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Microsoft Configuration Manager Reviews

Vendor: Microsoft
4.1 out of 5
Badge Ranked 1
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What is Microsoft Configuration Manager?

Microsoft Configuration Manager streamlines IT management with features such as software deployment, patch management, and automation, centralizing operations for Windows environments. Integration with Microsoft products allows efficient oversight of workstations and servers.

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Microsoft Configuration Manager is the #1 ranked solution in top Software Distribution solutions, #2 ranked solution in top Patch Management solutions, #3 ranked solution in top Configuration Management solutions, and #6 ranked solution in top Server Monitoring solutions. PeerSpot users give Microsoft Configuration Manager an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Microsoft Configuration Manager is most commonly compared to Microsoft Intune: Microsoft Configuration Manager vs Microsoft Intune. Microsoft Configuration Manager is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 58% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 11% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Configuration Manager
January 2026
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Microsoft Configuration Manager mindshare

Product category:
Server Monitoring
As of February 2026, the mindshare of Microsoft Configuration Manager in the Server Monitoring category stands at 4.2%, down from 6.7% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Server Monitoring Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Microsoft Configuration Manager4.2%
Zabbix15.2%
Checkmk7.3%
Other73.3%
Server Monitoring

PeerResearch reports based on Microsoft Configuration Manager reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryServer MonitoringFeb 3, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersFeb 3, 2026Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Configuration Manager vs ZabbixFeb 3, 2026Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Configuration Manager vs VMware vCenterFeb 3, 2026Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Configuration Manager vs TaniumFeb 3, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Microsoft Intune4.1N/A94%312 interviewsAdd to research
Zabbix4.215.2%95%108 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Software deployment, patch management, and reporting are seen as the most valuable features of Microsoft Configuration Manager. Organizations appreciate its ability to automate tasks, enforce compliance, and provide centralized control. Its integration with other Microsoft services, remote management capabilities, and inventory collection also receive positive notes. By streamlining application distributions and offering a flexible console, it enhances efficiency and security across large environments. Patching and operating system deployments are crucial for maintaining system integrity.
  • "The possibility or native capability of managing Microsoft networks and Microsoft endpoints is valuable for me."
  • "The most valuable features I find in Microsoft Configuration Manager are mostly patching, deploying software, deploying images, and running custom scripts."
  • "Overall, I believe Microsoft Configuration Manager is definitely a good product."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft Configuration Manager needs improvements in package deployment for non-scripters, integration with Microsoft Intune, and better Linux, Mac, and mobile device support. Users desire enhanced reporting accuracy, increased automation, and optimized CPU/memory usage. The interface should be more intuitive with integrated PowerShell capabilities. Faster deployments, streamlined asset management, and improved remote management are also requested. Enhanced security and dynamic scalability are needed for smoother operation, and comprehensive documentation should be provided.
  • "The reporting functionality in Microsoft Configuration Manager could be improved as it is not very user-friendly."
  • "Servers are still not getting it properly, so we could add the servers in Microsoft Configuration Manager for things such as OS deployment and Autopilot as well."
  • "Managing role-based access control within Microsoft Configuration Manager was not helpful because we had other identity management solutions specifically designated for identity management."

ROI

Organizations report a favorable ROI from Microsoft Configuration Manager. It enhances productivity by facilitating efficient device networking and management. Users appreciate the knowledgeable and responsive technical support. While it effectively meets infrastructure needs without focusing on ROI, some users suggest research before implementation to ensure suitability. The management capabilities save time and money, especially in deploying and managing enterprise devices, although improvements for Mac support are desired.

Pricing

Microsoft Configuration Manager's pricing and licensing are seen as expensive by many, especially at the setup stage and for large enterprises. However, Small to Medium Businesses find it more affordable with available SMB packages. Licensing options can vary, including annual contracts and bundled packages with other Microsoft services, which may also include SQL licensing. Negotiation on pricing occurs, and while some find it competitive, small businesses might struggle with the cost.
  • "The solution is expensive. Microsoft Configuration Manager would likely be considered high-priced for small businesses because they may not fully utilize all of its features and capabilities."
  • "We use the tool's free license. It is expensive."
  • "I rate the price of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager an eight out of ten."

Popular Use Cases

Microsoft Configuration Manager is primarily utilized for deploying and managing Windows workstations and servers, distributing software updates, application deployments, and patch management. Organizations also leverage its capabilities for system imaging, configuration management, application virtualization, and maintaining software and hardware inventory. It supports virus protection measures, automation, and remote assistance, ensuring compliance and security across various environments, including extensive networks and multi-location setups.

Service and Support

Customer service is generally praised as very good. Many find technical support satisfactory, though some experience delays and tier navigation issues. Introductory support levels are sometimes criticized as inexperienced, but escalated assistance is typically effective. Online resources and community forums are valuable. Some users prefer handling issues internally or with third-party vendors rather than using direct support due to costs. Microsoft Premier Support and paid options offer higher satisfaction for complex issues.

Deployment

Initial setup of Microsoft Configuration Manager varies in complexity based on expertise and environment. Some find it straightforward, taking a few hours or a day, while others face challenges requiring additional planning and coordination. Experienced users highlight the importance of understanding infrastructure, networking, and business needs. For larger or more complex environments, setup can extend to weeks, requiring meticulous consideration of configurations, dependencies, and dedicated personnel to manage the deployment effectively.

Scalability

Microsoft Configuration Manager is described as scalable, supporting a range of small to extremely large businesses. While some users report needing technical expertise and potential investment for optimal scaling, many believe it handles growth efficiently. Integrating with Intune enhances its scalability, especially for cloud environments. The tool is deemed capable of managing substantial user bases, with some expressing a need for future enhancements to accommodate larger deployments, but it generally supports current needs effectively.

