Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management software, powered by Entra, that helps businesses manage and secure their users’ devices including mobile phones, tablets, and PCs. In 2025, the program is growing in importance as the hub for modern IT management and is a clear leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Endpoint Management tools.

What is Intune Used For?

Intune, when used effectively, can provide multiple benefits for your team. It can help save money, enhance security, and create a positive employee experience for hybrid work. Intune device management allows administrators to manage apps and device configuration from a single console, regardless of whether they are company-owned or personally-owned bring your own (BYO) devices.

Intune infographic self service Reporting and data Integration Configuration Manager Windows Autopilot Windows Autopatch Endpoint Anayltics Microsoft 365 Endpoint Security Zero Trust VPN and Microsoft Tunnel Web-based Admin Center Remote and Hybrid Workers Apps Deployment Updates Protection Removal Identities Management Security Custom Roles Policy Assignment Devices Compliance Conditonal Access Device Configuration BYOD and org-owned devices

Intune’s capabilities and features

Microsoft Intune provides a range of features, including:

  • MOBILE DEVICE MANAGEMENT (MDM)

    The feature allows administrators to manage mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, by enforcing policies such as passcode requirements and the process of remote wiping of devices in case of loss or theft.

  • MOBILE APPLICATION MANAGEMENT (MAM):

    This allows administrators to manage applications on mobile devices, such as enforcing data protection policies and controlling access to corporate data.

  • PC MANAGEMENT:

    Allows administrators to manage PCs, including those running Windows, macOS, and Linux, by enforcing policies such as software updates and security configurations.

  • CONDITIONAL ACCESS:

    Conditional Access Policies allow administrators to control access to corporate resources based on specific conditions, such as device compliance and user identity

  • SAFEGUARDING DATA

    Intune empowers businesses to secure corporate data by enforcing encryption and access controls, while also preventing data leakage on managed devices. Admins can create and implement data protection policies tailored to device compliance and user identity, ensuring sensitive information remains secure at all times.

  • ENDPOINT SECURITY

    Intune delivers comprehensive endpoint security to shield against emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Administrators can customize security baselines, enforce strict device encryption protocols, and integrate advanced threat detection and response systems to ensure the protection of critical corporate assets.

    Beyond basic security measures, Intune also facilitates proactive threat management by enabling real-time monitoring and automated remediation. This layered approach not only fortifies defenses but also helps businesses stay ahead of potential security breaches, ensuring a resilient and secure IT environment.

  • STREAMLINED COMPLIANCE REPORTING

    Microsoft Intune offers powerful, built-in reporting and analytics tools to automate device compliance monitoring. businesses can easily track security incidents, generate detailed compliance reports, and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and industry standards. These real-time insights provide clear visibility into device status and security posture, helping businesses stay secure and audit-ready.

An advantage of Microsoft Intune is that it natively integrates with other Microsoft services, such as Microsoft 365 and Azure Active Directory, to provide a comprehensive solution for managing and securing devices and applications in a company.

How Intune Works

Intune helps businesses manage and secure mobile devices and apps. To achieve a good balance of security and user experience, it’s important to understand how the tool works.

There are five fundamental components that allow IT teams to leverage the power of Intune.

  • ENROLLMENT

    Intune provides several methods for enrolling devices in the service. Depending on the business’s requirements, devices can be enrolled using an enrollment URL, Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP), Google’s Android Enterprise, or Windows Autopilot.

  • POLICIES AND CONFIGURATION:

    Once devices are enrolled, administrators can configure policies and settings to manage the devices. For example, they can enforce device-level security policies such as PIN codes, or require that specific applications be installed on the device.

  • APP MANAGEMENT

    Intune allows administrators to manage apps installed on devices. They can deploy, update, or remove applications remotely, and can also configure app-level policies such as data-sharing restrictions.

    With the launch of the new Microsoft Store Apps Intune integration, administrators are able to harness a streamlined and efficient app management experience.

