What’s New in Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) Version 2503

Microsoft has officially released Configuration Manager version 2503 (ConfigMgr 2503), and while this update may not include flashy new features, it delivers something arguably more important: security hardening and over 350 bug fixes.

If you’re an IT admin keeping your environment secure and stable, here’s everything you need to know about this update.

📌 Quick Overview

• Release date: April 23, 2025
• Type of update: In-console update (for ConfigMgr 2309 and later)
• Focus: Security improvements, bug fixes, and quality updates
• Key security patch: Fix for CVE-2025-47178

This release is part of Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI), which means it’s laser-focused on eliminating vulnerabilities and strengthening the ConfigMgr platform.

🔒 Security & Stability First

Unlike previous releases, ConfigMgr 2503 doesn’t add new features. Instead, it prioritizes reliability and security.

Security Fix

• CVE-2025-47178 has been patched.
• You can verify the fix by checking that your smsprov.dll file is at version 5.0.9135.1002 or higher.

Quality Fixes (350+ improvements)

Some of the most notable fixes include:

• ARM64 software metering issues
• Cloud Management Gateway (CMG) communication failures when Entra auth is disabled
• Distribution point setup failures when using alternate accounts
• Application install failures with SQL AlwaysOn
• Incorrect log messages in BGBSetup.log and WSUS verbose logging

⚙️ How to Upgrade to 2503

Upgrading is straightforward if you’re already on version 2309 or later.

Before You Upgrade

• Confirm your ODBC Driver for SQL Server is at least 18.4.1.1
• Review Microsoft’s update checklist
• Ensure your SQL and Windows Server versions are supported

Upgrade Process

1. Go to Updates and Servicing in the ConfigMgr console
2. Start the update from the top-level site (CAS or standalone primary)
3. Child sites upgrade automatically; secondary sites must be upgraded manually
4. Restart/refresh the console after the site upgrade
5. Upgrade clients to get the latest fixes

🛠️ Hotfixes You Should Know About

Depending on your environment, additional hotfixes may apply:

• KB32480179: Early ring hotfix for PXE boot issues
• KB33177653: Fix for co-management compliance in Azure US Government cloud

🗣️ What the Community Says

Admins in the SCCM community confirm that this release is all about maintenance:

“It’s just bug and security fixes, no new features.”
“I was shocked to see not even a single new feature was added.”

So, while it might not change your daily workflows, it will give you peace of mind knowing your ConfigMgr environment is more secure and stable.

✅ Final Thoughts

If you’re running ConfigMgr, version 2503 is a must-install update. Even though there are no new features, the security patch for CVE-2025-47178 and hundreds of stability fixes make it a critical release.

Next steps for admins:

1. Check your prerequisites
2. Install the in-console update
3. Update your consoles and clients
4. Apply hotfixes if they’re relevant to your setup

💡 Pro tip: Always test the upgrade in a lab or pre-production environment before rolling it out enterprise-wide.