrade step-by-step video guide is here. This provides more details about the replication, pre-requisite checks, SCCM CB 1702 to 1706 upgrade process, how to enable pre-released Features, etc.

Also, I have another post, “Feature Comparison Video SCCM ConfigMgr CB 1702 VS 1706,” – (published later this week).

The secret is the continuous improvements that Microsoft SCCM PG (Product Group) implemented in SCCM CB. There are loads of things involved in a constant improvement story.

Step by Step Guide Upgrade Process of SCCM CB 1702 to 1706

In this video, you will learn everything you need about upgrading the SCCM Current Branch from version 1702 to 1706. The guide breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps. You’ll get clear instructions on preparing for the upgrade, running the upgrade, and verifying the upgrade’s success.

SCCM Upgrade Guide Updates and Servicing Configuration Manager – Video 1

What is the Secret of the SCCM Updates and Servicing Model?

This post will examine prerequisite checks during the console update and servicing process. SCCM PG uses feedback and telemetry data to improve prerequisite checks.

SCCM Upgrade Guide Updates and Servicing Configuration Manager - Fig.1
SCCM Upgrade Guide Updates and Servicing Configuration Manager – Fig.1

Why are the Prerequisite Checks Important in the Updates & Servicing Model?

Prerequisite checks are essential parts of the SCCM CB updates and servicing framework. Do you know how many prerequisite checks there are in this framework? SCCM CB updates and serves as a prerequisite checker that validates whether the entire SCCM CB infra is ready for an in-place upgrade. Hence, it can ensure a 99% success rate in the promotion.

The release of SCCM CB 1706 includes 62 prerequisite checks. I never knew that the SCCM CB upgrade process involves 62 reviews to ensure that everything is OK before starting the upgrade.

I have listed all the checks included in the production version of SCCM CB 1706. The prerequisite checks cover CAS, Primary servers, and remote site systems servers.

It also includes SQL version, Collation settings, and Replication link verification. SCCM CB prerequisite checks consist of unsupported configurations (NAP, System Health Validation Point) with an SCCM CB environment.

List of SCCM 1706 Prerequisites

Let’s discuss the list of SCCM 1706 Prerequisites. The list below helps you understand the SCCM Prerequisites.

  • Upgrade Assessment Toolkit is no longer supported
  • Administrative rights on-site system
  • Administrative rights on the central administration site
  • Connection to SQL server on CAS
  • Check Server Service is Running
  • Domain Membership
  • Active Directory Domain Functional Level Checks
  • Free Disk space on-site server
  • Pending System Restart
  • Read-Only Domain Controller
  • Site Server FQDN Length
  • Microsoft XML Core Services 6.0(MSXML6.0)
  • Windows Server 2003-based channel hotfix
  • Microsoft Remote Differential Compression (RDC) library is registered on the computer specified for SCCM site server installation.
  • Microsoft Windows Installer
  • Existing SCCM server component installed on target site server
  • Firewall Exceptions for SQL Server
  • Firewall Exception for SQL server (Standalone primary)
  • SQL server service running account
  • Dedicated SQL Server Instance
  • Parent/Child database collation
  • Minimum .NET Framework version for SCCM
  • Windows Deployment Tools Installed
  • User State Migration Tool (USMT) installed
  • Primary FQDN
  • Site Code in Use
  • Verify CAS version
  • Required SQL Server Collation
  • Backlogged Inboxes
  • DP package version
  • SQL Server Database collation
  • Share Name in Package
  • Software Update Point in NLB configuration
  • Migration active source hierarchy
  • Unsupported upgrade path
  • Active Replica MP
  • Parent Site replication status
  • Unsupported site system role “Out of band service point.”
  • The System health Validation point site system role is NO longer supported
  • Network Access Protection (NAP) is no longer supported
  • Verify Database Consistency
  • SQL Server Sysadmin rights
  • SQL server admin rights for reference site
  • Site Server computer account administrative rights
  • SQL Server Version
  • SQL Server Edition
  • SQL Server TCP port
  • Case-insensitive collation on SQL server
  • Validate FQDN of SQL server computer
  • Windows Failover Cluster
  • Windows PE Installed
  • SMS Provider machine has the same domain as the site server
  • Custom Client Agent Settings have NAP enabled
  • Default Client Agent Settings have NAP enabled
  • SQL Availability group configured for the readable secondary server
  • SQL Availability group configured for manual failover
  • SQL Availability group configured on the default instance
  • SQL Index creates Memory Option
  • SQL Server Supported version
  • Unsupported site server operating system version for setup
  • Unsupported Operating System version for Site System Role
  • SUP using a Load Balancer(NLB/HLB)is no longer supported

We are on WhatsApp now. To get the latest step-by-step guides, news, and updates, Join our Channel. Click here. HTMD WhatsApp.

