Microsoft Intune: management, licensing and deployment

How to turn a security need into an Intune policy

A Microsoft Intune deployment is most effective when every policy addresses an observable need. For instance, if the issue involves unencrypted laptops, you must define how encryption is configured, how its status is monitored, and what actions are taken when a device fails to comply. Simply giving a policy an appropriate name does not guarantee that devices have received it, nor does it ensure that users have a clear path to resolve any resulting issues.

Consider this example: an organization wants to require device compliance for accessing SharePoint. First, it enrolls a representative group, distributes the configuration, and reviews the reasons for any non-compliance. Next, it tests Conditional Access within a controlled scope. If access blocking is enabled while some devices are still awaiting enrollment, it will disrupt work—even if the security condition itself is correctly defined.

For this reason, policy documentation should outline its purpose, supported platforms, assignment groups, justified exclusions, verification methods, and remediation procedures. Each policy also requires an owner responsible for reviewing changes and exceptions. If a device fails to receive a configuration, the issue could stem from connectivity, enrollment, or applicability problems; modifying the policy before identifying the root cause could inadvertently extend the issue to devices that were previously functioning correctly.

The corporate laptop and the personal mobile device require different decisions

For a corporate laptop, it may be appropriate to manage the entire device—including its configuration, applications, and updates. In the case of a personal mobile device, however, it is worth considering whether it is sufficient to simply protect corporate applications and data within supported scenarios. The choice depends on the platform, the applications being used, and the level of control required; it should not be based solely on the convenience of the administration team.

For a user accessing Outlook and Teams on their phone, the pilot phase should verify how users sign in, where attachments can be saved, and what happens when corporate access is revoked. Such tests clearly demonstrate the impact of an app protection policy. They also help distinguish between an intentional restriction and a technical failure that prevents the use of an application necessary for work.

The adoption of Intune should be measured in terms of both coverage and functionality. Beyond the percentage of enrolled devices, it is important to track how many devices receive the required applications, how long it takes to resolve non-compliance issues, and what types of incidents are reported to support. A deployment that shows strong enrollment figures but leaves devices unpatched or users blocked still requires operational adjustments.

What is Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune This is Microsoft’s service for unified endpoint management from the cloud. It is part of the Microsoft Intune family and enables the management of devices and applications through centralized policies. Intune allows for management across several key areas:

Intune is not just an MDM for mobile devices. The traditional term “Mobile Device Management” can be misleading. Currently, Intune is commonly used to manage: Windows laptops, Macs, iPhone, iPad, Android, select Linux endpoints, shared devices, and other supported scenarios. It also does not automatically replace all existing tools. A company that already uses Configuration Manager, a specialized MDM solution, or specific management tools from Apple can make a gradual transition.

The goal should be to analyze which workloads are worth modernizing, not to retire technology just because Intune exists. Official reference: Microsoft – What is Microsoft Intune?.

What problems does Intune actually solve?

The most useful way to understand Intune is to translate technical features into everyday problems.

Which Intune model to use depending on the device type

One of the most common mistakes is applying the same model to everything. A corporate laptop used by a Finance employee does not necessarily need the same management as a personal iPhone, a warehouse tablet or a shared Android terminal.

Ownership matters. Before deciding the policy we must know if the device is: corporate, personal, shared or dedicated. This affects: what we can manage, what we expect the user to accept, what we can delete, what personal data we must respect and what access policies are reasonable.

MDM, MAM, and BYOD: three concepts that should be distinguished

MDM and MAM respond to different control needs. With device management, or MDM, your computer enrolls in Intune and receives configurations that support your platform. This allows you to, for example, distribute applications, configure certificates, or evaluate compliance requirements. The actual scope depends on the operating system and enrollment method, so it’s not a good idea to promise equal control over all computers.

Application management, or MAM, focuses on supported applications and the corporate information they handle. In certain scenarios it allows you to protect that data without completely managing the device. A policy can regulate access to an application, the locations where your documents are saved, or the sharing of information with personal applications. Those controls should be tested against the version and system that employees will use.

BYOD refers to device ownership: an employee uses a personal device to access company services. It is not a security technology in itself, nor does it dictate the specific management model to be applied. Before choosing between device enrollment, app protection, or other alternatives, it is necessary to determine what data will be accessed and what tasks the work requires. The strategy must also account for the revocation of access when an individual’s relationship with the organization changes.

