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SCCM / MECM Server Setup – Prerequisites & Tools

This guide walks you through preparing your SCCM (Configuration Manager) or MECM server by installing required Windows features, setting up SQL Server and Reporting Services, installing ADK/WinPE, and ensuring you’re ready to deploy OS images and manage software updates.

Click Set up a Configuration Manager lab for detailed setup instructions and access to all necessary download links for the lab.

1. Prerequisite Windows Features

On the SCCM/MECM server, install the roles and features through Server Manager → Add Roles and Features, and if prompted, use the alternate source path to the SXS folder from the installation ISO.

  • Web Server (IIS)
  • .NET Framework 3.5
  • .NET Framework 4.7
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Remote Differential Compression (RDC)
  • Windows Server Update Services Tools (under Remote Administration Tools)
  • Windows Authentication
  • ASP.NET 3.5 (under Application Development)
  • IIS 6 WMI Compatibility (under Management Tools)
  • IIS Management Scripts and Tools

Tip

During installation, use Specify an alternate source path to point to the sources\SXS directory on the Windows Server installation ISO to load .NET 3.5

2. SQL Server Installation

Install a new SQL Server Stand-Alone instance (e.g., Evaluation Edition):

  • Instance Features: Select only Database Engine Services
  • Instance ID: Use the default
  • Service Account: Assign your domain’s admin account (e.g., mydomain\Administrator) for the first two services and configure them for Automatic startup
  • Collation: Default SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS (required by SCCM)
  • Server Configuration: Add your current user as SQL Administrator

3. Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

  1. Install SSMS on the SCCM/MECM server.
  2. Grant full SQL permissions to your server system account (e.g., SCCMSRV):
    • Open Computer Management (lusrmgr.msc) → Local Users and Groups → Groups → Administrators
    • Add the computer account via Add → Object Types (Computers) → Type the name of the SCCM/MECM server (e.g., SCCMSRV)
  3. In SSMS:
    • Connect to your SQL instance
    • Right-click the server → Properties → Memory
    • Set Minimum to 8192 MB and Maximum to 10240 MB
    • Click OK and close SSMS

4. Install SQL Reporting Services (SSRS)

Run the SQLServerReportingServices.exe installer:

  1. Select Install Reporting Services → choose Evaluation or Developer edition → Next
  2. Accept license and install.
  3. Restart your server
  4. Launch the Report Server Configuration Manager:
    • Connect
    • Web Server URL: Keep defaults, then Apply
    • Database: Change database → Create a new report → Test connection → Finish
    • Web Portal URL: Use default virtual directory → Apply then Exit.

5. Install Windows ADK & WinPE Add-on

Install the latest Windows ADK version (e.g., ADK 10.1.26100.X or newer) along with the WinPE add-on

  • Select only Deployment Tools and User State Migration Tool (USMT) during ADK setup
  • Download and install WinPE add-on separately
  • Perform a restart after installation

6. WinPE Boot Environment

Install the WinPE add-on as part of ADK if you haven't already—this is required for SCCM's OS deployment boot images.