Author

Anoop C Nair is Microsoft MVP! He is a Device Management Admin with more than 20 years of experience (calculation done in 2021) in IT. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group HTMD Community leader. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM 2012, Current Branch, and Intune. He writes about ConfigMgr, Windows 11, Windows 10, Azure AD, Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, AVD, etc.

SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App PatcheMAIN

SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches

Let’s discuss the SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches. I have published a post about installing and configuring the SCUP 2017 preview version.

You can have a look at that post before going through this post. More details SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide. 

The SCUP installation process is straightforward. Similar to SCCM, the SCUP console has different workspaces. This post will show how to publish third-party app patches using SCCM SCUP 2017.

The first step is to import a third-party Application Catalog to SCUP 2017. The following are out-of-the-box Partner Software Update Catalogs with the SCUP 2017 preview version.

Adobe Acrobat X, Adobe Acrobat 11, Adobe Reader X, Dell Business Client, Dell Server, Fujitsu PRIMERGY, HP Client, and HPE ProLiant.

SCCM Built-in Third-party Software Update Publishing Feature without SCUP – NO Need for SCUP Anymore

This video provides comprehensive details about the SCCM built-in third-party software update publishing feature, eliminating the need for SCUP. SCCM now offers an easy process for publishing third-party software updates directly within its interface without relying on SCUP anymore.

SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches – Video 1

SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches

We must add third-party applications to SCCM SUP products like Abode, Dell, Fujitsu, and HP. To do so, navigate through SCCM Settings, Configure Site Components, Software Update Point, Products, and Adobe Systems. Inc. – Abode Acrobat.

SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches - Fig.1
SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches – Fig.1

SCUP 2017 Publish 3rd Party Apps Updates to SCCM 

We are ready to publish the 3rd part of the app updates to SCCM. Right-click on all the updates from SCUP and publish them to SCCM CB.

Select the Automatic option while deploying the 3rd party app updates to SCCM. The automatic option is available only when SCCM integration is selected in SCUP.

Click Automatic to allow updates. The publisher will query SCCM to determine whether the selected software updates are published with full content or only metadata.

In this mode, software updates are only published when they meet the client request count and package source size thresholds specified on SCCM. Only the software update definition(metadata) is published if neither threshold is met.

Confirmation
1 Updates were selected for publish
1 Updates were published metadata only
SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches – Table 1
SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches ConfigMgr | Configuration Manager Endpoint Manager
SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches – Fig.2

We also need to Sign all software updates with a new publishing certificate when published software updates have not changed but their certificate has changed.

SCCM Software Update Sync after Publishing 3rd Party Apps

SCCM All Software Update Sync to have the newly added Acrobat 11 and other app product updates in the SCCM console.

We have published one new update from the SCUP console, bringing the total number of third-party updates to five. After the SYNC, SCCM should have five Acrobat updates.

SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches - Fig.3
SCCM SCUP 2017 How to Publish 3rd Party App Patches – Fig.3

References

SCCM + SCUP Wiki – https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/jasonlewis/

System Center Updates Publisher June 2017 Preview is now available https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/enterprisemobility/2017/07/03/system-center-updates-publisher-june-2017-preview-is-now-available/

System Center Updates Publisher https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sccm/sum/tools/updates-publisher/ 

We are on WhatsApp now. To get the latest step-by-step guides, news, and updates, Join our Channel. Click here. HTMD WhatsApp.

Author

Anoop C Nair is Microsoft MVP! He is a Device Management Admin with more than 20 years of experience (calculation done in 2021) in IT. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group HTMD Community leader. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM 2012, Current Branch, and Intune. He writes about ConfigMgr, Windows 11, Windows 10, Azure AD, Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, AVD, etc.

SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide 4

SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide

Let’s discuss the SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide. Microsoft recently released the preview version of System Center Updates Publisher (SCUP)2017, which adds support for Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016.

SCUP is a stand-alone tool that enables 3rd party applications (non-Microsoft apps) or LOB application developers to manage custom updates.

SCUP can be integrated with WSUS and SCCM. This post will provide a video guide for SCUP 2017 preview installation and configuration.

More details about How to Publish 3rd Party Abode Acrobat Patches via SCCM SCUP 2017. The SCUP installation process is straightforward, as you can see in the video embedded in this post. Similar to SCCM, we have different workspaces in the SCUP console.

SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide – Install SCUP 2017 on Server 2016

Those SCUP workspaces are Updates Workspace, Publications Workspace, Rules Workspace, and Catalogs Workspace. You can navigate to “Update Workspace – Overview” and add updated catalogs from partners like Adobe.

SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide - Fig.1
SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide – Fig.1

Import 3rd Party Application Catalog to SCUP 2017

Add partner software updates catalogs allow us to download/Import third-party app catalogs like Adobe Acrobat 11 Updates. This initiates the Acrobat11_Catalog.cab file download. As part of the process, we must also accept the catalog’s security validation from a vendor like Adobe System. 

Several updates are available in a catalog or cab file, like Acrobat11_Catalog.cab. The Adobe Acrobat 11 update catalog has 20 updates available, similar to Acrobat 11.0.18 Update and Acrobat 11.0.20 Update. All these updates are imported to SCUP.

There are options to edit/customize third-party application updates imported into SCUP. The package information tab has all the details about the location from which the actual source file, like AcrobatUpd11001.msp, will be downloaded.

We can also specify the installation command line, etc., for each update. There are several options to customize each update. The following are the main customization options for each update: the package, Information, Optional Info, Prerequisite, Supersedence, Applicability, Installed, etc.

SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide - Fig.2
SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide – Fig.2

SCUP 2017 Integration with SCCM and WSUS

SCUP can be integrated with WSUS and SCCM. One prerequisite for this integration is SCUP and WSUS (+ SCCM) connectivity. This connectivity must publish third-party patch updates to WSUS and then to SCCM.

The SCUP console has a checkbox option to enable publishing updates to an update server (WSUS server). As you explained in the above video, you must create a self-signed certificate for WSUS connectivity. A similar option enables configuration manager (SCCM) integration with SCUP 2017.

SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide - Fig.3
SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide – Fig.3

The configuration options and workspaces have not changed in the SCUP 2017 preview version (compared with previous versions of SCUP). I recommend installing WSUS and the SUP component from the SCCM console before connecting the SCUP with WSUS. 

As you can see in the screenshot above, the test connection succeeded. However, no signing certificate was detected for the update server. You cannot publish content to the update server without registering a signing certificate.

SCUP 2017 Certificate Export and Import Activities

We need to export the WSUS certificate from MMC and import it to the locations mentioned below. We must also add the signing certificate used for publishing to the following certificate stores on the SCUP and WSUS computers: Trusted Publishers and Trusted Root Certificate Authorities.

  • The settings for this connection are not saved until we click OK on the Options dialog box.
  • The WSUS and SCCM connection tests were successful after the certificates were imported to MMC.
  • Now, we are ready to publish the updates to WSUS. Publish the updates to WSUS and SCCM via SCUP.
SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide - Fig.4
SCUP 2017 Preview Installation and Configuration Video Guide – Fig.4

Reference

System Center Updates Publisher June 2017 Preview is now available

System Center Updates Publisher

Author

Anoop is Microsoft MVP! He is a Solution Architect in enterprise client management with more than 20 years of experience (calculation done in 2021) in IT. He is Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group HTMD Community leader. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM 2012, Current Branch, and Intune. He writes about ConfigMgr, Windows 11, Windows 10, Azure AD, Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, AVD, etc……………

SCCM Console Keyboard Shortcuts_1

SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts

Let’s discuss the SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts. SCCM console shortcuts are handy in some scenarios, like during demos, training sessions, etc. We can just “show off” that we have some handy SCCM CB Console keyboard shortcuts.