  • CONDITIONAL ACCESS

    With Intune, administrators can set up conditional access policies that determine whether a user can access company resources based on factors such as device compliance, user location, or network connection.

  • REPORTING AND ANALYTICS

    Intune provides reporting and analytics features that allow administrators to monitor device and application usage, as well as identify potential security risks.

The Benefits of Intune

As a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Unified Endpoint Management tools, Intune offers a number of benefits in addition to the aforementioned application management abilities, conditional access, and reporting and analytics.

  • CLOUD-BASED

    Intune is a cloud-based service management platform, which means that there is no need for on-premises infrastructure or hardware. This makes it easy to deploy and manage and provides groups with the flexibility to scale as needed.

  • MULTI-PLATFORM SUPPORT FOR BETTER MANAGEMENT

    Intune supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. This allows groups to manage all of their devices from a single platform.

  • ZERO TRUST SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE

    Microsoft Intune plays a crucial role in implementing a Zero Trust security model by ensuring pre-emptive identity and device verification. Before granting access to corporate resources, Intune authenticates each endpoint, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

    Beyond access control, Intune offers a robust set of security and compliance features—including device encryption, data protection policies, and remote wipe capabilities. These tools help businesses safeguard sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

    By integrating Intune into your security strategy, you strengthen your Zero Trust framework, ensuring that only verified users and secure devices can access your corporate resources—no exceptions.

  • EMPOWERMENT OF END-USERS

    Microsoft Intune enables your employees to work securely from anywhere, at any time. With conditional access, your team can seamlessly access the right company resources they need to stay productive—without compromising security.

    Intune also supports self-service device and app management, allowing users to handle their own apps and settings. This not only boosts employee autonomy but also reduces the burden on your IT team, freeing them up to focus on more strategic tasks.

    By leveraging Intune, you create a flexible, secure, and efficient work environment—perfect for today’s hybrid workforce.

Modern Endpoint Management and Microsoft Intune Use Cases:

Modern endpoint management with Microsoft Intune goes beyond traditional device management—it’s about securing data, empowering employees, and simplifying IT operations. Let’s break down key use cases where Intune transforms how organizations manage devices and protect their digital ecosystems.

  • BYOD (BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE):

    Intune empowers businessess to embrace BYOD by securing corporate data without compromising employee privacy. It enables app protection policies, ensuring work data stays within managed apps while keeping personal data untouched. This balance boosts employee satisfaction and productivity while maintaining security.

  • MANAGEMENT OF ALL DEVICES

    With Intune, IT can seamlessly manage a diverse range of devices — from Windows, macOS, iOS, to Android — all from a single console. It provides real-time visibility into device compliance, configurations, and security status. This unified approach reduces complexity and strengthens endpoint security.

  • ZERO TOUCH PROVISIONING

    Intune enables Zero Touch Provisioning by automating device setup right out of the box — no manual configuration needed. Devices are enrolled, configured with security policies, and ready for work as soon as employees sign in. This streamlines IT workflows and delivers a seamless onboarding experience.

  • APPLICATION MANAGEMENT

    With Intune, IT can push, update, or remove apps on both corporate and personal devices — all without needing physical access. App protection policies secure corporate data at the app level, preventing data leaks. This ensures business apps are managed and secure, no matter the device.

  • REMOTE SUPPORT

    Intune’s remote support capabilities allow IT teams to troubleshoot devices, push security updates, and resolve issues without in-person intervention. Integration with Microsoft tools like Remote Help enhances response times and minimizes downtime. This keeps the modern workforce connected and productive.

  • AUTOMATED PATCHING/ HOTPATCH/ AUTOPATCH

    Intune automates patch management by scheduling updates for OS, apps, and security policies. It ensures devices stay compliant with the latest security patches, reducing vulnerabilities. Automated patching means fewer manual updates and stronger endpoint defense. Additionally, hotpatch allows for critical updates to be applied without requiring a system reboot, ensuring continuous protection and minimizing downtime. Autopatch further enhances this by automatically deploying updates across devices, streamlining the patching process and maintaining consistent security standards.

