Write Filter vs SCCM

Write Filter

Enhanced Write Filter (EWF).

File-Based Write Filter (FBWF)

Registry Filter

Unified Write Filter (UWF). UWF operates at the sector level, intercepting all writes to a protected volume.

When write filters are not enabled on Windows Embedded 8 Standard or Windows Embedded 8 Industry then Configuration Manager 2012 SP1 can manage the device like any other IT asset. Just like a Window 8 client. This would be the same for Windows Embedded 8 Professional

Configuration Manager 2012 SP1 is "write filter aware." What that means is that Configuration Manager has the ability to turn off the

write filter on a device before any updates are downloaded, apply the updates, and then turn the write filter back on again. This

"awareness" applies to a subset of the Configuration Manager features, which is summarized in the table below.

Configuration Manager 2012 SP1 does not natively support UWF. This doesn't mean that a System Center administrator cannot

manage devices that use UWF, but it does mean that a little more planning is required in order to correctly manage the persistence

of changes to devices.

UWF ships with a command line utility known as uwfmgr.exe, which is a powerful tool for managing the

configuration and state of the write filter.

Additionally, UWF can be configured outside of Configuration Manager with the Embedded Lockdown Manager (ELM) and the

UWF servicing mode. This can be used for individual or a small number of embedded devices.

Microsoft System Center 2012 Configuration Manager helps you to empower people to use the devices and applications they need

to be productive, while maintaining corporate compliance and control. It accomplishes this with a unified infrastructure that gives a

single pane of glass to manage physical, virtual, and mobile clients. It also provides tools and improvements that make it easier for

IT administrators to do their jobs.