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How to Reinstall Software Center

Complete guide to reinstalling Software Center and the SCCM Configuration Manager client on Windows 10/11.

Important Warning

Reinstalling Software Center requires administrator privileges and may temporarily disconnect your computer from management. Contact IT support before proceeding, especially in corporate environments.

Before You Begin

Before You Start

  • Ensure you have local administrator rights
  • Close all running applications
  • Have your IT contact information ready
  • Note your current Software Center version (if accessible)
  • Create a system restore point (optional but recommended)

Information You'll Need

  • SCCM Management Point server name
  • Site code for your organization
  • Network access to SCCM infrastructure
  • Installation files (usually provided by IT)
  • Your computer's current domain membership status

Where to Get the Installer

Company IT Department

Recommended

Most reliable source with correct configuration

Contact your IT helpdesk for the SCCM client installer configured for your environment

Network Share

Recommended

Internal company file share with SCCM tools

Look for \\[server]\SCCM\Client or similar shared folder (ask IT for path)

SCCM Console

If you have access to Configuration Manager console

Client Push Installation from SCCM admin console (IT admin only)

Microsoft Download

Generic client from Microsoft (not recommended)

May not have your company's specific configuration and settings

Reinstallation Methods

1

Method 1: Repair Current Installation

Try First

Try to fix the existing installation first

Easy⏱️ 10-15 minutes
  1. Press Windows + R and type 'appwiz.cpl'
  2. Find 'Configuration Manager Client' in the list
  3. Right-click and select 'Change'
  4. Choose 'Repair' when prompted
  5. Follow the repair wizard to completion
  6. Restart your computer
  7. Open Software Center from Start Menu
2

Method 2: Uninstall and Reinstall Client

Complete removal and fresh installation

Intermediate⏱️ 20-30 minutes
  1. Press Windows + R and type 'appwiz.cpl'
  2. Find 'Configuration Manager Client' and uninstall
  3. Restart your computer
  4. Contact IT for the SCCM client installer
  5. Run installer as Administrator
  6. Follow installation wizard
  7. Restart computer when prompted
3

Method 3: Command Line Reinstall

Use ccmsetup.exe for advanced reinstallation

Advanced⏱️ 15-20 minutes
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Navigate to C:\Windows\ccmsetup
  3. Run: ccmsetup.exe /uninstall
  4. Wait for uninstallation to complete
  5. Run: ccmsetup.exe /mp:[MP_SERVER] SMSSITECODE=[SITE_CODE]
  6. Wait for installation to complete
  7. Restart your computer

After Installation

1

Verify Installation

  • Check if Software Center appears in Start Menu
  • Open Control Panel > Configuration Manager Properties
  • Verify client version and site assignment
  • Check that services are running (SMS Agent Host)
2

Test Functionality

  • Open Software Center application
  • Check if applications are visible
  • Try installing a test application (if available)
  • Verify network connectivity to SCCM server
3

Force Policy Update

  • Open Configuration Manager Properties
  • Go to Actions tab
  • Run 'Machine Policy Retrieval & Evaluation Cycle'
  • Run 'Application Deployment Evaluation Cycle'

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Installation Fails

Try these solutions:

  • Run installer as Administrator
  • Disable antivirus temporarily
  • Check Windows Installer service is running
  • Verify network connectivity to domain
  • Clear temp files and try again

Problem: Software Center Won't Open

Try these solutions:

  • Restart SMS Agent Host service
  • Check Windows Event Logs for errors
  • Verify .NET Framework is installed
  • Run Windows System File Checker (sfc /scannow)
  • Check for Windows Updates

Problem: No Applications Show

Try these solutions:

  • Wait 15-30 minutes for policy sync
  • Force policy refresh from Actions tab
  • Check network connectivity to management point
  • Verify user permissions in Active Directory
  • Contact IT to check application deployment

Quick Command Reference

Uninstall Commands:

ccmsetup.exe /uninstall
# Removes SCCM client

Install Commands:

ccmsetup.exe /mp:SERVER
SMSSITECODE=ABC
# Replace SERVER and ABC

Note: Replace SERVER with your management point server name and ABC with your site code. Contact IT if you don't know these values.

When to Contact IT Support

You should contact IT support if:

  • You don't have administrator rights on your computer
  • You need the SCCM installer files and server information
  • Installation fails repeatedly or shows persistent errors
  • Software Center is required for critical business applications

Information to Provide IT:

  • • Current Windows version and build number
  • • Previous Software Center version (if known)
  • • Any error messages encountered during installation
  • • Which reinstallation method you tried
  • • Whether this is a new computer or existing installation

Reinstallation Summary

Best Approach:

  1. Try repair installation first
  2. Contact IT for installer and settings
  3. Uninstall existing client if repair fails
  4. Perform clean installation with IT guidance
  5. Verify functionality and test applications

Success Indicators:

  • Software Center opens without errors
  • Applications are visible and can be installed
  • Configuration Manager Properties shows correct site
  • SMS Agent Host service is running
  • Policy updates work correctly

Related Troubleshooting

Software Center Missing

Find and restore missing Software Center.

Won't Launch After Update

Fix Software Center that stopped working after Windows updates.

Reset Configuration

Reset Software Center settings and configuration.

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