Microsoft Configuration Manager
WindowsSoftware Center
In brief
The article received wording, grammar, screenshot-description, and metadata updates. Instructions for launching Software Center and browsing applications were rephrased.
What Intune admins need to know
Administrators can use the updated article when directing users to Software Center. No administrator action is specified.
This summary was assembled from the tracked documentation change. Verify important details in the full Microsoft Learn article.
Documentation change
View on Microsoft LearnThe comparison below shows only the changed extract. Use the full-page view for complete context.
Applies to: Configuration Manager (current branch)
Your organization's IT adminadministrator uses Software Center to install applications, software updates,update software, and upgrade Windows. This user guidearticle explains the functionality of Software Center for users of the computer.
Software Center is installed automatically on Windows devices that your IT organization manages. To get started, see How to open Software Center.
General notes about Software Center functionality:
- This article describes the latest features of Software Center. If your organization is using an older but still supported version of Software Center, not all features are available. For more information, contact your IT admin.
- Your IT admin
maymight disable some aspects of Software Center. Your specific experiencemaymight vary. - If multiple users are using a device at the same time, the user with the lowest session ID
will beis the only one to see all available deployments in Software Center. For example, take multiple users on a remote desktop environment. Users with higher session IDsmaymight not see some of the deployments in Software Center.For example, theThe users with higher session IDsmaymight see deployed Applications, but not deployed Packages or Task Sequences.MeanwhileMeanwhile, the user with the lowest session IDwill seesees all deployed Applications, Packages, and Task Sequences. The Users tab of Windows Task Manager shows all users and their session IDs. - Your IT admin
maymight change the color of Software Center, and add your organization's logo.
How to open Software Center
Software Center is installed automatically on Windows devices that your IT organization manages. For the simplest method toTo start Software Center, go to Start and type Software Center. You may not need to type the entire string for Windows to find the best match.
To navigate the Start menu, look under the Microsoft Endpoint Manager group for the Software Center icon..
Note
The aboveThis Start menu path is for versions from November 2019 (version 1910) or later. In earlier versions, the folder name is Microsoft System Center.
If you can't find Software Center in the Start menu, contact your IT administrator.
Applications
Select the Applications tab (1) to find and install applications that your IT admin deploys to you or this computer.
- All (2): Shows all available applications that you can install.
- Required (3): Your IT admin enforces these applications. If you uninstall one of these applications, Software Center reinstalls it.
- Filters (4): Your IT admin
maycan create categories of applications. If available, select thedrop-downdropdown list to filter the view to only those applications in a specific category. Select All to show all applications. - Sort by (5): Rearrange the list of applications. By
defaultdefault, this list sorts by Most recent. Recently available applications displaywitha New banner that's visible for seven days. - Search (6): Still can't find what you're looking for? Enter keywords in the Search box to find
it!it. - Switch the view (7): Select the icons to switch the view between list view and tile view. By
defaultdefault, the applications list shows as graphic tiles.
| Icon | View | Description |
|---|
Install an application
Select an application from the list to see more information about it. Select Install to install it. If an app is already installed, you maymight have the option to Uninstall.
Some apps may require approval before they install.
When you try to install
it,the app, you can enter a comment and then Request the app.
Software Center shows the request
history, andhistory. Here you can cancel the request.
When an administrator approves your request, you can install the app. If you wait, Software Center automatically installs the app during your non-business hours.
Install multiple applications
InstallYou can install more than one application at a time instead of waiting for one to finish before starting the next.time. The selected apps need to qualify:
- The app is visible to
youyou. - The app isn't already downloading or
installedinstalled. - Your IT admin doesn't require approval to install the
appapp.
To install more than one application at a time:
- Select the
multi-multiple select icon in the upper right corner:
- Select two or more apps to install.
Select the checkbox to the left of each app in the list. - Select
theInstall Selectedbuttonto start.
The apps install as normal, only now in succession.
