Unlocking New Efficiencies with Microsoft Intune and Autopilot

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that has a lot of benefits and features designed to make device and application management easier across different types of devices, such as mobile, desktop, and virtual endpoints.

So, in this blog, I’m going to share some of the most powerful features and capabilities of what’s included with Microsoft Endpoint Manager, using both Intune and Autopilot.

Key Features

• Centralized Device Management: for both devices that belong to the organization and devices that belong to individuals. Compatible operating systems include Android, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, and Windows. Intune also does a great job of automating policy deployment for security, device configuration, and compliance, improving the overall security level of an organization.
• Identity Management: with policies you create through Entra ID and assign to users, devices, and groups to authenticate to your services.
• App Management: simplifying management with a built-in app experience for deployment, updates, and removal. Distribute apps from your owned applications as well as Microsoft 365 apps and create app protection policies.
• App Integration: governance and updates for your Microsoft services as well as third-party applications.
• Compliance and Reporting: encompassing user and audit logs for a Zero Trust security model.
• Enhanced Security: protecting sensitive data through Condition Access and App Protection policies with authorization to reduce the risk of data breaches.
• Advanced Endpoint Analytics: providing management of Office Apps, data protection, automation, and self-service.

5 Common Intune Deployment Challenges

The device registration process often poses challenges, including issues with automatic enrollment, Windows Autopilot, and BYOD user enrollment. These functions can impede the seamless integration of devices into the corporate environment for security and management purposes, resulting in heightened support calls and administrative overhead.

1. Sync Issues: Sync issues can occur within Intune because the Intune cloud infrastructure and Azure AD group’s members sync at different times. This issue could cause a mixed user and device group assignment.
2. Connectivity Issues: Intune’s cloud-based platform and Azure Active Directory (AD) can lose connectivity with the user’s device.
3. Device Enrollment: Unsuccessful enrollment, device retirement, and uninstall application features sometimes fail during execution.
4. Application Deployment Issues: Deploying applications with the MAM function with Intune is typically very successful. However, some third-party in-house custom apps could have deployment issues if not appropriately packaged.
5. Enabling Incorrect Policies: If a device cannot meet the proper policies, device compliance, and health checks will help determine if the user has all the correct policies1.

Resolving Intune Challenges

While there are always smart fixes to those challenges, the truth is, every environment is completely unique and the same precise fix that works for one client may not work for the other client.

At MicroAge, we understand the complexities of addressing these challenges. Our team of Microsoft Certified Engineers is dedicated to providing expert assistance, troubleshooting, and technical guidance for any issues and escalations you may encounter.

We maintain open communication with administrators to ensure effective resolution. Our proactive approach ensures that issues are promptly addressed, minimizing disruptions and maximizing the benefits of Microsoft Intune for our clients.

In the meantime, if you need more details on Intune, including plans and pricing, visit the Microsoft site here.

Microsoft Intune FAQs

• How do I deploy Office 365 updates with Intune?

• Log into the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center, which can be found here: https://endpoint.microsoft.com/ 
• Browse to the Apps section on the left menu
• Click Windows Apps, then Add
• Select Microsoft 365 Apps (Windows 10 and later) from the drop-down menu
• Add any notes to the App suite information in step 1 and click Next
• Step 2 allows you to Configure the app suite by selecting which Microsoft Office Apps are deployed, which update channel is used, etc. 
• One notable option you’ll encounter is “Remove other versions,” which, although intended to streamline the process, may sometimes encounter issues. In fact, this blog was prompted by the frequent occurrence of this feature not functioning as expected. As a result, we’ll delve into an alternative approach for deploying Microsoft 365 Apps to your devices.
• If your device lacks any existing versions of Microsoft Office, this method presents an excellent means of deploying Office. Simply proceed through the wizard to the subsequent section and specify your designated devices, groups, or users for deployment.

NOTE: For configuring your app suite using XML data, visit the Microsoft Learn site here.

• Can I deploy other software using Intune?

1. • Yes. Microsoft Intune supports a variety of app types and deployment scenarios on Windows 10 devices. After you’ve added an app to Intune, you can assign the app to users and devices. The following table provides the app type and Windows 10 supportability.

Source:Windows app deployment by using Microsoft Intune

If you’re still having issues using Intune for your latest office deployment, schedule time with one of our Microsoft experts. We’re here to help.

Let’s talk

If you need help with Microsoft Intune and/or Autopilot, our team of Certified Microsoft engineers are ready to help. Contact us online today, or call (800) 544-8877.