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Read our complete guide to SCCM patch management, from how it works to how to deploy it, and see how it compares to Level.
Level
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Keeping systems up to date is one of the most important tasks of IT teams. Without regular patch management, vulnerabilities pile up, security risks increase, and systems become less stable.
For organizations running Windows environments, Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) offers a powerful way to manage software updates across thousands of devices. It lets IT teams plan, monitor, and deploy patches with precision.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Microsoft SCCM patch management. We will discuss how it works, why it is important, and how to install software updates with this tool.
System Center Configuration Manager is a Microsoft tool that helps IT teams oversee large groups of Windows-based systems. It handles tasks like securing devices, running scripts, and most importantly, applying software updates.
SCCM patch management refers to the process of using this Microsoft product to download software updates across the IT environment.
It allows IT teams to automate patch management processes. This can reduce manual patching while keeping different types of endpoints secure and up to date.
Instead of relying on users or scattered tools, SCCM gives IT departments a structured way to manage updates from a central console. It can save valuable time and minimize the risk of missed or failed security patches.
Microsoft SCCM can download and manage security updates across the following devices:
After identifying which devices SCCM can manage, it's important to understand how its patching features work. Below is a step-by-step breakdown.
The SCCM patch management process begins with the synchronization of software updates. This involves retrieving metadata about available updates from Microsoft Update or an upstream Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server.
This process ensures that the SCCM database is aware of the latest updates, including their classifications, products, and languages. It is the key to accurate patch status and effective deployment.
The synchronization starts at the top-level site, typically the central administration site or a stand-alone primary site. From there, a site-wide policy is created to share the location of software update points (SUP).
After client computers retrieve the policy, they scan available updates and send data to Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI).
Once the top-level site finishes the software updates synchronization process, it can share the update metadata with its child sites.
Before deploying software updates to client computers, you should first initiate a compliance scan. This allows you to evaluate which updates are required, not required, already installed, or not applicable.
The results of the scan are sent back to the management point and subsequently to the site server, where they are stored in the site database.
Once the client compliance assessment is complete, IT administrators can create a new deployment package and configure it.
These packages contain software update source files, which can be copied to the content library on site servers and distribution points.
The Download Updates Wizard plays an important role in this step. This feature lets you download updates and add them to deployment packages before full deployment. It ensures updates are successful before implementing them across client computers.
If the download is successful, the Deploy Software Updates Wizard can automatically use the deployment package to apply updates.
After configuring deployment packages, the next step involves deploying software updates in your IT environment. SCCM offers three primary deployment methods: manual, automatic, and phased.
Once you've chosen a deployment method, SCCM adds an assignment policy to the machine. Then, client endpoints download content files from the download location, the Internet, or a network shared folder, to the package source.
The software updates from the package source are also transferred to the content library on the site server. Finally, they are copied to the content library on the distribution point.
Client computers that belong to the target collection will receive the machine policy. They also trigger an evaluation scan using the Software Update Client Agent.
At the scheduled software availability time, the agent downloads the required update content from a distribution point into its local cache. This makes the software updates ready for installation.
For optional deployments or those without an installation deadline, the updates are not downloaded until you manually initiate the installation process.
Now that you know how it works, you might be curious to learn about the importance of SCCM patch management. Here's why it matters:
Unpatched systems are prime targets for ransomware, malware, and other security threats.
SCCM can apply updates quickly and consistently, reducing security vulnerabilities across your IT environment. It can protect sensitive systems and data against targeted attacks.
Software patches aren't just about improving security. They can also correct bugs and improve system performance.
SCCM helps maintain stability by deploying updates in a controlled, predictable manner. This is especially important for large environments, where untested or incompatible patches can lead to downtime.
By using pilot groups and scheduled maintenance windows, SCCM lets you manage updates without disrupting operations.
Many industries have rules that require systems to be updated regularly. SCCM helps you meet those compliance standards by offering detailed reporting, audit trails, and consistent patch enforcement.
Whether it's HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or SOC 2 standards, SCCM provides proof to auditors that you're keeping systems current.
Managing updates manually across a distributed network is a complex task. SCCM reduces this complexity by centralizing control and automating patch processes.
From update selection to deployment and compliance tracking, the platform cuts down on the time and effort needed to manage patches. This allows your team to focus on higher-value projects and increases IT efficiency.
Now that you know the importance of SCCM patch management, here's how you can actually deploy updates with this tool:
Manual deployment in SCCM allows you to select specific updates and deploy them to targeted devices. This method is particularly useful for installing out-of-band updates or establishing a baseline before implementing automated deployments.
Here are the basic steps to deploy updates manually:
Automatic patch deployment in SCCM is ideal if you want to automate the selection, deployment, and monitoring of software updates.
Below are the key steps to follow:
Phased deployment lets you roll out updates in controlled stages based on custom criteria and groups. This can reduce risk and maintain stability.
Here's how you can create phased deployment rules:
SCCM is a reliable patching tool, especially for organizations using Windows environments. It supports advanced scheduling, compliance tracking, and integration with other Microsoft services.
However, Microsoft SCCM has limits. It's not the right solution if you manage Linux, Mac, or mobile platforms. It is also difficult to configure, and managing third-party software updates often requires additional setup.
Level is a great alternative to SCCM, especially if you're seeking a user-friendly and proficient enterprise patch management solution. It can automatically deploy patches to Windows, Mac, and Linux environments based on a predetermined schedule. It also supports third-party application patching across different devices.
Additionally, Level gives you more control over security patches and third-party updates out of the box. It lets you create patch management profiles that target specific update types. Plus, it can delay the installation of updates to ensure they are stable and bug-free.
Schedule a demo today to see Level's patch management software in action!
Managing patches manually with SCCM can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Level simplifies this process by automating patch management across Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.
Level can automatically schedule updates, delay installations for stability, and send instant notifications on update failures. This ensures that your IT systems remain secure and compliant.
In addition to native and third-party patching, Level offers a robust endpoint management solution. It lets you monitor and control multiple devices across different operating systems from a remote location. This can reduce manual oversight and improve IT efficiency.
Contact us for a personalized demo, or sign up today to enjoy a free 14-day trial!
SCCM is a Microsoft tool used by IT teams to deploy updates, fix vulnerabilities, and manage patches across Windows devices.
WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) is a central hub where IT teams can download and store updates. Meanwhile, SCCM adds automation, scheduling, compliance reporting, and wider device targeting.
Microsoft still supports SCCM. However, the tool has been renamed to Microsoft Configuration Manager. It will eventually be replaced by cloud-based patch management solutions like Microsoft Intune.
SCCM helps IT admins manage software deployment, security updates, compliance, and device configurations across Windows operating systems.
At Level, we understand the modern challenges faced by IT professionals. That's why we've crafted a robust, browser-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that's as flexible as it is secure. Whether your team operates on Windows, Mac, or Linux, Level equips you with the tools to manage, monitor, and control your company's devices seamlessly from anywhere.
Ready to revolutionize how your IT team works? Experience the power of managing a thousand devices as effortlessly as one. Start with Level today—sign up for a free trial or book a demo to see Level in action.
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