If we were to manually install and manage software on a large number of target devices, the process would be very expensive and complicated. To avoid that hassle, enterprises use software deployment tools to simplify these tasks.

Managing an infrastructure doesn’t only require updating software, creating OS deployments, or applying GPOs (Group Policy Object).

MSIX packages are installed by default per-user, and the option to provision per-machine MSIX applications is possible through SCCM - which is not yet available in Task Sequences.

In today's article, we're bringing a specific scenario into discussion and proposing the right solution to manage similar situations.

In a previous article , we went over handling the migration from System Center Configuration Manager 2012 to Configuration Manager Current Branch using the 1902 baseline version.

On a recent post, we explored how MSIX deployments are done via SCCM, covering the scenario when a per-user installation is needed.

In our IT Pro world, the best practice we have in place regarding app deployment is that all applications are installable per machine. No matter if it’s an MSI, EXE, or other custom types of installers.

In November 2015, Microsoft released the first edition of System Center Configuration Manager called SCCM (Current Branch) 1511. And since then, Microsoft decided to change its name to “SCCM YYMM (Year Month)” following the same naming convention as for Windows 10 YYMM (example Windows 10 1809).

If you did not know this yet, all MSIX application packages must be digitally signed. There is no exception. Nowadays, we can all agree that cybersecurity is crucial. Therefore Microsoft decided to assist in this matter by enforcing the digital signature of the MSIX. If you have an MSIX package that is not digitally signed, and you try to install it, it will fail.

In January 2020, Windows 7 end of life support comes in place. This means that users won’t receive any updates from Microsoft, and companies have to pay extra for the next three years if they want them.

Before we begin, it is important we know that starting with SCCM version 1806, MSIX application is supported in System Center Configuration Manager. Integrating MSIX apps in previous versions, does not work. Also the current version of Windows 10 that supports MSIX is version 1809. It is announced that Microsoft will add support for MSIX also on other versions of Windows 10.

Automate your deployment process by using the built-in support from Advanced Installer for System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Microsoft Intune.

System Center Configuration Manager is the standard application deployment solution from Microsoft. It simplifies the complex task of distributing applications to servers, desktops, laptops and mobile devices across large or complex networks. The software can be installed silently and automatically to the specifically targeted users or computers.