In a personal device scenario, a pilot program might begin with Outlook and a corporate document. You can test whether the user is able to open the file, copy its content, save it, or share it with another application, in accordance with the established policy. Subsequently, you should test the removal of managed data on a test device. This process helps demonstrate the impact of the controls and documents which personal information remains outside the scope of management.

Conversely, for a shared corporate device, the priority may be to ensure a consistent set of applications and to prevent a subsequent user from encountering an active session left open by a previous user. The approach to enrollment and usage will differ from that of a laptop assigned to a single individual. Any chosen configuration must be accompanied by clear instructions for support, recovery, and communication; a secure setup that the user does not understand often leads to support incidents and encourages the adoption of ad-hoc, unauthorized workarounds.

Reference documentation: Microsoft – App Protection Policies; Microsoft – MAM without device enrollment.

What platforms does Microsoft Intune support?

Current Microsoft documentation covers the use of Intune for: Android, iOS/iPadOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Chrome OS. This does not mean that all features are available across every platform.

Always check the minimum version. Microsoft periodically updates the supported operating system versions. We should not design a policy based solely on: “we have iOS” but rather on: model, version, enrollment method, and ownership. Windows 10 in 2026. Windows 10 reached the end of general support on October 14, 2025. While Microsoft may still allow certain enrollment scenarios or features within Intune, new enterprise projects should be based on a Windows 11 strategy—unless there is a specific technical reason and a defined support model for maintaining Windows 10.

Official reference: Microsoft – Supported operating systems and browsers.

How does Intune fit within Microsoft 365?

Intune delivers significantly more value when it is not used in isolation.

Comprehensive example. We can implement a policy where: Intune verifies that the laptop is encrypted, Defender indicates that the endpoint does not pose a high risk, Intune marks the device as “compliant,” Conditional Access receives this signal, and Microsoft Entra grants access to SharePoint. This is far more powerful than simply thinking: “the computer is registered in Intune.”

Device enrollment: there is no single method

Enrollment determines how a device enters management. The choice depends on: platform, property, user, delivery method, level of control.

Enrollment restrictions. We should not allow any user to enroll any type of device simply because Intune allows it. We can restrict: platforms, versions, ownership, number of devices and certain enrollment methods. Corporate identifiers. In some scenarios we may use corporate identifiers to help distinguish company-owned devices from personal devices. Official reference: Microsoft – Device enrollment.

Configuration, compliance, and Conditional Access: they are not the same

It is one of the most important concepts to manage Intune correctly. ConfigurationPolicy. Defines how we want to configure the device. For example: “Activate BitLocker.” Compliance Policy. Evaluate whether the device meets a requirement. For example: “The disk must be encrypted.” Conditional Access. Decide what happens if the requirement is not met. For example: “If the device is not compliant, do not allow access to SharePoint.”

Examples of compliance. Depending on the platform, requirements such as: minimum version of the operating system, encryption, password/PIN, Secure Boot, firewall, antivirus, device integrity, jailbreak/root and risk level from Defender can be evaluated. Do not activate blocking before having coverage. If today only 40% of the park is correctly registered and tomorrow we activate: All Users, Require Compliant Device we can transform a security improvement into a massive incident.

Recommended sequence. inventory → enroll → configure → measure → remediate → enforce.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Intune

A device can meet all of our configurations and still be compromised. That’s why Intune can integrate with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Device risk. Defender can calculate a risk level for the endpoint. That risk can become a compliance condition. Example. We can establish: Maximum allowed device threat level = Medium. If Defender classifies the endpoint as High Risk: Intune can mark it as non-compliant, Conditional Access can limit its access, and the security team can investigate and remediate.

Important: do not block without recovery process. The policy should not end in: “blocked user”. We also need to define: alert → analysis → remediation → reassessment → access recovery. Official reference: Microsoft – Defender for Endpoint with Intune.

Application Management with Microsoft Intune

Application management often becomes one of the most operational parts of Intune. We can deploy. Depending on platform and scenario: Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft Store Apps, Win32 Apps, Line-of-Business Apps, mobile applications, PKG/DMG on macOS depending on scenario, web apps and applications from Enterprise App Catalog. Required vs Available. Not all software must be installed.

