SCCM Version 1511 – New Features Overview
With the release of version 1511, Microsoft introduced a major shift in how System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is updated and versioned. Instead of the expected “SCCM 2016,” Microsoft adopted a continuous update model, naming releases based on the year and month. SCCM 1511, for example, was released in November 2015.
This update marked the beginning of Microsoft’s “as-a-service” approach to Configuration Manager, providing more frequent updates and enhanced integration with Windows 10 and Microsoft cloud services. Below is a summary of the new features introduced in this release.
Windows 10 Management
- Windows 10 servicing support for streamlined update management
- Support for sideloading Windows 10 applications
- Enhanced compliance settings tailored for Windows 10
Infrastructure Improvements
- Preferred management points for optimized client communication
- Single primary site supports up to 150,000 clients
- Hierarchy support extended up to 700,000 clients
- Full support for Microsoft Azure virtual machines
- Diagnostics and usage data for proactive management
- Support for servicing server clusters
- SQL Server AlwaysOn support for high availability
- Integration with Windows Update for Business
Console Enhancements
- Native management of Office 365 desktop client updates
- Deploy apps from the Windows Store for Business
- Support for multiple automatic deployment rules
- Improved client deployment status visibility in the console
- WSUS cleanup task can be scheduled and run from the console
- New updates and servicing dashboard
- Client piloting to pre-production collections
- Enhanced Software Center experience
Operating System Deployment
- In-place upgrade task sequences for Windows 10
- Peer cache support for Windows PE
Mobile Device Management
- Feature parity between Intune stand-alone and SCCM-managed MDM
- Mobile Application Management (MAM) capabilities
- Data protection and security enhancements for mobile devices
- Support for on-premises mobile device management
- App deployment to Windows 10 devices via on-prem MDM
- Certificate provisioning for managed Windows 10 devices
- Streamlined workflow for creating mobile configuration items
- Bulk enrollment of Windows 10 devices
- Wipe and retire functionality for on-prem MDM SCCM 1511 set the foundation for modern device management and Windows 10 readiness. These updates offered enhanced flexibility, scalability, and integration for enterprise IT environments moving toward a hybrid or cloud-first model.
