Desired state configuration (DSC) is a management layer which enables you to dynamically build computer environments using a common language. This management layer was designed to create configuration baselines, which enforce a set of configuration standards for a system. Simply put, it makes sure that the files, folders, services, registry, and applications that you expect to be installed or removed from a system, are in their expected state. If DSC determines that these items are not in their desired state, it will automatically correct the system to ensure it follows the desired configuration.

There are three core phases for a proper implementation of DSC. These phases include: