When creating a software package in System Center Essentials, you can schedule a date and time for the package to be deployed. Use the following procedures to schedule a software deployment during the process of creating the package or to add a scheduled deployment at a later time. The software package deployment must be approved before a scheduled deployment can occur.

To schedule a package for deployment while creating the package

  1. Run the New Software Package Wizard and create a new package on the Preparing a Package for Deployment page.

  2. After the package has been created, select the Show deployment options when this wizard closes check box, and then click Finish.

  3. In the Approve Groups for Deployment dialog box, select one or more computer groups on which you want to install the software.

  4. Click Set Deadline.

  5. Enter a date and time when you want the deployment to begin, and then click OK.

To schedule an existing package for deployment

  1. In the Essentials console, click the Software button.

  2. In the Software pane, expand Software Packages, and then click All Software Packages.

  3. In the Results pane, right-click the software package that you want to approve for deployment, and then click Approve for Deployment.

  4. In the Approve Groups for Deployment dialog box, select one or more computer groups on which you want to install the software.

  5. Click Set Deadline.

  6. Enter a date and time when you want the deployment to begin, and then click OK.

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