Stability

Microsoft Configuration Manager is frequently praised for its stability. Many users highlight its consistent reliability, noting it rarely crashes or freezes. However, some misconfigurations can affect performance, and maintaining infrastructure is essential. The dependency on Windows OS is noted, and some find it necessary to tweak settings for optimal performance. Updates and upgrades help enhance its features, with most users rating stability high, typically between eight and ten out of ten.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Microsoft Configuration Manager Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business17
Midsize Enterprise10
Large Enterprise52
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business426
Midsize Enterprise346
Large Enterprise1077
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
11%
Government
11%
Computer Software Company
7%
Manufacturing Company
7%
Healthcare Company
6%
University
5%
Educational Organization
4%
Retailer
4%
Energy/Utilities Company
4%
Comms Service Provider
4%
Media Company
4%
Non Profit
3%
Outsourcing Company
3%
Performing Arts
3%
Construction Company
3%
Insurance Company
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Wholesaler/Distributor
2%
Legal Firm
2%
Hospitality Company
2%
Transportation Company
2%
Marketing Services Firm
2%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Consumer Goods Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%

Compare Microsoft Configuration Manager with alternative products

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Learn more about Microsoft Configuration Manager

Microsoft Configuration Manager provides comprehensive IT management, offering software deployment, patch management, and application pushing. Automation reduces manual tasks, ensuring consistency across systems. Centralized management enables standardized OS deployments, application updates, and configuration integrity. Integration with Microsoft products facilitates seamless operations, while hardware and software inventory, compliance reporting, and remote control functions enhance IT management. Users seek improvements in application deployment for those without deep scripting knowledge and desire better WSUS control, PowerShell and Intune integration, Linux compatibility, and user interface enhancements. Performance improvements are requested for remote user management and third-party application support.

What features enhance Microsoft Configuration Manager?
  • Software Deployment: Efficiently distribute software across large networks.
  • Patch Management: Automate and streamline update processes for security and functionality.
  • Automation Capabilities: Reduce manual effort and enhance consistency in IT tasks.
  • Centralized Management: Standardize OS deployments and application updates.
  • Integration with Microsoft Products: Seamless operation with existing Microsoft infrastructure.
  • Hardware and Software Inventory: Comprehensive tracking for assets and resources.
  • Compliance Reporting: Ensure compliance with internal and external standards.
  • Remote Control Functions: Enhance support and troubleshooting capabilities.
What benefits should users expect when evaluating Microsoft Configuration Manager?
  • Decreased Manual Work: Automation reduces time spent on repetitive tasks.
  • Enhanced Security: Automated patch management keeps systems secure.
  • Consistent Configurations: Centralized updates ensure uniformity across systems.
  • Improved Integration: Seamless operation within Microsoft ecosystems boosts productivity.
  • Comprehensive Oversight: Detailed inventory and reporting tools aid in strategic planning.
  • Streamlined Support: Remote capabilities improve IT support and user satisfaction.

Microsoft Configuration Manager is widely implemented in organizations to manage Windows workstations and servers. It is essential for deploying operating systems and applications, managing software updates, and conducting hardware and software inventories. The tool is crucial for endpoint and configuration management, ensuring compliance, and automating processes like patching and vulnerability management. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and education rely on Microsoft Configuration Manager to keep systems secure and operational, adapting it to address their specific needs and challenges in maintaining diversified IT environments.

Microsoft Configuration Manager was previously known as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM ), Microsoft SMS.

Microsoft Configuration Manager customers

Bank Alfalah Ltd., Wªrth Handelsges.m.b.H, Dimension Data, Japan Business Systems, St. Lucie County Public Schools, MISC Berhad

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Product Categories

Product Categories
Server Monitoring
Software Distribution
Configuration Management
Patch Management

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Microsoft Configuration Manager Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Expert at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees5.0I've used Microsoft Configuration Manager for eight years, mainly for patching and application deployment. It's effective but could benefit from Autopilot integration. I find its scripting, inventory, and remote management features especially valuable for compliance and remediation.
Systems Architect at a computer software company with 1,001-5,000 employees3.5I've used Microsoft Configuration Manager for years, mainly for patching and software deployment. It's effective but complex to set up, reporting needs improvement, and support quality varies. I'd rate it 7 out of 10 overall.
Managing Director & Principal ITSM Consultant at a consultancy with 1-10 employees4.5I used Microsoft Configuration Manager for patching, deployment, and inventory. It was stable, scalable, easy to set up, and well-integrated with Microsoft tools. Support improved over time, and I’d recommend it, rating it 9 out of 10.
IT Infrastructure Coordinator at NSW Government3.0I primarily use Microsoft Configuration Manager for image and application deployment. Its deployment recovery feature is particularly valuable. While I've recently started using it, it seems strongly oriented towards automation with full installations, which could be improved.
Infrastructure patching Manager at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees4.0We use Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager for OS patching, application deployment, and security. Its cloud account management is valuable, but a self-healing mechanism for agent issues and a built-in vulnerability scanner would significantly improve its functionality.
Systems Administrator DevOps at a university with 10,001+ employees4.0We use Microsoft Configuration Manager mainly for application deployment and Windows updates, enhancing our software distribution processes. Its application management is impressive, although we prefer a different system for device inventory and asset management. Remote control features exist but are underutilized.
Manager at DATA AND CLOUD4.0I use Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager in construction and architecture, focusing on software updates, analytics, and system deployments. While I find its features valuable, improvements are needed in web server performance monitoring and antivirus integration.
Service Delivery Manager at Almoayyed Computers4.0I use Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager for desktop management, benefiting from its update capabilities and Intune integration. However, system updates are slow. It stands out for its reliability compared to previously used solutions like ManageEngine.