Copy the string, and paste it elsewhere, such as in an email message. For example, softwarecenter:SoftwareID=ScopeId_73F3BB5E-5EDC-4928-87BD-4E75EB4BBC34/Application_b9e438aa-f5b5-432c-9b4f-6ebeeb132a5a. Anyone else in your organization with Software Center can use the link to open the same application.
Featured Appsapps
The Featured tab in Software Center displays featured apps. With this tab,Your IT admin can mark apps as "featured" and encourage end users to use these apps. Currently, this feature is available only for "User Available" apps. Also, admins
Admins can make the Featured tab of Software Center as the default tab from Client Settings.
If an app is marked as Featured and it's deployed to a User Collection as an Available app, it will showappears under the Featured pivot in Software Center.
Updates
Select the Updates tab (1) to view and install software updates that your IT admin deploys to this computer.
- All (2): Shows all updates that you can
installinstall. - Required (3): Your IT admin enforces these updates.
- Sort by (4): Rearrange the list of updates. By
defaultdefault, this list sorts by Application name: A to Z. - Search (5): Still can't find what you're looking for? Enter keywords in the
Searchsearch box to findit!it.
To install updates, select Install All (6).
To only install specific updates, select the icon to enter multi-multiple select mode (7): Check the updates to install, and then select Install Selected.
Operating Systemssystems
Select the Operating Systems tab (1) to view and install versions of Windows that your IT admin deploys to this computer.
- All (2): Shows all Windows versions that you can
installinstall. - Required (3): Your IT admin enforces these upgrades.
- Sort by (4): Rearrange the list of updates. By
defaultdefault, this list sorts by Application name: A to Z. - Search (5): Still can't find what you're looking for? Enter keywords in the Search box to find
it!it.
Installation status
Select the Installation status tab to view the status of applications. You maymight see the following states:
Installed: Software Center already installed this application on this computer.
Downloading: Software Center is downloading the software to install on this computer.
Failed: Software Center wasn't able to install the software.
Scheduled to install after: Shows the date and time of the device's next maintenance window to install upcoming software.
Maintenance windows are defined by yourYour ITadmin.admin defines maintenance windows.TheYou can see the statuscan be seenin the All and the Upcomingtab.tabs.You canTo install before the maintenance windowtime by selecting thetime, select Install Nowbutton..
Device compliance
Select the Device compliance tab to view the compliance status of this computer.
Select Check compliance to evaluate this device's settings against the security policies defined by your IT admin.
Options
Select the Options tab to view additional settings for this computer.
Work information
Indicate the hours that you typically work. Your IT admin maycan schedule software installations outside your business hours. Allow at least four hours each day for system maintenance tasks. Your IT admin can still install critical applications and software updates during business hours.
- Select the earliest and latest hours that you use this computer. By
defaultdefault, these values are from 5:00 AM through 10:00 PM. - Select the days of the week that you typically use this computer. By
defaultdefault, Software Center only selects the weekdays.
Specify whether you regularly use this computer to do your work. Your administrator might automatically install applications or make additional applications available to primary computers. If the computer you're using is a primary computer, select I regularly use this computer to do my work.
Power management
Your IT admin maycan set power management policies. These policies help your organization conserve electricity when this computer isn't in use.
To make this computer exempt from these policies, select Do not apply power settings from my IT department to this computer. By defaultdefault, this setting is disabled and the computer applies power settings.disabled.
Computer maintenance
Note
These settings are designed to be managed by end users and do notdon't impact deployment deadlines.
When instructed by your IT admin,admin instructs you, select Sync Policy. This computer checks with the servers for anything new, such as applications, software updates, or operating systems.
Remote Controlcontrol
Specify remote access and remote control settings for your computer.
Custom tabs
\ No newline at end of file
Your IT admin can remove the default tabs or add additionalmore tabs to Software Center. Custom tabs are named by your admin, and theyYour admin names custom tabs. They open a web sitewebsite that theyour admin specifies.chooses. For instance,example, you might have a tab called "Help Desk" that opens your IT organization's help desk web site.
