Microsoft has announced that while support for the on-premise Configuration Manager will continue, all new investments and updates will now go into Intune, the cloud-based device management platform. Microsoft is making clear that Intune is becoming the company’s main long-term solution for managing devices across organizations.

New Release Schedule for Configuration Manager

Starting in September 2026, Microsoft will release new versions of Configuration Manager on an annual schedule. The first update will be version 2609, and subsequent releases will follow the Windows security and stability update cycle, typically twice a year. This new plan was shared in a blog post after Microsoft had already briefed customers during events and discussions.

This shift means that hotfixes for Configuration Manager will only be issued when absolutely necessary, such as for critical security issues or major bugs. Most updates will now be bundled into the annual releases, making the update process more streamlined. Microsoft emphasizes that support for Configuration Manager will continue, especially to ensure security and stability, but future changes or deprecations will be communicated well in advance.

What This Means for Organizations

Configuration Manager, originally launched in 1994 as Systems Management Server, offers on-premise management for PCs, servers, and hybrid environments. Though it now exists alongside Intune, it remains a powerful tool, especially for organizations with complex infrastructure or strict regulatory requirements. Microsoft’s focus is shifting toward Intune, which will receive all future innovation and new features.

Microsoft’s senior program manager, Danny Guillory, reassured users that support for Configuration Manager will prioritize security and stability. He also noted that any planned changes or deprecations will be communicated early. Meanwhile, Intune is evolving rapidly, with Microsoft investing heavily in its capabilities to support modern device management needs.

According to Daniel Engberg, a principal consultant at Agdiwo, this isn’t about replacing Configuration Manager overnight. Instead, it signals a move toward a cloud-first strategy. Organizations should start considering co-management options or planning for a eventual migration to Intune. While Configuration Manager remains mature and capable, especially for managing servers and deploying software, it’s not a direct substitute for Intune’s cloud features.

Long-Term Strategy and Practical Implications

Many organizations, especially those in regulated or complex environments, will find value in continuing to use Configuration Manager for now. Engberg suggests it’s beginning to resemble a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) product—focused on stability rather than frequent new features. This setup makes it suitable for critical systems that require proven reliability.

At the same time, Microsoft’s clear push is toward cloud management with Intune. The company views this as part of a broader cloud-first approach, aiming to streamline device management across all device types and locations. Organizations are encouraged to evaluate their current setups and consider how they can integrate or transition to Intune to take advantage of ongoing updates and innovations.

In summary, Microsoft’s strategy is evolving to focus on the cloud, but support for on-premise solutions like Configuration Manager will continue for the foreseeable future. Organizations should stay informed about upcoming changes and start planning for future management paths that best suit their operational needs.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4086767/microsoft-to-move-configuration-manager-to-annual-release-cadence-in-26.html

Sources

• gmpg.org
• microsoft.com
• agdiwo.com
• asbpe.org
• eddie-ozzie.com