Microsoft Configuration Manager Reviews

Name: Microsoft Configuration Manager
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.1 (82 reviews)

4.1 out of 5

82 reviews
90% willing to recommend

What is Microsoft Configuration Manager?

Microsoft Configuration Manager helps IT manage PCs and servers, keeping software up-to-date, setting configuration and security policies, and monitoring system status while giving employees access to corporate applications on the devices that they choose. When Configuration Manager is integrated with Microsoft Intune, you can manage corporate-connected PCs and Macs along with cloud-based mobile devices running Windows, iOS, and Android, all from a single management console.

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Microsoft Configuration Manager is the #1 ranked solution in top Patch Management solutions, #4 ranked solution in top Configuration Management solutions, and #7 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 63% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 12% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Configuration Manager

June 2025

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Featured Microsoft Configuration Manager reviews

MikeNelson2

IT Infrastructure Coordinator at NSW Government

While I do not use the product frequently, many issues were due to configuration rather than the product itself. I cannot give an exact recommendation as it is not my area of responsibility. The team that uses it finds it adequate. It is presently good enough for us not to investigate other options. Overall, I rate the product a six out of ten.

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Vladimir Cvijanovic

Managing Director & Principal ITSM Consultant at a consultancy with 1-10 employees

I cannot specifically say one feature, but I appreciate all features in general. The possibility or native capability of managing Microsoft networks and Microsoft endpoints is valuable for me. The initial setup for Microsoft Configuration Manager is simple. It was streamlined and fairly acceptable for us regarding the security patching process and maintenance system security through Microsoft Configuration Manager.

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Mani Bommisetty

Infrastructure patching Manager at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees

The timeline for setting up this system depends on the number of endpoints or end-users involved. For example, during my time at Walmart, where we were supporting around 350,000 endpoints and 8,000 servers, it took a few months to get the environment settled. In my current organization, which is focused on internal services, it only takes about a week, sometimes even just a couple of days. The process, though, remains quite similar. It can be done by a lot of people but requires support from teams. The setup process typically involves configuring prerequisites, setting up SQL Servers (especially for larger environments), and dealing with any network restrictions. Some networks have specific requirements and restrictions that need to be accommodated. As mentioned earlier, ensuring that your system can communicate with agents across the environment is crucial. In more basic terms, you'll need relays or distribution points in each data center or location. These distribution points help in routing and redistributing the data efficiently. The complexity of the setup mainly hinges on the number of offices and locations you're dealing with. Fortunately, the setup itself is straightforward and user-friendly, so understanding it doesn't require much time if you're familiar with the process. The setup is extremely easy and I would rate it 10 out of 10.

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Microsoft Configuration Manager mindshare

Product category:

As of July 2025, the mindshare of Microsoft Configuration Manager in the Server Monitoring category stands at 5.3%, down from 8.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Server Monitoring

PeerResearch reports based on Microsoft Configuration Manager reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Server Monitoring	Jul 15, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jul 15, 2025	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Configuration Manager vs Zabbix	Jul 15, 2025	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Configuration Manager vs ServiceNow Discovery	Jul 15, 2025	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Configuration Manager vs VMware vCenter	Jul 15, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Microsoft Intune	4.1	N/A	94%	280 interviews Add to research
Zabbix	4.2	27.9%	95%	106 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Microsoft Configuration Manager offers features like software deployment, application pushing, patch management, and automation of updates, enhancing efficiency and security. Users highlight its centralized management console, compliance reporting, and robust remote desktop capabilities. It effectively handles operating system deployments, hardware and software inventory, and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft products. The cloud capabilities and scalability are beneficial for comprehensive endpoint management across varied environments.

"The product is suitable for our size, handling 800 devices."
"I find the product valuable for deployment recovery and it has done much more than that."
"The tool's most valuable features include security updates and patch management, which are critical functions for maintaining security. The automated software distribution and the ability to manage deployments are also highly useful. Enforcing compliance with set policies on systems is another key functionality we leverage."