Company Portal. It can function as an enterprise catalog where users install approved software without requiring administrative privileges. Dependencies and detection rules. In Win32 applications we must design correctly: installation command, uninstallation, detection rule, requirements, dependencies, supersedence when applicable and restart behavior. An app marked “Installed” does not guarantee that it will work. The technical reporting must be complemented with a functional test during the pilot.

Windows Autopilot

Windows Autopilot It allows you to prepare Windows devices for incorporation into the organization using the OEM installation of Windows instead of necessarily maintaining traditional corporate images. Typical scenario. The company buys a laptop and the supplier registers its hardware with Autopilot. The laptop can then be shipped directly to the employee. When it starts, Windows recognises that the device belongs to the organisation and applies the Autopilot experience. The user signs in, the device joins Microsoft Entra ID, enrols in Intune and receives its applications and policies.

This greatly reduces manual intervention. Especially for: remote employees, hardware upgrades, multi-site companies, and direct-to-user suppliers. Registration. Classic Autopilot requires the device to be registered with the Autopilot service. This typically involves associating your hardware identity with the tenant. Ideally it is done by the manufacturer or distributor. This avoids having to open each laptop just to capture the hardware hash.

Advanced scenarios. Classic Windows Autopilot continues to be relevant because it has scenarios such as: User-driven, Pre-provisioning, Self-deploying, Existing devices, Autopilot Reset and Microsoft Entra Hybrid Join in supported scenarios. Official reference: Microsoft – Windows Autopilot overview.

Windows Autopilot Device Preparation: The New Architecture

Microsoft also has Windows Autopilot Device Preparation. It’s not just a new name for Autopilot. Microsoft describes it as a re-architecture of the provisioning experience. Objective. Simplify deployment and improve: speed, consistency, monitoring, troubleshooting and administrator experience. No need for traditional device preaging. An interesting difference is that policies can be assigned to the corresponding user group.

When a listed user starts OOBE on a supported device, the Device Preparation process begins. Microsoft Entra Join only. Currently Windows Autopilot Device Preparation does not support Microsoft Entra Hybrid Join. This fits with a cloud-native strategy, but can be a limitation for organizations that still need hybrid join. Windows 11. Device Preparation is aimed at compatible Windows 11. Better reporting.

Microsoft highlights near real-time monitoring and more information to diagnose deployments. LOB, Win32 during the same deployment. Device Preparation’s serialized architecture allows certain types of applications to be handled with greater consistency during provisioning. Fewer applications during OOBE can be an advantage. Microsoft deliberately limits the number of applications and scripts processed during the initial phase to improve stability.

This reinforces a recommendation that should also apply to traditional Autopilot: Don’t try to install all the company’s software before the user can get to the desktop. Official reference: Microsoft – Windows Autopilot Device Preparation.

Windows Autopilot vs. Windows Autopilot Device Preparation

Which one should you use? There is no universal answer. For a fully cloud-native organization with Windows 11 devices and a simple user-driven scenario, Device Preparation is worth serious consideration. If you require pre-provisioning, self-deploying, support for existing devices, or specific hybrid architectures, classic Autopilot remains relevant. Official reference: Microsoft – Compare Autopilot solutions.

Apple Business Manager and Automated Device Enrollment

For corporate Apple devices, Intune integrates with Apple Business Manager. Automated Device Enrollment, or ADE, allows for the onboarding of Apple devices in a more controlled manner. Common use cases include corporate-owned iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Benefits. With proper integration, we can: automate enrollment, apply profiles during initial setup, supervise corporate devices where appropriate, reduce user intervention, and establish a stronger link between the device and the organization.

Do not forget about Apple tokens and certificates. An Apple deployment with Intune involves operational elements that must be renewed periodically. You should have: an owner, documentation, and a renewal process. Official references:

• Microsoft – ADE for iOS/iPadOS
• Microsoft – ADE for macOS

Android Enterprise

Android Enterprise offers different models depending on who owns the device and how it is used.

