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Automatic Deployment Rules (ADR)

Automatic Deployment Rules (ADR) in SCCM/MECM allow you to automatically create, download, and deploy software updates on a defined schedule. This is especially useful for recurring updates such as Patch Tuesday releases.

Table of Contents

Overview

An ADR automates the software update lifecycle by:
- Synchronizing new updates that match defined criteria.
- Creating Software Update Groups automatically.
- Downloading update content to distribution points.
- Deploying updates to device collections on schedule.

Benefits of ADR

  • Reduces manual effort for monthly updates.
  • Ensures updates are applied consistently across devices.
  • Improves compliance reporting.
  • Helps enforce patch management SLAs.

Steps to Create an ADR

  1. In the SCCM console, go to Software Library → Software Updates → Automatic Deployment Rules.
  2. Click Create Automatic Deployment Rule.
  3. Provide a name and description.
  4. Define update criteria:
    • Products (e.g., Windows 10, Office 365)
    • Classifications (e.g., Security, Critical Updates)
    • Languages
  5. Configure the schedule (e.g., run every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2:00 AM).
  6. Choose deployment settings:
    • Target collections (e.g., All Workstations)
    • Deployment type (Required or Available)
    • Deadlines and restart behavior
  7. Configure content download to distribution points.
  8. Finish the wizard and allow ADR to automatically create/update the deployment.

Best Practices

  • Start with pilot collections before broad deployment.
  • Use maintenance windows to control install timing.
  • Regularly review and refine ADR criteria.
  • Combine ADR with compliance reports to track patch success.