Introduction to Microsoft Configuration Manager

Course 2415 Advantage Plan Course

  • Duration: 5 days
  • Labs: Yes
  • Language: English
  • 29 PMI PDUs
  • Level: Intermediate

In this Configuration Manager training course, you learn the skills for managing enterprises with Configuration Manager to keep your Windows systems up-to-date, healthy, and secure with Microsoft's state-of-the-art answer to enterprise Windows systems management.

Microsoft Configuration Manager Delivery Methods

  • In-Person

  • Online

Microsoft Configuration Manager Course Benefits

In this course, you will learn how to:

  • Install and configure ConfigMgr sites.
  • Deploy and troubleshoot ConfigMgr clients, operating systems, applications, and security updates.
  • Support and administer users and devices.
  • Collect and report inventory data.
  • Configure and remediate compliance settings.
  • Implement cloud-based features.
  • Perform maintenance and troubleshooting.

Prerequisites

You should understand network administration, group policy, server roles, and Windows security.

Exam Information

Optional Learning Tree Exam provided after the course.

Microsoft Configuration Manager Instructor-Led Course Outline

Module 1: Examining the features and requirements 

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • Configuration Manager features 
  • Prerequisites 
  • Hardware and SQL Server requirements 
  • The Configuration Manager console 

Module 2: Installing and Migrating to ConfigMgr 

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • Setting up a primary site 
  • Running the prerequisite checker 
  • Preparing SQL Server for connectivity 
  • Executing the installation wizard 

Module 3: Deploying ConfigMgr Clients 

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • Evaluating client requirements 
  • Establishing boundaries and boundary groups  
  • Configuring discovery methods 
  • Deploying clients and troubleshooting client installation 

Module 4: Configuration Manager Sites 

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • Configuration Manager hierarchies 
  • Configuring site properties 
  • Establishing site system roles 

Module 5: Reporting and Monitoring 

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • Installing and configuring SQL Server Reporting Services 
  • Monitoring site activity 
  • Examining client health  

Module 6: Configuring and Viewing Inventory 

  • Understanding inventory 
  • Configuring hardware inventory 
  • Examining software inventory 

Module 7: Managing Collections and Running Queries 

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • Creating user and device collections 
  • Querying the Configuration Manager database 
  • Utilizing CMPivot 
  • Exploring role-based administration 

Module 8: Application Management 

  • Review of packages and programs 
  • Creating packages to distribute software 
  • Examining application management 
  • Deploying applications and monitoring the process 
  • Exploring Microsoft 365 Management 

Module 9: Deploying Software Updates  

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • Preparing a site for software updates 
  • Configuring a software update point 
  • Choosing and deploying updates and monitoring the process  
  • Assessing Third-Party Patching 
  • Reviewing Windows Update for Business 

Module 10: Operating System Deployment 

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • Operating System Deployment (OSD) basics 
  • Preparing for OSD 
  • Examining the elements of OSD 
  • Working with task sequences 
  • Deploying an operating system upgrade 
  • Troubleshooting OSD 
  • Exploring Windows Servicing 
  • Deploying Windows Enablement packages 

Module 11: Performing Remote Administration 

In this Module, you will learn about:  

  • Understanding remote client management 
  • Setting up systems for Remote Control 
  • Connecting to and controlling a remote computer 

Module 12: Managing Compliance 

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • Addressing regulatory compliance 
  • Creating Configuration Items 
  • Creating and deploying Configuration Baselines 
  • Examining Compliance Management Reporting 

Module 13: Cloud-Based Features and Endpoint Protection 

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • Examining Microsoft Intune 
  • Comparing Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager 
  • Understanding co-management 
  • Understanding Autopilot 
  • Getting to know the Cloud Management Gateway 
  • Exploring Endpoint Protection 

Module 14: Maintenance and Troubleshooting 

In this Module, you will learn about: 

  • What to back up and how 
  • Scheduling maintenance tasks 
  • Database maintenance 
  • Troubleshooting tools 
  • Recovering a site 
  • Performing a site reset 

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Microsoft Configuration Manager FAQs

There are extensive differences between these two Microsoft products. Configuration Manager is Microsoft’s state-of-the-art, on-premises systems management product, offering a wide range of features. Microsoft Intune is Microsoft’s cloud-based subscription systems management product. While both products offer similar capabilities,

Configuration Manager is a mature 30+ year-old approach whereas Intune is still evolving. Intune is great at managing mobile devices (phones and tablets) with Configuration Manager focusing exclusively on servers, desktops and laptops. Intune, being cloud-based, has some latency issues in regard to performance and has much more limited reporting capabilities.

Configuration Manager relies on Active Directory and Intune relies on Microsoft Entra (also subscription based). Fortunately, organizations can have the best of both worlds by utilizing co-management and choosing which systems management approach will handle which configuration loads.

No. While Intune may be considered the “latest and greatest” systems management technology from Microsoft, it has its limitations. Configuration Manager is a mature technology that cannot be replaced by a cloud approach.

Additionally, there are many organizations (Microsoft customers) who for a variety of reasons will never allow their networks to be connected to a public cloud. There is enough of a business need for on-premises solutions that Configuration Manager will not be going away any time soon.

This course is valuable for anyone involved in using or evaluating Configuration Manager as an enterprise management solution.

Before going into this course, you should understand network administration Microsoft Entra server roles, and file system security. Knowledge of TCP/IP, Group Policies, and SQL Server is also helpful, but not required.

Yes, as well as for those with intermediate knowledge of the product. While this course is an introduction to Configuration Manager, there are plenty of tips and tricks for system administrators who have been working with the product. The course is designed to familiarize you with the fundamentals and the many facets of Configuration Manager.