Android Device Administrator is no longer the recommended model to use. The legacy Device Administrator model is obsolete for devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS). For new deployments, modern Android Enterprise or App Protection options should be used, depending on the scenario. Work Profile is particularly useful for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios. It allows for maintaining: a personal profile and a corporate profile separated within the same device. Dedicated Devices. These are especially well-suited for: warehouse scanners, retail terminals, kiosks, single-purpose devices, and shared devices.

Official reference: Microsoft – Android enrollment guide.

Windows Update and Windows Autopatch

Endpoint management does not end once the device is configured; it must also be kept up to date. Windows Update via Intune. Intune allows for the management of various update policies, including: Update Rings, Feature Updates, Quality Updates, and—in supported scenarios—Driver Updates. Update rings. Not all devices need to be updated at the same time. For example, we can define:

Windows Autopatch. Windows Autopatch It automates a significant part of the update cycle management. Microsoft currently integrates it into the Intune experience. Objective. Reduce the manual effort required to keep compatible devices up to date, while enabling a progressive and monitored deployment. It does not eliminate the need for operational management. Requirements still include: application compatibility, exception management, monitoring, incident response, and scheduled maintenance windows where applicable.

Licensing. Windows Autopatch is available with specific plans, such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium, eligible Microsoft 365/Windows Enterprise editions, and other qualifying licenses. You should verify the specific entitlements for your tenant. Official reference: Microsoft – Windows Autopatch.

Hotpatch: Updating Security with Fewer Restarts

Hotpatch Allows for the installation of certain security updates on compatible Windows devices without requiring a restart during each monthly cycle. This does not mean “never restart.” Microsoft continues to use periodic baseline updates that do require a restart. Why it is beneficial. In certain enterprise environments, it can improve patching speed, user experience, and compliance, while reducing the number of monthly restarts. Requirements. Hotpatch requires specific combinations of: A compatible version/build of Windows 11, an eligible license, and management via Intune.

One should not assume that all Windows 11 devices can automatically utilize this feature. Official reference: Microsoft – Hotpatch updates.

Endpoint Privilege Management: Reducing local administrator privileges

Many environments still face a long-standing issue: users are granted local administrator rights because they occasionally need to install or update something. This turns a one-off exception into a permanent privilege. Endpoint Privilege Management. Microsoft Intune Endpoint Privilege Management allows users to remain as standard users while authorizing specific privilege elevations in a controlled manner. Examples.

Goal: least privilege. Users should not permanently possess more privileges than those required to perform their job. Before removing local administrator rights: Create an inventory: identify which applications require elevation, what tasks support teams perform, what software is installed manually, which drivers are updated, and which devices have special requirements. Do not create a rule that allows the elevation of any executable. Doing so would essentially recreate the very problem you were trying to solve.

Official reference: Microsoft – Endpoint Privilege Management.

Remote Help: Remote support integrated with Intune

Remote Help Provides cloud-based remote assistance integrated with Microsoft Intune. What it offers compared to a generic tool. It is integrated with corporate identity and can utilize: Microsoft Entra authentication, RBAC, auditing, device information, access controls, and identified support sessions. Platforms. Current documentation covers scenarios for: Windows, macOS, Android, and web applications with varying requirements and capabilities.

Cross-tenant support is not permitted. A particularly significant limitation for IT providers is that: Remote Help does not allow a session to be established from one tenant to a different tenant. Therefore, it should not be assumed that a support team located within an MSP’s tenant can directly control devices belonging to all their clients using a single instance of Remote Help.

Unenrolled devices. Microsoft allows for certain Remote Help scenarios involving unenrolled endpoints, provided the organization enables this capability and the corresponding requirements are met. While this expands the range of use cases, it does not make Remote Help a universal tool for any device. Android. Android support has specific requirements and is primarily geared toward certain compatible, dedicated Android Enterprise devices.

Official reference: Microsoft – Plan for Remote Help.

Endpoint Analytics and Advanced Analytics

Modern management should not be limited to asking: “Does the device comply with the policy?” It is also important to know: Is it working well for the user? Endpoint Analytics. Provides insights into device experience and performance. Advanced Analytics. Adds more advanced capabilities for investigating issues and understanding the health of your device fleet. Examples include: battery health, resource performance, anomalies, device timeline, device queries, and information for troubleshooting.