  • DATA PROTECTION

    Intune safeguards corporate data by encrypting devices, enforcing data loss prevention (DLP) policies, and managing app-level protections. It ensures data remains secure both at rest and in transit, regardless of the device’s ownership. This holistic data protection strategy fortifies business resilience.

Commonly Asked Questions About Intune:

The Intune Company Portal is a mobile app that allows users to access corporate resources and services from their personal (BYO) or company-owned mobile devices. It is commonly used in conjunction with Microsoft Intune and provides a central location where users can access company apps, data, and other resources that have been made available to them by their company. Users can also view their device compliance status and take necessary actions to ensure their device is compliant with their business’s security policies.

The Intune Company Portal app helps businesses maintain control over their data and resources while enabling employees to work from anywhere, on any device, securely. It is available for download on various mobile platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows. Once downloaded, users can sign in with their corporate credentials and access company resources securely.

 

A very typical question we hear from new Intune users is simply how to enroll devices into Intune. The process is fairly straightforward and can be achieved by following these general steps.

  1. Go to the Endpoint Manager admin center and create a new device enrollment profile. This profile will determine the settings and policies that will be applied to the enrolled devices.
  2. Configure the device enrollment settings for your business. Some things you’ll want to set include authentication methods and enrollment restrictions.
  3. Choose the enrollment method you want to use. Intune supports various enrollment methods, including:
    • User-driven enrollment: This allows users to enroll their devices using the Intune Company Portal app.
    • Automated enrollment: This allows devices to be enrolled automatically, for example during the device setup process or using a device management solution.
    • Enrollment via Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager: This method allows iOS devices to be enrolled using Apple’s device management programs.Once you have chosen your enrollment method, follow the instructions to enroll your device. The exact steps will depend on the enrollment method you chose, but you’ll typically need to enter your credentials and follow the prompts to complete the enrollment process.
  4. Once you have chosen your enrollment method, follow the instructions to enroll your device. The exact steps will depend on the enrollment method you chose, but you’ll typically need to enter your credentials and follow the prompts to complete the enrollment process.

After the device is enrolled in Intune, it will be managed and secured according to the settings and policies you configured in the device enrollment profile.

Enrolling an iOS device in Microsoft Intune is a straightforward process that ensures secure access to corporate resources while maintaining a smooth user experience. To begin, download the Microsoft Intune Company Portal app from the App Store. Open the app, sign in with your work or school credentials, and follow the on-screen prompts. The setup process will guide you through granting necessary permissions, such as installing a management profile and enabling device compliance policies. Once enrollment is complete, the device will be managed according to your organization’s security policies, allowing access to work apps, email, and other resources while keeping personal data separate.

Enrolling an Android device in Microsoft Intune ensures secure access to work resources while keeping personal data separate. To begin, install the Microsoft Intune Company Portal app from the Google Play Store. Open the app, sign in with your work or school credentials, and follow the setup instructions. Depending on your organization’s policies, you may need to set up a work profile (for BYOD devices) or fully enroll the device (for corporate-owned devices). The process involves granting necessary permissions, installing a management profile, and applying security policies. Once enrollment is complete, you can securely access company apps, email, and data while maintaining privacy for personal content.

First, you’ll want to prepare your application for deployment. First, you’ll need to package your Win32 application into an Intune-compatible format. Microsoft recommends using the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool to convert your application into a format that Intune can handle.

Next, upload the application to Intune. Once your application is prepared, you can upload it to the Intune portal using the Intune Win32 App Packaging Tool. This tool will create an Intune package for your application that can be deployed to devices.

Create an app deployment policy: In the Intune portal, create a new app deployment policy that specifies the settings and configurations for deploying the Win32 application to devices. You’ll need to specify the target devices, the installation command line, and any additional configurations for the application.

