When it comes to deploying the client to domain-joined devices, you’ve got a few choices. Software Updates, Client Push, or custom script. Deploying via software updates is definitely my preference, as any machine joined to the domain will get the SCCM client package pushed via the WSUS server the client device is pointed to via GPO.
Assuming we already have a healthy SCCM environment with a Software Update Point role somewhere, it’s a straightforward process. For proper usage of this client-deployment strategy, you’ll also want to verify that you have extended your AD schema, published your site to your AD forest (from SCCM console), and created at least a single boundary and boundary group configured to be used for site assignment. Else, your clients will not find a source from AD for the package nor a site code/MP to be assigned to during install.
You need to publish the client package to WSUS through the console. It generally will take a few minutes before both version boxes populate.
Next, you’ll need to configure a GPO to point targeted machines to WSUS. Be sure to include the port designation in the path, else you’ll likely see errors in the Windows Update checking process once the client processes the new GPO. Ask me how I know.
You can hop on a targeted system, run “gpupdate”, and verify that this policy applies with gpresult. Opening Windows Update and clicking “Check For Updates” should show that updates are “being managed by your administrator”, and if all goes well- you should have one update available, that update being the SCCM client package.
Once these steps are completed, you’ll have live and active clients to manage, and they’ll receive their Windows Update items through Software Center alongside your other SCCM deployments.