Data-driven hardware refresh. Instead of replacing equipment solely because: “it is four years old,” we can incorporate data regarding: battery, memory, performance, user experience, and incidents. Official reference: Microsoft – Advanced Analytics.

Microsoft Cloud PKI

Microsoft Cloud PKI Provides a cloud-managed certificate infrastructure that is integrated with Intune. Use cases. It can be used to issue certificates for scenarios such as: enterprise Wi-Fi, VPN, device authentication, user certificates, and various other enterprise authentication scenarios. CA managed by Microsoft. Cloud PKI allows for the creation of certificate authorities and the management of the certificate lifecycle without necessarily maintaining an entire on-premises Microsoft AD CS infrastructure.

This does not mean that AD CS can be decommissioned without an assessment. An existing PKI may be used for: Wi-Fi, VPN, servers, industrial equipment, smart cards, applications, web servers, digital signatures, and internal certificates. Cloud PKI must be evaluated against actual use cases before considering a replacement. Official reference: Microsoft – Cloud PKI.

Enterprise Application Management

Packaging and maintaining Win32 applications can be very time-consuming for an endpoint management team. Enterprise Application Management Provides access to an enterprise catalog—maintained by Microsoft—for specific applications. Enterprise App Catalog. We can select supported applications from a catalog and take advantage of: hosted content, pre-configured installation commands, requirements, detection rules, and application information. It does not eliminate the need for all custom applications.

We will still need to package: internal software, line-of-business (LOB) applications, specific configurations, and software not found in the catalog. Operational value. Its primary advantage is reducing the time spent maintaining common application packages. Official reference: Microsoft – Enterprise Application Management.

Copilot in Microsoft Intune

Microsoft has also integrated capabilities from Copilot into the Intune administration experience. It can help administrators: understand policies and settings, analyze specific device issues, interpret endpoint data, accelerate troubleshooting tasks, and gain context regarding security posture and configuration. Licensing. Copilot in Intune is linked to Microsoft Security Copilot. It should not be assumed that having an Intune Plan 1 license automatically enables these capabilities.

Copilot does not replace policy design. It can help administrators understand information and work more efficiently, but decisions regarding: scope, security, exceptions, and impact still require business context. Official reference: Microsoft – Copilot in Intune.

Does Intune replace Microsoft Configuration Manager?

Not necessarily overnight. Microsoft supports scenarios such as cloud attach and co-management for organizations already using Configuration Manager. Co-management. A Windows device can be managed simultaneously by: Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune. It is determined which platform manages each workload. Workloads. Microsoft provides documentation for, among others: Compliance Policies, Windows Update Policies, Resource Access, Endpoint Protection, Device Configuration, Office Click-to-Run, and Client Apps.

We can move them progressively. For example:

There is no need to migrate everything in the same week. Co-management exists precisely to allow for a controlled transition. Cloud Attach and Tenant Attach. We can also gain visibility and access specific cloud features without immediately moving all workloads to Intune. Official reference: Microsoft – Co-management.

Microsoft Intune Licensing in 2026

Licensing warrants its own dedicated section, as it has changed; furthermore, an implementation could be incorrectly designed if one assumes that all capabilities visible in the portal are included. The three Intune plans.

Intune Plan 1. Serves as the foundation for: MDM, MAM, configuration, compliance, applications, device enrollment, and endpoint management. Plan 2. Microsoft uses this as an additional layer for advanced management. Current documentation identifies capabilities at this level such as: Remote Help and Advanced Analytics. Intune Suite. Bundles Plan 2 along with several additional advanced capabilities, including—depending on the edition and availability—Endpoint Privilege Management, Microsoft Cloud PKI, Enterprise Application Management, Remote Help, Advanced Analytics, and other advanced capabilities documented by Microsoft.

Significant change effective July 2026

Microsoft has included some of these advanced capabilities directly within certain Microsoft 365 packages.

Business Premium Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes Intune Plan 1, but the new additions from E3/E5 should not be automatically extrapolated to Business Premium. Additional advanced features should be reviewed according to the contract and available add-ons. Microsoft 365 E3 should no longer be described as “Intune Plan 1 only.” This is a significant difference compared to many comparisons prior to July 2026.

