When it is desired to update a group of thin clients that have a common configuration, the update can be deployed to a reference device on which a replicate tool executes. The replicate tool can examine the file system and registry of the reference device and create a manifest that describes the current state. The manifest can then be published for access by an agent that executes on the thin clients in the group. When the agent receives the manifest, it can compare the received manifest to an existing manifest on the thin client that defines the thin client's current state to identify any artifacts that differ. The agent can then retrieve and install any artifacts the thin client needs to match the current state of the reference device.