Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager 2111 has been recently released with new improvements and features. All new features will not be fully functional until unless you update the ConfigMgr client version.
List of new features in Configuration Manager 2111 Current Branch
Configuration Manager 2111 is an in-console update, these are the new features for Configuration manager current branch version 2111 / MECM 2111 version.
Create Application Groups
We can add list of applications under one group and can be deployed to the collections as a single deployment. In Software Center, you will be able to see one single entity and we can also adjust the priority in which application will be installed.
This was a pre-release feature, which has been converted into normal release.
This is a very nice feature of deploying multiple applications altogether, previously we have dependency upon task sequence to perform these kind of tasks for which few application / packaging team looks sceptical to use, but this new feature will be a sure shot for them to use.
Before creating application group, make sure to enable Application Groups Feature Type to On. This can be done by navigating to \Administration\Overview\Updates and Servicing\Features
One done, navigate to \Software Library\Overview\Application Management, you will be able to see new node ie. Application Groups, select it and click Create Application Group from Ribbon to launch Create Application Group Wizard.
Specify name (something like Core Applications), click Next.
Under Application Group page, add multiple applications, we can see specified order can be changed by using Move Up / Move Down.
Rest of the process remains same for deploying the application.
While logging onto the workstation, when launching the application from Software Center, we can see 2 components getting installed which I specified.
Implicit uninstall for user collections
We can now enable application deployment to support implicit uninstall for user collections. Previously this feature was release with configuration Manager 2107 which was limited to device collections only.
When we deploy application to user group using Deploy Software Wizard, under Deployment Settings page, if we select Purpose as “Required”, we can see new option available “When a resource is no longer a member of the collection, uninstall this application”
The application will automatically trigger uninstall once the user is removed from the collection.
Enable update notifications from Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft 365 apps notifications can be enabled through client settings. Navigate to \Administration\Overview\Client Settings, edit existing client settings. Under Software Updates select Yes for Enable update notifications from Microsoft 365 Apps.
Improvements to VPN boundary types
Though creating VPN boundary is not a new feature but creating boundary on behalf of using Connection name is something new. We can now filter out the connection name by using specific string.
While navigating to \Administration\Overview\Hierarchy Configuration\Boundaries, Create Boundary, select the Type as VPN, rather than selecting Auto detect VPN, we have 2 more options:
Connection name
Connection description
We can specifically specify the connection name let’s say “Virtual network adapter #05” for an example. The check to select “Starts with” is handy too.
Client management – improvements with client health dashboard
Under Configuration Manager console, while navigating to \Monitoring\Overview\Client Status\Client Health Dashboard, there are options available to:
With this version, there are lots of improvements with Client health dashboard.
Filter the collection: by default All Systems is used, we can browse and select other collection
options available very handy:
Include client health for offline clients
“Only show unhealthy client details”
Client Versions: This can be displayed in Chart vs Table format
Operating System versions: Again, this can be displayed in Chart vs Table format
Software Center notification with custom logo
We can now specify logo for Software Center notification which looks very neat and professional look while notifying to users through configuration manager. Under Client settings > Software Center > Customize, we can see new option available Select a logo for Notifications. Logo should be of square image with size smaller than 2 MB.
This is how the software Center notification is going to be received on Windows 10 / Windows 11 devices :
Task Sequence Check Readiness for TPM 2.0
Check Readiness step for task sequence now includes TPM 2.0 or above is enabled along with TPM 2.0 or above is activated setting. Previously we have to use other method such as wmi query or script to evaluate this. Now this is an integral part of Task sequence Check Readiness step which should be very handy.
Export to CSV
We can now export the view under configuration manager console, let’s say any collection. Right click under any collection an select Export to CSV file, which further gives option to:
Export all items
Export selected items
This is quite a useful and handy feature.
Important links
Client health dashboard – Configuration Manager | Microsoft Docs
Task sequence steps – Configuration Manager | Microsoft Docs
Console changes and tips – Configuration Manager | Microsoft Docs
Define boundaries – Configuration Manager | Microsoft Docs
Client settings – Configuration Manager | Microsoft Docs
Create application groups – Configuration Manager | Microsoft Docs
Uninstall applications – Configuration Manager | Microsoft Docs
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