Per-user licensing. Most capabilities are geared toward user licensing, although there are shared or special device scenarios with different options. RemoteHelp. Individuals participating in Remote Help must have the appropriate entitlement. We should not assume that a single license for the technician automatically enables all users. The commercial table does not replace a contractual review.

Before budgeting a project, it is advisable to check: exact SKU, contract type, country, date, Microsoft 365 suite, existing add-ons, and functionality that is actually needed. Official references:

• Microsoft – Intune licensing
• Microsoft – Intune advanced capabilities
• Microsoft – Intune plans and pricing

How to Implement Microsoft Intune: A Step-by-Step Guide

A mature implementation should start with design, not policies. Phase 1: inventory. Collect:

Phase 2: define people and scenarios. Do not design only technical groups. Define profiles such as: employee with corporate Windows, manager with Windows, corporate iPhone, BYOD user, store employee, IT administrator, developer with Mac and shared Android terminal. Phase 3: define enrollment. For each profile: who registers it, how, who is the owner, what happens when replacing it. Phase 4: pilot groups. Create representative groups.

Do not use only the IT department. A pilot should include real users using: VPN, ERP, Printers, Teams, OneDrive, Outlook, LOB and Mobile apps. Phase 5: configuration baseline. Start with necessary and understandable controls. In this case, the following are considered: BitLocker/FileVault, firewall, Defender Antivirus, password/PIN, screen lock, OneDrive, Microsoft Edge and Wi-Fi/VPN if applicable. Phase 6: compliance.

Define what features really determine whether a device is sufficiently secure. Do not create criteria that no one is going to remedy. Phase 7: applications. Classify them:

Phase 8: Conditional Access in Report-only. Before blocking non-compliant devices, check: which users would be affected, which devices would fail, which applications depend on exceptions, and which personal devices require another strategy. Phase 9: Defender. Integrate device risk and define remediation process. Phase 10: updates. Design: pilot rings, production rings, feature updates, quality updates, exceptions. Phase 11: advanced capabilities.

Once the base is stabilized we can evaluate: EPM, Remote Help, Advanced Analytics, Cloud PKI and Enterprise App Management. Phase 12: enforcement. Activate progressively: Require compliant device, app protection, risk-based controls. Phase 13: documentation and support. Prepare: procedures for registration, cancellation, lost equipment, replaced equipment, device wipe, remove, non-compliance, Autopilot failure, application that fails, exception and BYOD.

90-Day Roadmap for Microsoft Intune

Days 1-30: discovery and base.

Days 31-60: expand.

Days 61-90: enforcement and improvement.

Intune Doesn’t End When the Project Concludes

An endpoint management platform requires continuous operation. Weekly. Before the change, the following must be reviewed: enrollment errors, failed applications, non-compliant devices, update problems and relevant alerts. Monthly. Before the change, the following must be reviewed: operating system versions, obsolete hardware, groups and assignments, conflicting policies, exceptions, local admins and app status. Quarterly. Before the change, the following must be reviewed: baseline, supported OS, licensing, new functionalities, metrics, support processes, BYOD and Conditional Access.

Apple tokens and certificates. Operational renewals must be scheduled. Relying on a person to remember a renewal email is not a management process.

Which Intune Metrics Are Worth Tracking?

Common Mistakes When Implementing Microsoft Intune

Checklist for Implementing Microsoft Intune

Frequently Asked Questions About Microsoft Intune

Can Intune protect a personal phone without managing the entire phone?

In supported scenarios, application protection policies allow you to control corporate data without fully enrolling the device. Availability depends on platform, application and configuration. Before choosing this model, you should test the actions necessary for the job and explain to the employee what the company controls and how corporate access will be removed.

Does a compliance policy directly block access?

Intune assesses the device’s compliance status. Microsoft Entra Conditional Access can use that state to decide access to defined resources. They are related, but different decisions. The deployment must first verify that devices receive the policies and can correct non-compliance, before extending conditions that block work.

What license is needed to implement Intune?

Review the available Intune plan and the specific features of the project. Some suites include base capabilities and others add advanced functionalities, but it should not be assumed that everything is included because you have Microsoft 365. The verification is carried out on the contracted subscription, the affected users or devices and the requirements of each function.

Is it advisable to incorporate all the devices at once?