More information for IT administrators
More information is available for IT administrators on how to plan for and configure Software Center in the following articles:
Plan for Software CenterSoftware Center client settingsDevice restart notificationsIntroduction to Remote Controlwebsite. \ No newline at end of file\ No newline at end of file
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ ms.reviewer: - hugowu - qiani description: Software Center helps you install apps, software updates, and Windows upgrades on your managed device. Learn about the setting you need to use Software Center.-ms.date: 2024-10-18T00:00:00.0000000Z+ms.date: 2026-10-20T00:00:00.0000000Z ms.topic: end-user-help ms.subservice: core-infra ms.collection: tier3@@ -41,9 +41,11 @@ source_path: intune/configmgr/core/understand/software-center.md cmProducts: - https://authoring-docs-microsoft.poolparty.biz/devrel/bcbcbad5-4208-4783-8035-8481272c98b8 - https://microsoft-devrel.poolparty.biz/DevRelOfferingOntology/12ed19f9-ebdf-4c8a-8bcd-7a681836774d+- https://microsoft-devrel.poolparty.biz/DevRelOfferingOntology/4c50f262-d533-4ba4-9d4a-08899ec3a3d1 spProducts: - https://authoring-docs-microsoft.poolparty.biz/devrel/43b2e5aa-8a6d-4de2-a252-692232e5edc8 - https://microsoft-devrel.poolparty.biz/DevRelOfferingOntology/3a764584-4f97-452b-8f1d-36f19b12f6ae+- https://microsoft-devrel.poolparty.biz/DevRelOfferingOntology/6a8c83be-f1de-4e90-bde0-bd097999a60c platformId: 82f763dc-af3b-1abb-c010-8e5aa45cd356 --- @@ -51,45 +53,45 @@ platformId: 82f763dc-af3b-1abb-c010-8e5aa45cd356 *Applies to: Configuration Manager (current branch)*
-Your organization's IT admin uses Software Center to install applications, software updates, and upgrade Windows. This user guide explains the functionality of Software Center for users of the computer.
+Your organization's IT administrator uses Software Center to install applications, update software, and upgrade Windows. This article explains the functionality of Software Center for users of the computer.
Software Center is installed automatically on Windows devices that your IT organization manages. To get started, see How to open Software Center.
General notes about Software Center functionality:
- This article describes the latest features of Software Center. If your organization is using an older but still supported version of Software Center, not all features are available. For more information, contact your IT admin.
-- Your IT admin may disable some aspects of Software Center. Your specific experience may vary.
-- If multiple users are using a device at the same time, the user with the lowest session ID will be the only one to see all available deployments in Software Center. For example, multiple users on a remote desktop environment. Users with higher session IDs may not see some of the deployments in Software Center. For example, the users with higher session IDs may see deployed Applications, but not deployed Packages or Task Sequences. Meanwhile the user with the lowest session ID will see all deployed Applications, Packages, and Task Sequences. The **Users** tab of Windows Task Manager shows all users and their session IDs.
-- Your IT admin may change the color of Software Center, and add your organization's logo.
+- Your IT admin might disable some aspects of Software Center. Your specific experience might vary.
+- If multiple users are using a device at the same time, the user with the lowest session ID is the only one to see all available deployments in Software Center. For example, take multiple users on a remote desktop environment. Users with higher session IDs might not see some of the deployments in Software Center. The users with higher session IDs might see deployed Applications, but not deployed Packages or Task Sequences. Meanwhile, the user with the lowest session ID sees all deployed Applications, Packages, and Task Sequences. The **Users** tab of Windows Task Manager shows all users and their session IDs.
+- Your IT admin might change the color of Software Center, and add your organization's logo.
## How to open Software Center
-Software Center is installed automatically on Windows devices that your IT organization manages. For the simplest method to start Software Center, go to **Start** and type `Software Center`. You may not need to type the entire string for Windows to find the best match.