This video post will discuss some very useful SCCM Console keyboard shortcuts. How many of you have used MMC keyboard shortcuts with the SCCM 2007 MMC console? Those MMC shortcuts won’t work with SCCM CB versions.

The SCCM CB preview version introduced new keyboard shortcuts, such as CTL + M, CTL + T, etc. I’m not a frequent user of SCCM console keyboard shortcuts, but I think they could be useful at times.

As you can see in the video below, I have not used MOUSE at all to move around the SCCM CB console.

SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts

This video provides a detailed explanation of the SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts Quick Video Guide. It covers a comprehensive range of keyboard shortcuts designed to enhance your efficiency and productivity when using SCCM.

SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts – Video 1

SCCM Workspace Keyboard Shortcuts – SCCM Console Keyboard Shortcuts

Some extra shortcut keys are available for the SCCM CB Preview 1706 version (I’ve shown them in the video and the screen capture below).

  • Assets and Compliance – Ctrl+1
  • Software Library – Ctrl+2
  • Monitoring – Ctrl+3
  • Administration – Ctrl+4
SCCM Keyboard shortcutWorkspace
Ctrl + 1Assets and Compliance
Ctrl + 2Software Library
Ctrl + 3Monitoring
Ctrl + 4Administration
SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts – Table 1
SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts - Fig.1
SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts – Fig.1

Ctrl + M Sets focus on the main (central) pane. As I showed in the video, you can select each computer using the CTL + M SCCM CB console keyboard shortcut.

As I showed in the video, the left pane selects users, devices, and user collections. Ctrl + T – Sets focus on the navigation pane’s top node. If the focus was already in that pane, the focus is set to the last node you visited.

SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts - Fig.2
SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts – Fig.2
SCCM Keyboard ShortcutPurpose – Use of Shortcuts
Ctrl + MSet the focus on the main (central) pane.
Ctrl + TSet the focus to the top node in the navigation pane. If the focus was already in that pane, the focus is set to the last node you visited.
Ctrl + ISet the focus to the breadcrumb bar, below the ribbon.
Ctrl + LSet the focus to the Search field, when available.
Ctrl + DSet the focus to the details pane, when available.
AltChange the focus in and out of the ribbon.
SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts – Table 2

Set focus to search when the SEARCH option is available. Ctrl + L Sets focus on the Search field when available. I have shown this search in the embedded video. Press the CTL + T keyboard shortcut to focus on search and start searching computers/users/Site servers, etc.

Focus Summary Details pane to Ctrl + D. Sets focus to the details pane when available. Press the ALT button from the keyboard to change focus in and out of the ribbon.

Ctrl + I – Sets focus on the breadcrumb bar below the ribbon. This shortcut will focus on the path, for example, \Assets and Compliance\Overview\Users.

SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts - Fig.3
SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts – Fig.3

CMPivot Console Keyboard Shortcuts

Let’s check the CMPIvot Keyboard shortcuts available to make the SCCM admin’s life easy. The table below shows the CMPivot Console Keyboard Shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcutPurpose
Ctrl + 1Set the focus on the first tab.
Alt + <To back to the address
SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts – Table 3
SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts - Fig.4
SCCM Keyboard Shortcuts – Fig.4

We are on WhatsApp now. To get the latest step-by-step guides, news, and updates, Join our Channel. Click here. HTMD WhatsApp.

Author

Anoop C Nair is Microsoft MVP! He is a Device Management Admin with more than 20 years of experience (calculation done in 2021) in IT. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group HTMD Community leader. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM 2012, Current Branch, and Intune. He writes about ConfigMgr, Windows 11, Windows 10, Azure AD, Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, AVD, etc.

SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video 5

SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video

Let’s learn SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video. The SCCM team released the newest PREVIEW version of SCCM CB 1706. Most of us are waiting for the production release, which I hope will happen sometime next month.

Per my previous experience and analysis, not all newly introduced features were added to the production version. I expect the same thing might happen with the production version of SCCM CB 1706.

I don’t think all the new features introduced in the PREVIEW version of 1706 will make it to the production version of SCCM CB 1706. I’ll provide an SCCM CB Preview Version 1706 Upgrade and New Capabilities Overview Video guide in this post.

