For IT administrators managing a fleet of devices, keeping them updated is a non-negotiable part of security and performance. Manually installing updates across multiple devices is impractical, time-consuming, and, at this point, outdated in most circumstances. In a world where 30 % of workers are waiting at least a day for a meaningful response from technical support, over-the- air updates bring a seamless, remote solution to improve employee experience while keeping your endpoints secure and running optimally.
What Are Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates?
OTA updates allow IT teams to push software, firmware, or configuration updates to devices remotely—without physically touching the devices in their fleet. The result ensures that security patches, performance enhancements, and new features reach devices efficiently. Whether managing Windows, Android, or iOS/iPadOS devices, OTA updates play a major role in modern endpoint security and compliance.
How OTA Updates Work with Intune
As an Intune administrator, you can leverage OTA updates to streamline patch management and enforce compliance. Here’s a high-level breakdown of the process:
- 1
Update Release – Microsoft (or other software providers) makes updates available.
- 2
Policy Enforcement – Intune-defined update policies determine when and how updates are applied.
- 3
Download & Validation – Devices download the update over Wi-Fi or cellular data and verify its integrity.
- 4
Installation & Reboot – Updates install automatically, often requiring a restart.
- 5
Compliance Reporting – Intune provides visibility into update status and potential issues.
Why OTA Updates Matter for Your Business
Performing OTA Updates with Microsoft Intune
Intune makes OTA updates straightforward, providing centralized control for different platforms:
Windows Devices
- Navigate to Microsoft Endpoint Manager > Devices > Windows > Update rings for Windows 10 and later.
- Create an update ring to control when updates are installed.
- Use Feature Update policies for version upgrades and Quality Update policies for patches.
- Assign policies to device groups and monitor update compliance.
Android Devices
- Use Android Enterprise update policies within Intune to control how and when updates are applied.
- For OEMConfig-enabled devices, install the manufacturer’s OEMConfig app and configure update settings in Intune.
iOS/iPadOS Devices
- Go to Devices > iOS/iPadOS > Update policies for supervised devices.
- Enforce update timelines to keep Apple devices compliant and secure.
Using a Staged Deployment Approach
With Intune, you can apply updates in deployment rings—rolling them out gradually to test groups before wider deployment. This staged approach minimizes disruption and allows you to catch potential issues early.
The Bottom Line
OTA updates are necessary for modern IT management. By leveraging Microsoft Intune, admins can remotely enforce update policies, reduce security risks, and keep business devices in top shape—without disrupting end users.