+Software Center is installed automatically on Windows devices that your IT organization manages. To start Software Center, go to **Start** and type `Software Center`.
-
+
-To navigate the Start menu, look under the **Microsoft Endpoint Manager** group for the **Software Center** icon.
+To navigate the Start menu, look under the **Microsoft Endpoint Manager** group for **Software Center**.
-
+
Note
-The above Start menu path is for versions from November 2019 (version 1910) or later. In earlier versions, the folder name is **Microsoft System Center**.
+This Start menu path is for versions from November 2019 (version 1910) or later. In earlier versions, the folder name is **Microsoft System Center**.
If you can't find Software Center in the Start menu, contact your IT administrator.
## Applications
-[](media/software-center-apps.png#lightbox)
+[](media/software-center-apps.png#lightbox)
Select the **Applications** tab (1) to find and install applications that your IT admin deploys to you or this computer.
- **All** (2): Shows all available applications that you can install.
- **Required** (3): Your IT admin enforces these applications. If you uninstall one of these applications, Software Center reinstalls it.
-- **Filters** (4): Your IT admin may create categories of applications. If available, select the drop-down list to filter the view to only those applications in a specific category. Select **All** to show all applications.
-- **Sort by** (5): Rearrange the list of applications. By default this list sorts by **Most recent**. Recently available applications display with a **New** banner that's visible for seven days.
-- **Search** (6): Still can't find what you're looking for? Enter keywords in the Search box to find it!
-- Switch the view (7): Select the icons to switch the view between list view and tile view. By default the applications list shows as graphic tiles.
+- **Filters** (4): Your IT admin can create categories of applications. If available, select the dropdown list to filter the view to only those applications in a specific category. Select **All** to show all applications.
+- **Sort by** (5): Rearrange the list of applications. By default, this list sorts by **Most recent**. Recently available applications display a **New** banner that's visible for seven days.
+- **Search** (6): Still can't find what you're looking for? Enter keywords in the **Search** box to find it.
+- Switch the view (7): Select the icons to switch the view between list view and tile view. By default, the applications list shows as graphic tiles.
| Icon | View | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
@@ -99,33 +101,33 @@ Select the **Applications** tab (1) to find and install applications that your I
### Install an application
-Select an application from the list to see more information about it. Select **Install** to install it. If an app is already installed, you may have the option to **Uninstall**.
+Select an application from the list to see more information about it. Select **Install** to install it. If an app is already installed, you might have the option to **Uninstall**.
-Some apps may require approval before they install.
+Some apps require approval before they install.
-- When you try to install it, you can enter a comment and then **Request** the app.
+- When you try to install the app, you can enter a comment and then **Request** the app.
- 
-- Software Center shows the request history, and you can cancel the request.
+ 
+- Software Center shows the request history. Here you can cancel the request.
- 
+ 
- When an administrator approves your request, you can install the app. If you wait, Software Center automatically installs the app during your non-business hours.
- 
+ 
### Install multiple applications
-Install more than one application at a time instead of waiting for one to finish before starting the next. The selected apps need to qualify:
+You can install more than one application at a time. The selected apps need to qualify:
-- The app is visible to you
-- The app isn't already downloading or installed
-- Your IT admin doesn't require approval to install the app
+- The app is visible to you.
+- The app isn't already downloading or installed.
+- Your IT admin doesn't require approval to install the app.
To install more than one application at a time:
-1. Select the multi-select icon in the upper right corner: 
-2. Select two or more apps to install. Select the checkbox to the left of each app in the list.
-3. Select the **Install Selected** button to start.
+1. Select the multiple select icon in the upper right corner: 
+2. Select two or more apps to install.
+3. Select **Install Selected** to start.
The apps install as normal, only now in succession.