A group deployment allows you to check enrollment, applications, configuration, compliance, and support before expanding the scope. The pilot should represent actual operating systems and usage models, including shared or personal devices where applicable. The results are used to adjust policies and prepare recovery instructions for users.

Final Recommendations: Intune Works Best When It Is No Longer Viewed Merely as a Tool for “Managing Computers”

Microsoft Intune It can become one of the centerpieces of a modern workplace strategy, but its value does not appear simply by enrolling devices. A useful implementation connects several decisions. First we have to determine what type of endpoint we have in front of us. A Windows corporate laptop probably warrants full management. A personal phone may only need application protection. An Android warehouse device may require a Dedicated model. An existing Configuration Manager fleet can benefit from co-management instead of a hard migration.

Then we design how that endpoint is incorporated. Windows Autopilot continues to be a very relevant technology, but in 2026 we must also evaluate Windows Autopilot Device Preparation. The new architecture simplifies several cloud-native scenarios and improves deployment information, while classic Autopilot continues to offer capabilities not yet covered by Device Preparation. Once the endpoint is managed, we need to distinguish between three layers: configuration, compliance and access.

Intune can configure the device, assess whether it meets the requirements, and Microsoft Entra Conditional Access can decide what resources are available based on that status. Integration with Defender also adds real endpoint risk to the equation. This allows you to go from: “This laptop belongs to the company” to: “This laptop belongs to the company, it is encrypted, updated, correctly configured and does not have a level of risk that prevents access to our data.”

The same evolution applies to other areas. Endpoint Privilege Management can reduce the need for permanent local administrators. Remote Help can offer remote support with identity and auditing. Advanced Analytics helps you understand the real endpoint experience. Cloud PKI allows you to address certain certificate scenarios from the cloud. Enterprise Application Management can reduce operational work on common applications. Licensing has also changed significantly.

Starting in July 2026, Microsoft 365 E3 adds advanced Intune capabilities such as Plan 2, Remote Help, and Advanced Analytics, while Microsoft 365 E5 expands the suite with EPM, Cloud PKI, and Enterprise Application Management. That is why a license review should be carried out before purchasing add-ons or designing the project. And finally there is the operation. Intune is not a snap-and-forget setup.

Operating systems change, new applications appear, hardware is renewed, Microsoft introduces new capabilities, security requirements change, and exceptions tend to accumulate. The useful question should not be: “Do we have Intune?” but: “Do we know what devices we have, are they managed with the right model, do they comply with our policies, can we control access, and do we have an operational process to keep them secure without preventing users from working?”

When the answer is yes, Intune is no longer just an MDM and becomes part of a real workplace management and security architecture.

Recommended official documentation

Microsoft Intune.

• Microsoft – What is Microsoft Intune?
• Microsoft – Planning guide to move to Intune
• Microsoft – Supported operating systems

Licenses.

• Microsoft – Intune licensing
• Microsoft – Advanced Intune capabilities
• Microsoft – Intune plans and pricing

MDM, MAM and BYOD.

• Microsoft – App Protection Policies
• Microsoft – MAM without enrollment
• Microsoft – Device enrollment

Windows Autopilot.

• Microsoft – Windows Autopilot documentation
• Microsoft – Windows Autopilot overview
• Microsoft – Autopilot registration
• Microsoft – Windows Autopilot Device Preparation
• Microsoft – Compare Autopilot and Device Preparation

Apple and Android.

• Microsoft – Apple ADE for iOS/iPadOS
• Microsoft – Apple ADE for macOS
• Microsoft – Android enrollment guide

Compliance, Conditional Access and Defender.

• Microsoft – Device Compliance
• Microsoft – Conditional Access and Intune
• Microsoft – Defender for Endpoint integration

Windows Update and Autopatch.

• Microsoft – Windows Update Management
• Microsoft – Windows Autopatch
• Microsoft – Windows Autopatch FAQ

Advanced capabilities.

• Microsoft – Endpoint Privilege Management
• Microsoft – Remote Help
• Microsoft – Advanced Analytics
• Microsoft – Microsoft Cloud PKI
• Microsoft – Enterprise Application Management

ConfigurationManager.

• Microsoft – Co-management
• Microsoft – Cloud attach