Deploy once and update going forward

[BH_btan]

Hi, Just wondering how others handle this.
We are using PMP with SCCM.
I want to deploy the Application Package first and then use Software Updates to keep it up to date.
The thing is, the deployment for the Application package is required, so when it updates (which is daily), it will automatically push the new version.
How do others handle this?

[Liviu (Patch My PC)]

Hello BH_btan,

If you deploy the ConfigMgr App as Required, then there is no need to also deploy the updates.
As you noticed, the ConfigMgr App will be installed as soon as it's updated in place.

You have 2 options.
Option 1

Stop deploying the ConfigMgr App as Required, and deploy it as Available instead. End users can go to the Software Center and install the software if they need it.
The Update will patch the software on devices that have it installed.

Option 2
Configure the PMPC Publisher Console to create a new ConfigMgr App when a new version is available, instead of updating the app in place.
This option is discussed in this KB article.
With that option configured, the PMPC Publisher will package a new app entirely, and it will be up to you when to deploy it - you'll have to manually do it when you're ready.

[BH_btan]

Hi Liviu,

Yeah I have made them Available for now.
I had them as Required as I am trying to baseline our environment from having different versions, 64/32bit and exe/msi installers. But once baselined I wanted them to be maaged by Software Updates, which we would run quarterly with ADRs.

I don't do Option 2 because I reference the App Packages in the Task Sequence for deploying SOE, they get the latest version without having to repoint App Packages.

Is there a way to have a collection for a specific Application (say Acrobat Reader) that detects the precence of said app that also knows it was deployed with PMP?

[nithin]

Hi BH_btan,

You can create a collection based on installed apps and exclude it from the Required assignment. However, the query will not identify if the app was installed by Patch My PC; it will only search for the ARP (Add or Remove Programs) entry on the device. I've shared a blog post below to help you test if it matches your requirements:

https://www.anoopcnair.com/sccm-collection-based-on-installed-application/#google_vignette

I recommend testing it on a pilot collection before deploying it to production devices.