Room for Improvement

Users suggest Microsoft Configuration Manager could enhance its interface, improve Linux integration, and streamline patch management. Enhancements in PowerShell integration, automation, CPU efficiency, and third-party support are desired. Suggestions for better reporting accuracy, simpler troubleshooting, and faster deployments arise. Expansion of MDM capabilities alongside cloud facilitation is needed. Users wish for improved training resources, notification features, and administrative simplicity. Addressing compliance reporting inaccuracies and incorporating real-time monitoring are also highlighted as beneficial improvements.

"Managing role-based access control within Microsoft Configuration Manager was not helpful because we had other identity management solutions specifically designated for identity management."
"There were misconfigurations by our team rather than issues with the product itself. However, it does seem a bit buggy from time to time, based on what I have heard."
"It does seem a bit buggy from time to time."

ROI

Users demonstrate satisfaction with Microsoft Configuration Manager in terms of ROI. They experience time savings enhancing productivity and express satisfaction with technical support. Some find it crucial for infrastructure and note significant financial savings. Most computers are equipped with advanced features, allowing increased staff throughput. There are issues with Mac application support, but overall the investment appears worthwhile for many. They highlight the importance of thorough research to align with organizational needs.

Pricing

Microsoft Configuration Manager's pricing and licensing can be expensive, particularly for large enterprises, with costs influenced by organizational size and infrastructure. Many find setup and licensing to be labor-intensive, yet valuable due to automation benefits. Licensing options vary, often requiring SQL Server purchases unless deployed on the same server. For smaller businesses, the pricing is more affordable and offers comprehensive packages. Negotiated pricing is common, and satisfaction with cost varies across users.

"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

Organizations primarily utilize Microsoft Configuration Manager for managing Windows environments, focusing on operating system deployment, application installation, and patch management. It facilitates software updates, hardware and software inventory, and compliance monitoring. The platform's capabilities extend to remote assistance and configuration management for devices across various locations. Users leverage its comprehensive features for deploying various updates and applications, maintaining security with malware reporting, and managing large-scale enterprise infrastructures with automation and efficiency.

Service and Support

Microsoft Configuration Manager support varies; some users express satisfaction with responsive and knowledgeable technical assistance when needed, while others find challenges with initial support tiers. Paid options often offer more immediate and specialized help. Many rely on extensive online resources, including forums and documentation, to resolve issues independently. Some users report delays in response or difficulty finding the right expertise, leading to mixed satisfaction levels. Overall, advanced support tiers provide better assistance.

Deployment

Many found Microsoft's Configuration Manager initial setup complex due to requiring detailed planning and an understanding of infrastructure. Familiar users said it was straightforward, though it demands familiarity with IT, server configurations, and prerequisites like SQL databases. Deployment time varies by environment size and complexity, ranging from hours to weeks. It's easier for those with experience, but beginners may face challenges. The effectiveness depends on network configuration understanding and Microsoft's provided step-by-step guidance.

Scalability

Microsoft Configuration Manager is highly scalable, accommodating needs from small setups to large enterprises. The flexibility allows it to handle thousands of devices efficiently. Some mention potential cost increases and the necessity of expert management for optimal scaling. Scaling may require additional investments, including software or cloud solutions like Intune. Limitations in certain functionalities, such as load balancing or high availability, require workarounds. Despite these, users find it effective for expanding operations.

Stability

Microsoft Configuration Manager is generally deemed stable by most users. Although some face occasional performance issues, especially with security settings, misconfigurations, or compatibility with Windows OS updates, many report no significant crashes or glitches. Regular updates from Microsoft enhance its features and reliability. Users emphasize the necessity of proper management to maintain optimal functionality. Despite occasional maintenance needs, Microsoft Configuration Manager is consistently rated highly for its stability and reliability.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

12%

Government

11%

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

University

Educational Organization

Retailer

Energy/Utilities Company

Comms Service Provider

Non Profit

Insurance Company

Construction Company

Media Company

Performing Arts

Real Estate/Law Firm

Legal Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Transportation Company

Hospitality Company

Outsourcing Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Consumer Goods Company

Logistics Company

Engineering Company

Compare Microsoft Configuration Manager with alternative products

Learn more about Microsoft Configuration Manager

New features of Configuration Manager, such as the support of Windows 10 in-place upgrade, co-management with Microsoft Intune, Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise Servicing Dashboard, integration with Windows Update for Business, and more make deploying and managing Windows easier than ever before.

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