First published on CLOUDBLOGS on Mar 11, 2016
Today, we are excited to announce the release of our first update for the current branch of System Center Configuration Manager! The latest version of Configuration Manager is now 1602.
This update includes the following improvements:
-
Client Online Status:
You can now view the online status of devices in Assets and Compliance. New icons indicate the status of a device as online or offline.
-
Support for SQL Server AlwaysOn Availability Groups:
Configuration Manager now supports using SQL Server AlwaysOn Availability Groups to host the site database.
-
Windows 10 Device Health Attestation Reporting:
You can now view the status of Windows 10 Device Health Attestation in the Configuration Manager console to ensure that the client computers have a trustworthy BIOS, TPM, and boot software.
-
Office 365 Update Management:
You can now natively manage Office 365 desktop client updates using the Configuration Manager Software Update Management (SUM) workflow. You can manage Office 365 desktop client updates just like you manage any other Microsoft Update.
-
New Antimalware Policy Settings:
New antimalware settings that can now be configured include protection against potentially unwanted applications, user control of automatic sample submission, and scanning of network drives during a full scan.
-
Windows 10 Servicing:
New improvements were added based on your feedback such as filters in servicing plans for upgrades that meet specified criteria, integration with deployment verification and a dialog in Software Center when starting an upgrade.
This update also includes new features for customers using System Center Configuration Manager integrated with
Microsoft Intune
. Some of the features that you can expect to see are:
-
Conditional Access for PCs Managed by Configuration Manager:
You can now use conditional access capabilities to help secure access to Office 365 and other services on PCs managed with Configuration Manager agent. Conditions that can be used to control access include: Workplace Join, BitLocker, Antimalware, and Software Updates.
-
Windows 10 Conditional Access Enhancements:
For Windows 10 devices that are managed through the Intune MDM channel, you can now set and deploy an updated Compliance Policy that includes additional compliance checks and integration with Health Attestation Service.
-
Microsoft Edge Configuration Settings:
You can now set and deploy Microsoft Edge settings on Windows 10 devices.
-
Windows 10 Team Support:
You can now set and deploy Windows 10 Team configuration settings.
-
Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP) Support:
You can now manage and deploy applications purchased through the Apple Volume Purchase Program for Business portal.
-
iOS App Configuration:
You can now create and deploy iOS app configuration policies to dynamically change settings such as server name or port for iOS applications that support these configurations.
-
iOS Activation Lock Management:
New capabilities include enabling iOS Activation Lock management, querying for the status, retrieving bypass codes, and performing an Activation Lock bypass on corporate-owned iOS devices.
-
Kiosk Mode for Samsung KNOX Devices:
Kiosk mode allows you to lock a managed mobile device to only allow certain apps and features.
-
User Acceptance of Terms and Conditions:
You can now see which users have or have not accepted the deployed terms and conditions.
And there is more! To view the full list of new features in this update and to learn more about the new functionality, see
What’s new in version 1602 of Configuration Manager
on TechNet.
Updated 3/24/2016 Note: The update is now globally available to all customers. The script to enable the first wave is no longer necessary and we have removed it from this blog post.
We’re looking forward to hearing what you think about the latest 1602 release! For assistance with the upgrade process please post your question in the
Site and Client Deployment forum
. To provide feedback or report any issues with the functionality included in this release, please use
Connect
. If there’s a new feature or enhancement you want us to consider including in future updates, please use the
Configuration Manager UserVoice site
.
Thank you,
The System Center Configuration Manager team
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