Once you’ve created the app deployment policy, you’ll need to assign it to a group of devices or users that will receive the application. You can specify the group based on device properties, user properties, or a combination of both.

Finally, you’ll need to monitor and troubleshoot the deployment. After you’ve assigned the app deployment policy, you can monitor the deployment status in the Intune portal. You can also troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the deployment process.

Intune Autopilot is a cloud-based deployment technology that streamlines the process of setting up new Windows devices in a business. It is designed to make a device’s lifecycle easier from deployment to retirement. It streamlines device management for end users and IT teams alike by automating the image deployment of new machines.

Here’s how Intune Autopilot works:

Pre-register devices:
Before deploying a new Windows device with Autopilot, the device needs to be pre-registered with the Autopilot deployment service. This can be done by uploading the device’s hardware ID to the service using a CSV file or via the Microsoft Store for Business.

Configure Autopilot profiles:
Once the devices are registered, Autopilot profiles need to be configured in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center. Autopilot profiles are sets of configuration policies that are applied to devices during the deployment process.

Ship devices to end-users:
After devices are registered and Autopilot profiles are configured, they can be shipped directly to end-users without any manual setup required.

Devices connect to Intune:
When a new device is turned on for the first time, it connects to the Intune service and downloads the Autopilot profile assigned to it.

Automatic configuration:
The Autopilot profile configures the device automatically, applying settings and policies defined by the administrator. This includes joining the device to Azure Active Directory (AAD), installing apps, and configuring device settings.

Deployment status:
The deployment status can be monitored in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center, allowing administrators to track the progress of device deployments and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

The Microsoft Intune Suite addresses challenges in managing and secuing a wide array of devices by offering a comprehensive collection of endpoint management and security tools. This integrated platform simplifies the management of endpoints, enhances security, and streamlines operations. With key components such as Endpoint Privilege Management, Enterprise App Management, Microsoft Cloud PKI, Microsoft Tunnel for MAM, Advanced Analytics, and Remote Help, the Intune Suite empowers IT administrators to manage devices effectively while providing a seamless user experience.

The Intune Suite’s benefits are multifaceted, offering businesses a unified endpoint management system that enhances efficiency and reduces complexity. Its advanced security features protect against potential threats, while operational efficiencies allow IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Additionally, the suite provides significant cost savings through the consolidation of tools and informed decision-making enabled by advanced analytics. With its ability to improve user experience and offer robust security measures, investing in the Intune Suite is a strategic move for businesses aiming to secure their assets and future-proof their endpoint management strategies.

The Intune Management Extension (IME) enhances Windows’ built-in management capabilities, including OMA-DM (Open Mobile Alliance Device Management) and MMP-C (Microsoft Management Protocol Client).

While these native functions cover broad management tasks, IME extends their functionality by specializing in Win32 applications and custom scripts. This enables businesses to enforce policies, deploy applications, and automate administrative tasks with greater efficiency.

Conclusion

To sum things up, Intune is a truly powerful tool for Unified Endpoint Management. And it is getting better. With innovative updates in 2024 for security and employee experience, the tool continues to progress in an upward trajectory.

Should you be considering a move to Intune, feel free to reach out to our team with questions. Our group is highly experienced with Intune and always eager to lend a helping hand.

Can your IT team afford to spend 10,000 hours?

With over 10,000 settings, Microsoft Intune is a vast platform. Researching and testing each one can be a major time investment. The alternative is to bring Mobile Mentor. We’ve successfully deployed Intune for thousands of clients, delivering exceptional results within 90 days.

Contact us to learn more about Intune

 

 

Andrew Reade

Andrew Reade

Andrew is our Digital Marketing Manager and oversees web-based marketing strategies and content creation for the organization. As a marketing veteran, Andrew has worked with organizations of all sizes in a diverse group of industries, from Risk Management to Transportation. Joining the organization in 2021, Andrew is based in Mobile Mentor’s Nashville, TN office.