Downloading the SCCM CB 1706 preview version and upgrading from it to 1706 is straightforward. A similar process is explained in the following video step-by-step guide, “Step by Step Video Guide SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 Download and Upgrade.”

SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video – SCCM CB Primary Passive Site Server

Site server role high availability – Now, you can create a passive primary server with the SCCM CB 1706 preview version, and this passive primary server will use the same SQL database. The passive SCCM primary server can’t write anything to the DB.

How do you create an SCCM CB Passive Primary server? Go to Administration > Site Configuration > Sites and start the Add Site System Roles Wizard in the console.

SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video - Fig.1
SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video – Fig.1

SCCM CB SUP and Boundary Group Improvements

It improved boundary groups for SCCM CB 1706 preview software update points (SUP). Fallback for SUPs now uses a configurable time for fallback to neighbour boundary groups, with a minimum of 120 minutes.

Independent of the fallback configuration, a client who attempts to reach the last software update point is used for 120 minutes. After failing to achieve its original server for two hours, the client switches to a shorter cycle for contacting a new SUP.

Trigger Compliance Notification Alerts from SCCM CB 1706

The device compliance policy has undergone some significant improvements. You can configure a time-ordered sequence of actions applied to devices that are out of compliance. For example, you can notify users of non-compliant devices via e-mail or mark those devices as non-compliant.

This can be done via \Assets and Compliance\Overview\Compliance Settings\Compliance Policies\Compliance Notification Templates.

NameSubjectCompany LogoCompany Name
ACN NotificationACN NotificationYesYes
SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video – Table 1
SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video - Fig.2
SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video – Fig.2

SCCM CB Compliance Policy Options for AAD Registration and Antimalware

Also, I could see the new compliance policies for full SCCM clients, which can be used in conjunction with Conditional Access for Managed PCs. Those compliance policies are Azure Active Directory Registration and Antimalware presence.

SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video - Fig.3
SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video – Fig.3

Android and iOS Enrollment Restrictions are Available in SCCM CB 1706

Admins can now specify that users can not enroll personal Android or iOS devices in their hybrid environment, limiting enrollment to pre-declared company-owned or DEP-enrolled devices. You can configure this from an Intune subscription under Cloud Services.

New Client settings for Automatically Register the Domain Joined Devices to Azure AD (Default Client Policies)

New client settings to Configuration Manager. You’ll find these in the Cloud Services section. These settings give you the following capabilities: Control which Configuration Manager clients can access a configured cloud management gateway. Automatically register Windows 10 domain-joined SCCM clients with Azure Active Directory.

SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video - Fig.4
SCCM CB Preview 1706 Upgrade New Capabilities Overview Video – Fig.4

Other Important Capabilities of SCCM CB 1706 PREVIEW Version

Let’s discuss the Other critical Capabilities of the SCCM CB 1706 PREVIEW version. The list below helps you show the Other critical Capabilities of the SCCM CB 1706 PREVIEW version.

  • Create and Run Scripts – Create and run PowerShell scripts from the SCCM console.
  • Device Health Attestation assessment for compliance policies for conditional access
  • Android for Work application management policy for copy-paste
  • Android and iOS enrollment restrictions
  • New mobile application management policy settings
  • New Windows configuration item settings
  • Cisco (IPsec) support for macOS VPN profiles
  • Support for Entrust certification authorities
  • Configure Windows Update for Business deferral policies
  • Manage Microsoft Surface driver updates
  • PXE network boot support for IPv6
  • Changes to the Azure Services Wizard to support Upgrade Readiness.
  • SCCM console Accessibility improvements
  • Specify a different content location for installing content and uninstalling content
  • Hide task sequence progress
  • Include trust for specific files and folders in a Device Guard policy

Resources

Capabilities in Technical Preview 1706 for SCCM CB

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Author

Anoop C Nair is Microsoft MVP! He is a Device Management Admin with more than 20 years of experience (calculation done in 2021) in IT. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group HTMD Community leader. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM 2012, Current Branch, and Intune. He writes about ConfigMgr, Windows 11, Windows 10, Azure AD, Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, AVD, etc.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune 6

SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune

Discuss the SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune. This Saturday, the Microsoft SCCM team released the latest technical preview.

