Create a Configuration Manager Device Collection Based on Installed Software

A query-based device collection can group managed computers that report a particular installed application. Build the query from inventory data already present in your site, then validate it against known devices before using the collection for deployment.

Workflow

1. Confirm Hardware Inventory is reporting installed-application data from the target devices.
2. In the Configuration Manager console, create a new Device Collection and choose an appropriate limiting collection.
3. Add a Query Rule.
4. Use the query designer to select the installed software/application inventory class used in your environment and filter on a specific product name/version.
5. Update collection membership and compare the result with at least one known installed and one known non-installed device.

Design tips

• Avoid a broad LIKE '%name%' filter if several products have similar names.
• Use a sensible incremental/full update schedule rather than forcing constant evaluations.
• If the collection will receive software or configuration, test the membership query separately before assigning the deployment.

Inventory class names can differ depending on which ConfigMgr inventory data you enable, so base the final WQL on the classes visible in your own console rather than copying an environment-specific query from another site.