For decades, Microsoft Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr, formerly SMS) has been the trusted solution for managing Windows servers and clients in organizations worldwide. At baseVISION, our team brings decades of hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining ConfigMgr infrastructures for organizations of all sizes. We are ready to support customers for as long as they need to operate ConfigMgr, no matter where they are on their journey to modern management.
Alex Verboon
CTO and Senior Expert Security Consultant
Jürg Koller
Senior Expert Endpoint Consultant
As more organizations transition client management to Microsoft Intune, the focus of internal Workplace Management teams has shifted. This often leaves the existing ConfigMgr environment with less attention, especially when resources are tight. If the Server Engineering and Operations team has not yet moved server management to Azure Arc, they may inherit responsibility for ConfigMgr, sometimes without the necessary experience or capacity. This can lead to overlooked maintenance, unhealthy agents, and missed security updates, putting your environment at risk.
What’s Changing: Microsoft’s Annual Release Cadence
Microsoft recently announced that starting with version 2609 in September 2026, Configuration Manager will move to an annual release cadence. This change formalizes Microsoft’s long-term strategy:
- Predictability: IT teams can plan upgrades with confidence, knowing releases will occur annually.
- Focus on Security and Stability: Each release will prioritize reliability and compliance over new features.
- Intune as the Innovation Hub: All new investments and innovations will happen in Microsoft Intune, while ConfigMgr continues to support on-premises environments.
Upcoming releases include:
- 2509 (December 2025): Stability and quality updates, including ARM64 support.
- 2603 (March 2026): Enhanced security aligned with the Microsoft Secure Future Initiative.
- 2609 (September 2026): First annual release under the new cadence.
Each version will maintain 18 months of support, aligning with Windows’ H2 security and stability cycle. Hotfixes will only be issued for critical issues, reinforcing the importance of proactive maintenance.
Why This Matters for Your Organization
The shift to an annual cadence means fewer opportunities to “catch up” if your environment falls behind. Staying current is essential for:
- Security and Compliance: Annual releases will bundle critical updates, so delaying upgrades increases risk.
- Operational Stability: Predictable cycles make planning easier, but only if your infrastructure is healthy and ready for upgrades.
- Strategic Transition: With Intune as the future, maintaining a robust ConfigMgr environment ensures a smooth migration when the time comes.
How baseVISION Can Help
Our Connected Care Services are designed to keep your ConfigMgr environment secure, stable, and ready for what’s next:
- Regular Health Reviews: Assess system health, compliance, and identify issues before they become critical.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: Manage upgrades, backups, certificates, and database optimization.
- Remediation: Resolve agent health problems and infrastructure issues promptly.
- Clear Scope and Roles: We handle technical complexity while your IT team focuses on strategic initiatives.
By partnering with baseVISION, you can confidently navigate Microsoft’s new release cadence and prepare for the future of device management.
Whether you plan to operate ConfigMgr for years or are preparing for a transition to Intune, now is the time to ensure your environment is healthy and aligned with Microsoft’s new cadence. Contact us to learn more about our Connected Care Services and how we can help keep your environment secure, reliable, and future-ready.