I blogged about the two exciting features of the SCCM ConfigMgr CB version in the post “SCCM ConfigMgr AAD User Discovery and Client Authentication with Cloud Identities.”

This is not the production version of the SCCM ConfigMgr CB version. You should not install this version of SCCM in a production environment. Technical preview versions of SCCM CB will get released every month.

I recommend that SCCM admins install the TP version of SCCM CB in their lab environment so that they can keep up with the new features that are enabled in every TP release.

Step by Step How to SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 Download and Upgrade Video Guide

In the video titled “Step by Step How to SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 Download and Upgrade Video Guide,” you will find a detailed tutorial on downloading and upgrading to the (SCCM) Current Branch Technical Preview 1705. The guide walks you through the entire upgrade process, ensuring a smooth transition from previous versions.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune – Video 1

SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune

SCCM CB TP 1705 comes with loads of new features, and I will discuss some of them in detail in upcoming blog posts. In this post, we will discuss how I completed the download and installation of SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune - Fig.1
SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune – Fig.1

You can refer to the video here or the embedded at the start of this post. In this post, the download and upgrade of the SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP version have been segregated into SIX parts. As you can see in the picture below, you may need to start the download (Available to Download).

  1. SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Download of the content
  2. SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Available to Install
  3. SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Pre-Requisite checks
  4. SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Installation Process
  5. SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Post Installation Steps
  6. SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Console Upgrades

SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Download of the Content

Download SCCM CB 1705 content from the Microsoft content server. You can check the content download status from the log file called DMPDownloader.log. Also, the content status can be analyzed via Ethernet connection via Task Manager – Performance.

In addition to these, you can check the cab file size from the folder “EasySetupPayload.” The SCCM CB installation video guide explains all of this.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune - Fig.2
SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune – Fig.2

SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Available to Install

The following are the high-level steps of SCCM ConfigMgr CB in the console download process. The screenshot below shows the SCCM pack install update. It is in the state of Ready to install.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Available to Install
Process update package
Download the updated package cab file
Extract update package payload
Download Redist
Report package as downloaded
SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune – Table 1
SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune - Fig.3
SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune – Fig.3

Once the content download of SCCM ConfigMgr has been completed, we can start the installation process of SCCM CB TP 1705. Right-click on the update and tap on “Install update pack.” This action will initiate an upgrade wizard. You can select some important options as part of this upgrade wizard. Monitor this process via CMUpdate.log and the SCCM CB console.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Prerequisite Checks

Before the start of the installation, the upgrade process will carry out prerequisite checks, such as checking the disk space available on the server. It will also include loads of other checks to ensure the upgrade process goes through without any issues.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune - Fig.4
SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune – Fig.4

SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Installation Process

Once the necessary pre-checks have been completed, the actual upgrade process will start. CMUpdate.log is your friend in this SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 upgrade process. Upgrading the ConfigMgr Database is the most important and time-consuming step in this SCCM CB installation process. Installing files is another process that may take a long time to finish, as you see in the video embedded in this video post.

SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Post Installation Steps

The post-installation steps of SCCM CB 1705 are critical; this is where the SCCM Executive service will be installed. SQL-based replication services, SMS hierarchy manager, etc., were installed during this step. SiteComp.log is your best friend in this step to monitor the progress of that installation.SCCM ConfigMgr CB TP 1705 – Console Upgrades.

The SCCM CB TP 1705 console upgrade is the last step of the in-console upgrade process. This is explained in the SCCM video tutorial embedded in this post. The SCCM CB TP 1705 console version is “5.00.8525.100,” and the site Server version is “5.00.8525.100.“

SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune - Fig.5
SCCM ConfigMgr CB Download Upgrade Step by Step Guide Configuration Manager Intune – Fig.5

Resources

Update 1705 for Configuration Manager Technical Preview Branch – Available Now!
More detailed Technical details on SCCM CB TP 1705

We are on WhatsApp now. To get the latest step-by-step guides, news, and updates, Join our Channel. Click here. HTMD WhatsApp.

Author

Anoop C Nair is Microsoft MVP! He is a Device Management Admin with more than 20 years of experience (calculation done in 2021) in IT. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group HTMD Community leader. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM 2012, Current Branch, and Intune. He writes about ConfigMgr, Windows 11, Windows 10, Azure AD, Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, AVD, etc.