Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), formerly System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), is a tool used for managing software installation and updates for Windows computers in the PC domain at Parkland College.

The Configuration Manager (CM) Client application is software installed on computers to allow MECM to deliver services to our users. Software Center (part of the CM Client) is a self-service portal for users. Through Software Center, IT staff can make new applications and updates available, required, or both.

Notifications of New Software

1) You may need to click Show Hidden Icons button  to see all the icons in the Notification Area.

2) When new software is available, you will receive a notification from the Software Center icon in the Notification Area.

3) Notification bubbles or Tooltips, as these images show, may also accompany the icon.

a. Available Software:

b. Required Software:

Install or Schedule Installation of Required Software

1) When you click on the Software changes are required bubble or on the Software Center icon in the Notification area and you see a dialog like this, you can install or schedule the installation of required software.

a. The software will install at the specified time unless you have already installed it. You can do so by selecting either Right now (recommended) or Outside my business hours.

b. The option to Restart my computer automatically if needed is not available if you choose Right now (recommended). Instead, you will be prompted to restart your computer if it is required.

c. If you are notified of a required restart, your computer will restart in 10 minutes. However, you may click on the notification bubble or icon and you will be presented with this dialog which provides additional options.

View and Install Available Applications

1) Search for Software Center in the Start Menu.

2) Click Applications. The Applications tab shows a list of applications that are available.

3) When you click on one you can see its current installation status.

4) If the application is not installed, click Install.

5) During the installation, you should receive notifications saying the software is being downloaded and installed.

View Installation Status

1) Search for Software Center in the Start Menu.

2) Click Installation status. The installation status tab shows a list of applications that are available. Operating system and other updates from Microsoft that are pending installation used be displayed here, but are no longer. See the next section for information on those updates.

The following status messages will be displayed:

View and Install Available Operating System and Other Updates from Microsoft

1) Follow this link to Microsoft documentation regarding the installation of Windows OS and other updates from Microsoft. Install Windows Updates - Microsoft Support