@@ -135,78 +137,80 @@ To share a link to a specific app, after you select the app, select the **Share*
-**Copy** the string, and paste elsewhere, such as an email message. For example, `softwarecenter:SoftwareID=ScopeId_73F3BB5E-5EDC-4928-87BD-4E75EB4BBC34/Application_b9e438aa-f5b5-432c-9b4f-6ebeeb132a5a`. Anyone else in your organization with Software Center can use the link to open the same application.
+**Copy** the string, and paste it elsewhere, such as in an email message. For example, `softwarecenter:SoftwareID=ScopeId_73F3BB5E-5EDC-4928-87BD-4E75EB4BBC34/Application_b9e438aa-f5b5-432c-9b4f-6ebeeb132a5a`. Anyone else in your organization with Software Center can use the link to open the same application.
-### Featured Apps
+### Featured apps
-**Featured** tab in Software Center displays featured apps. With this tab, IT admin can mark apps as "featured" and encourage end users to use these apps. Currently, this feature is available only for "User Available" apps. Also, admins can make the **Featured** tab of Software Center as the default tab from Client Settings.
+The **Featured** tab in Software Center displays featured apps. Your IT admin can mark apps as *featured* and encourage end users to use these apps. Currently, this feature is available only for *User Available* apps.
-If an app is marked as **Featured** and it's deployed to a User Collection as an Available app, it will show under the **Featured** pivot in Software Center.
+Admins can make the **Featured** tab of Software Center the default tab from Client Settings.
-[](media/3601183-featured-apps-software-center.png#lightbox)
+If an app is marked as **Featured** and it's deployed to a User Collection as an Available app, it appears under the **Featured** pivot in Software Center.
+
+[](media/3601183-featured-apps-software-center.png#lightbox)
## Updates
-[](media/software-center-updates.png#lightbox)
+[](media/software-center-updates.png#lightbox)
Select the **Updates** tab (1) to view and install software updates that your IT admin deploys to this computer.
-- **All** (2): Shows all updates that you can install
+- **All** (2): Shows all updates that you can install.
- **Required** (3): Your IT admin enforces these updates.
-- **Sort by** (4): Rearrange the list of updates. By default this list sorts by **Application name: A to Z**.
-- **Search** (5): Still can't find what you're looking for? Enter keywords in the Search box to find it!
+- **Sort by** (4): Rearrange the list of updates. By default, this list sorts by **Application name: A to Z**.
+- **Search** (5): Still can't find what you're looking for? Enter keywords in the search box to find it.
To install updates, select **Install All** (6).
-To only install specific updates, select the icon to enter multi-select mode (7):  Check the updates to install, and then select **Install Selected**.
+To only install specific updates, select the icon to enter multiple select mode (7):  Check the updates to install, and then select **Install Selected**.
-## Operating Systems
+## Operating systems
-[](media/software-center-os.png#lightbox)
+[](media/software-center-os.png#lightbox)
Select the **Operating Systems** tab (1) to view and install versions of Windows that your IT admin deploys to this computer.
-- **All** (2): Shows all Windows versions that you can install
+- **All** (2): Shows all Windows versions that you can install.
- **Required** (3): Your IT admin enforces these upgrades.
-- **Sort by** (4): Rearrange the list of updates. By default this list sorts by **Application name: A to Z**.
-- **Search** (5): Still can't find what you're looking for? Enter keywords in the Search box to find it!
+- **Sort by** (4): Rearrange the list of updates. By default, this list sorts by **Application name: A to Z**.
+- **Search** (5): Still can't find what you're looking for? Enter keywords in the Search box to find it.
## Installation status
-Select the **Installation status** tab to view the status of applications. You may see the following states:
+Select the **Installation status** tab to view the status of applications. You might see the following states:
- **Installed**: Software Center already installed this application on this computer.
- **Downloading**: Software Center is downloading the software to install on this computer.
- **Failed**: Software Center wasn't able to install the software.
