Starting with ME 7.1, the ARC processor could also execute signed Java applets. Versions 1.x to 5.x of the ME used the ARCTangent-A4 (32-bit only instructions) whereas versions 6.x to 8.x used the newer ARCompact (mixed 32- and 16-bit instruction set architecture). Previous versions were based on an ARC core, with the Management Engine running the ThreadX RTOS.

The ME firmware is stored in a partition of the SPI BIOS Flash, using the Embedded Flash File System (EFFS). Starting with ME 11, it is based on the Intel Quark x86-based 32-bit CPU and runs the MINIX 3 operating system. Its exact workings are largely undocumented and its code is obfuscated using confidential Huffman tables stored directly in hardware, so the firmware does not contain the information necessary to decode its contents. Intel claims the ME is required to provide full performance. As long as the chipset or SoC is supplied with power (via battery or power supply), it continues to run even when the system is turned off. The subsystem primarily consists of proprietary firmware running on a separate microprocessor that performs tasks during boot-up, while the computer is running, and while it is asleep. While AMT can be unprovisioned by the owner, there is no official, documented way to disable the ME. However, the ME itself is built into all Intel chipsets since 2008, not only those with AMT. AMT gives device owners remote administration of their computer, such as powering it on or off, and reinstalling the operating system. AMT runs on the ME, but is only available on processors with vPro. The Management Engine is often confused with Intel AMT (Intel Active Management Technology).

Intel's main competitor AMD has incorporated the equivalent AMD Secure Technology (formally called Platform Security Processor) in virtually all of its post-2013 CPUs. This issue can be mitigated with deployment of a hardware device, which is able to disconnect mains power.

The Intel Management Engine always runs as long as the motherboard is receiving power, even when the computer is turned off. It is located in the Platform Controller Hub of modern Intel motherboards. The Intel Management Engine ( ME), also known as the Intel Manageability Engine, is an autonomous subsystem that has been incorporated in virtually all of Intel's processor chipsets since 2008. The ME is colloquially categorized as ring −3, below System Management Mode (ring −2) and the hypervisor (ring −1), all running at a higher privilege level than the kernel (ring 0) Privilege rings for the x86 architecture.

Intel update utility