Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), formerly known as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), is a comprehensive management tool for deploying, managing, and securing devices and applications across an enterprise. For Windows environments, MECM is essential for ensuring that all systems are up-to-date, secure, and compliant with organizational policies. This article will guide you through the basics of MECM and provide practical examples of how to use it effectively in a Windows environment.

Examples:

1. Installing MECM:

• Before you begin, ensure that your server meets the prerequisites for MECM. This includes having a supported version of Windows Server, SQL Server, and Active Directory.


• Download the MECM installation media from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center.


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  Run the setup.exe file from the installation media and follow the prompts to install MECM.

  
  

  # Example PowerShell script to install prerequisites for MECM
  
  Install-WindowsFeature -Name Web-Server, Web-Windows-Auth, Web-ISAPI-Ext, Web-Metabase, Web-WMI, BITS, RDC, NET-Framework-Features, NET-Framework-Core, NET-HTTP-Activation, NET-Non-HTTP-Activ

  
  

2. Creating a Device Collection:

• Device collections in MECM are used to group devices for management tasks such as software deployment, compliance settings, and more.


• Open the MECM console and navigate to "Assets and Compliance" > "Device Collections".


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  Right-click "Device Collections" and select "Create Device Collection".

  
  

  # Example PowerShell script to create a device collection in MECM
  
  New-CMDeviceCollection -Name "All Windows 10 Devices" -LimitingCollectionName "All Systems"

  
  

3. Deploying Software Updates:

• Keeping systems updated is crucial for security and performance. MECM can automate the deployment of software updates.


• In the MECM console, go to "Software Library" > "Software Updates".


• Create a new Software Update Group and add the required updates.


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  Deploy the Software Update Group to the desired Device Collection.

  
  

  # Example PowerShell script to deploy software updates
  
  $updateGroup = Get-CMSoftwareUpdateGroup -Name "Windows 10 Updates"
  
  $deviceCollection = Get-CMDeviceCollection -Name "All Windows 10 Devices"
  
  Start-CMSoftwareUpdateDeployment -CollectionName $deviceCollection.Name -SoftwareUpdateGroupName $updateGroup.Name -DeploymentName "Windows 10 Updates Deployment"

  
  

4. Running Scripts via MECM:

• MECM allows you to run scripts on client machines, which can be useful for various administrative tasks.


• In the MECM console, navigate to "Software Library" > "Scripts".


• Create a new script and approve it.


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  Deploy the script to a Device Collection.

  
  

  # Example PowerShell script to be run via MECM
  
  $script = @'
  
  Get-Process | Where-Object { $_.CPU -gt 100 }
  
  '@
  
  Invoke-CMScript -ScriptContent $script -CollectionName "All Windows 10 Devices"