-- **Scheduled to install after**: Shows the date and time of the device's next maintenance window to install upcoming software. Maintenance windows are defined by your IT admin.
+- **Scheduled to install after**: Shows the date and time of the device's next maintenance window to install upcoming software. Your IT admin defines maintenance windows.
- - The status can be seen in the **All** and the **Upcoming** tab.
- - You can install before the maintenance window time by selecting the **Install Now** button.
+ - You can see the status in the **All** and the **Upcoming** tabs.
+ - To install before the maintenance window time, select **Install Now**.
## Device compliance
-Select the **Device compliance** tab to view the compliance status of this computer.
+Select **Device compliance** to view the compliance status of this computer.
Select **Check compliance** to evaluate this device's settings against the security policies defined by your IT admin.
## Options
-Select the **Options** tab to view additional settings for this computer.
+Select **Options** to view additional settings for this computer.
### Work information
-Indicate the hours that you typically work. Your IT admin may schedule software installations outside your business hours. Allow at least four hours each day for system maintenance tasks. Your IT admin can still install critical applications and software updates during business hours.
+Indicate the hours that you typically work. Your IT admin can schedule software installations outside your business hours. Allow at least four hours each day for system maintenance tasks. Your IT admin can still install critical applications and software updates during business hours.
-- Select the earliest and latest hours that you use this computer. By default these values are from **5:00 AM** through **10:00 PM**.
-- Select the days of the week that you typically use this computer. By default Software Center only selects the weekdays.
+- Select the earliest and latest hours that you use this computer. By default, these values are from **5:00 AM** through **10:00 PM**.
+- Select the days of the week that you typically use this computer. By default, Software Center only selects the weekdays.
Specify whether you regularly use this computer to do your work. Your administrator might automatically install applications or make additional applications available to primary computers. If the computer you're using is a primary computer, select **I regularly use this computer to do my work**.
### Power management
-Your IT admin may set power management policies. These policies help your organization conserve electricity when this computer isn't in use.
+Your IT admin can set power management policies. These policies help your organization conserve electricity when this computer isn't in use.
-To make this computer exempt from these policies, select **Do not apply power settings from my IT department to this computer**. By default this setting is disabled and the computer applies power settings.
+To make this computer exempt from these policies, select **Do not apply power settings from my IT department to this computer**. By default, this setting is disabled.
### Computer maintenance
@@ -217,11 +221,11 @@ Specify how Software Center applies changes to software before the deadline.
Note
-These settings are designed to be managed by end users and do not impact deployment deadlines.
+These settings are designed to be managed by end users and don't impact deployment deadlines.
-When instructed by your IT admin, select **Sync Policy**. This computer checks with the servers for anything new, such as applications, software updates, or operating systems.
+When your IT admin instructs you, select **Sync Policy**. This computer checks with the servers for anything new, such as applications, software updates, or operating systems.
-### Remote Control
+### Remote control
Specify remote access and remote control settings for your computer.
@@ -249,13 +253,4 @@ Specify remote access and remote control settings for your computer.
## Custom tabs
-Your IT admin can remove the default tabs or add additional tabs to Software Center. Custom tabs are named by your admin, and they open a web site that the admin specifies. For instance, you might have a tab called "Help Desk" that opens your IT organization's help desk web site.
-
-## More information for IT administrators
-
-More information is available for IT administrators on how to plan for and configure Software Center in the following articles:
-
-- [Plan for Software Center](../../apps/plan-design/plan-for-software-center)
-- [Software Center client settings](../clients/deploy/about-client-settings#software-center)
-- [Device restart notifications](../clients/deploy/device-restart-notifications)
-- [Introduction to Remote Control](../clients/manage/remote-control/introduction-to-remote-control)\ No newline at end of file+Your IT admin can remove the default tabs or add more tabs to Software Center. Your admin names custom tabs. They open a website that your admin chooses. For example, you might have a tab called *Help Desk* that opens your IT organization's help desk website.\ No newline at end of file