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.