MDT VS SCCM - Microsoft Q&A (2024)

Hi,

Thanks for posting in Microsoft MECM Q&A forum.

Generally speaking, MDT is suitable for small-scale environments, while SCCM is more suitable for large-scale environments.

1.MDT is free, which is a huge advantage for many smaller business. MDT as a standalone tool is great for tiny environments without a lot of computers to migrate. MDT is also a fine fit for environments that are not connected. MDT is best used for creating "thin" images that just contain OS updates and runtimes. It is Lite Touch Installation (LTI), not fully automated. MDT is primarily used for image computers and storing images, customizing them, etc.

2.SCCM's license costs are also much more than those of MDT, as MDT is free. SCCM on the other hand, is a much more complex tool which allows you to do a lot more than MDT does. Whereas SCCM is best used for creating "thick" images containing line-of-business applications. It can also incorporate WSUS within it, and provide update reporting. It can also provide auditing against what a standard machine should be.

3.If you are in a very big organization, you can integrate MDT with SCCM. More specifically, if you have thousands of computers and many different applications to manage it’s a good direction to consider. You should integrate MDT operating system images with Configuration Manager for large-scale operating system deployments to take advantage of enterprise-level management features such as: replication, multicast DPs, bandwidth management, reporting, poor network connections to remote sites, and stronger security through encryption and password protection. The SCCM plus MDT combination is preferred for "zero touch installations" and "user driven installation deployments".

Please refer to: Microsoft Publishes Best Practices for Windows Deployments

Best regards,
Simon

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MDT VS SCCM - Microsoft Q&A (2024)

FAQs

MDT VS SCCM - Microsoft Q&A? ›

Generally speaking, MDT is suitable for small-scale environments, while SCCM is more suitable for large-scale environments. MDT is for deployment only and if you want to manage your devices after you deploy them you need SCCM. 1. MDT is free, which is a huge advantage for many smaller businesses.

What is the difference between MDT and SCCM task sequence? ›

MDT is free and great for tiny environments without a lot of computers to migrate, while SCCM is a much more complex tool that allows you to do a lot more than MDT does. MDT operates with admin privileges, while ConfigMgr uses SYSTEM.

What is the difference between Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and Windows deployment Services? ›

MDT is a far superior product to WDS, the only thing it can't do vs WDS is PXE boot. It is fairly more complicated, but that means it can do a ton more. WDS is basically EOL since Windows 11 is not supported on it. With MDT you can run scripts, so if you can script it, you can do it.

What are the advantages you have with the integration of MDT with SCCM? ›

You should integrate MDT operating system images with Configuration Manager for large-scale operating system deployments to take advantage of enterprise-level management features such as: replication, multicast DPs, bandwidth management, reporting, poor network connections to remote sites, and stronger security through ...

Which logs do we read when the MDT deployment fails? ›

MDT creates the following log files: BDD. log. This is the aggregated MDT log file that is copied to a network location at the end of the deployment if you specify the SLShare property in the Customsettings.

Is SCCM better than MDT? ›

Generally speaking, MDT is suitable for small-scale environments, while SCCM is more suitable for large-scale environments. MDT is for deployment only and if you want to manage your devices after you deploy them you need SCCM. 1.

Why do we use MDT? ›

Working with a multidisciplinary team allows you to treat the entire patient and provide comprehensive care. With each physician focused on a different aspect of the patient's health, providers are more likely to identify areas of need, and subsequently manage those needs in an effective way.

What are the disadvantages of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit? ›

What are the disadvantages of using MDT? On the flip side, there are certain challenges when using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit. For instance, it's not the easiest tool to set up and use, there's no official technical support, and supporting diverse hardware can be a complicated affair.

Is MDT deprecated? ›

Just Learned MDT is Deprecated.

How much does Microsoft MDT cost? ›

It is free software and can be used along with Windows Deployment Services (WDS) or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).

What is the full form of MDT in SCCM? ›

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) Package Index.

How do I add a MDT to SCCM? ›

Run the 'Configure ConfigMgr Integration' utility on the admin workstation. This utility should be listed on the Start menu of any machine that has MDT installed. Fill out the 'actions to perform' section of the wizard as illustrated below: Click 'Next' and 'Finish' to complete the integration setup.

What is the purpose of SCCM deployment? ›

SCCM application deployment refers to the distribution of Microsoft as well as third-party applications to client machines in the network. The deployment of applications is usually carried out from SCCM Application Management tab located under 'Overview' tab of the console.

Where are MDT logs stored? ›

MDT log files reside in C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS during the deployment process. Depending on the type of deployment being conducted, the log files are moved at the completion of the deployment to either %WINDIR%\SMSOSD or %WINDIR%\TEMP\SMSOSD.

How do I see deployment errors? ›

Where to Find Deployment Errors. Deployments can be viewed from the All Deployments page, or by selecting a package in the tree and selecting the Deployments tab. A deployment may be successful on some targets, but fail on other targets.

How do I check my MDT logs? ›

Where to find MDT log files:
  1. X:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS.
  2. C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS.
  3. %WINDIR%\TEMP\DeploymentLogs.
  4. X:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther (prior to partition creation) ...
  5. BDD.log – combined log of all other deployment logs.
  6. SMSTS.log – contains logs of task sequences.

What is an MDT task sequence? ›

Task sequences

A task sequence is a set of predetermined steps that tells MDT how to create and deploy an image. Think of it like IKEA's kitchen installation service: a package that comes with specific instructions and someone to put everything together for you.

What is the difference between SCCM and System Center Operations Manager? ›

SCCM can sometimes be mistaken for Microsoft System Center Operations Manager (SCOM). SCOM is a platform used to monitor systems' health and performance. The significant difference between SCOM and SCCM is that SCCM is used for the management of configurations, while SCO is used in monitoring applications and services.

How do I import a MDT task sequence into SCCM? ›

In the Configuration Manager console, go to the Software Library workspace, expand Operating Systems, and then select the Task Sequences node. On the Home tab of the ribbon, in the Create group, select Import Task Sequence.

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