How to Install Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM)

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (formerly SCCM) is one of the most powerful tools for managing Windows devices, applications, updates, and operating systems in enterprise environments.

In this guide, you will learn how to install Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager step by step, including prerequisites, SQL Server configuration, the actual installation process, and post-install checks.

What Is Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager?

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) is part of the Microsoft Endpoint Manager ecosystem. It allows administrators to:

• Deploy applications and software updates
• Manage operating system deployments
• Inventory hardware and software
• Integrate with Microsoft Intune (co-management)

Prerequisites Before Installing Configuration Manager

Supported Operating System

• Windows Server 2019 or later (recommended)
• Joined to an Active Directory domain

Hardware Requirements (Minimum)

• CPU: 4 cores
• RAM: 16 GB (32 GB recommended)
• Disk: 200+ GB free space

Active Directory Requirements

• Schema extension permissions
• System Management container created and delegated

SQL Server Requirements

• SQL Server 2019 or 2022
• SQL collation: SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS
• SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)

Step 1: Prepare Active Directory

1. Extend the Active Directory schema using extadsch.exe
2. Create the System Management container
3. Delegate full control to the site server computer account

Step 2: Install Required Windows Features

Install the following Windows Server roles and features:

• .NET Framework 4.8
• Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
• Remote Differential Compression
• IIS (Web Server)

Step 3: Install and Configure SQL Server

Install SQL Server on the same server or a dedicated SQL server. During setup, make sure:

• Database Engine Services are selected
• SSRS is installed and configured
• Max memory is limited (leave RAM for OS)

Step 4: Download Configuration Manager

1. Download the latest Configuration Manager baseline from Microsoft
2. Run Splash.hta
3. Select Install

Step 5: Install the Primary Site

1. Choose Install a Primary Site
2. Enter your license or install as evaluation
3. Specify site code and site name
4. Configure client communication settings
5. Verify prerequisite checks

Step 6: Post-Installation Tasks

• Install the Configuration Manager console
• Verify site status and component health
• Configure boundaries and boundary groups
• Enable Software Update Point

Common Installation Mistakes

• Incorrect SQL collation
• Missing AD permissions
• Insufficient disk space
• Firewall ports blocked

Configuration Manager vs Intune

Configuration Manager excels in on-premises and hybrid environments, while Microsoft Intune is cloud-first. Many organizations use both via co-management.

Final Thoughts

Installing Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager can seem complex, but following a structured step-by-step approach makes it manageable. Once installed, ConfigMgr becomes a central pillar of enterprise device management.