What is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune isamodernMDM(Mobile Device Management) andMEM (Mobile Endpoint Management) tool that enables centralized management of endpoints in an organization, both physical and virtual. Intune is an integral part of theMicrosoft Endpoint Manager suite, combining device, application, and security policy management in one place.
This solution is designed for companies that want to effectively manage their employees' devices, regardless of whether they work from the office, from home, or from the other side of the world. Microsoft Intune addresses the key challenges of today's IT teams, such as data security, compliance enforcement, and application and user management in a distributed environment.
How does Microsoft Intune work?
Microsoft Intuneruns on theMicrosoft Azure cloud, so it does not require physical infrastructure or the installation of local management servers. Devices can be registered in the system and configured remotely—even before the user starts them up for the first time (thanks to the Windows Autopilot feature). Intune also works with other elements of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, such as Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Defender for Endpoint,Purview, andCloud PKI.
What do you gain with Microsoft Intune?
From an organizational perspective, Microsoft Intune provides a single, consistent environment for managingthe securityand productivity of employee devices. Examples of benefits include:
- managing access to data and applications depending on the level of risk,
- rapid deployment of new devices without the involvement of local IT,
- the ability to immediately enforce security policies (e.g., disk encryption, passwords, MFA),
- remote cleaning of lost or stolen devices,
- monitoring device compliance and reporting security status.
Why is it worth using MDM in your organization?
Centralized management and automation
With Microsoft Intune, all devices—laptops, smartphones, tablets, and workstations—are managed from a single, intuitive cloud-based administration portal. IT no longer has to jump between systems, manually configure each piece of hardware, or stick rigidly to the physical presence of the device.
This not only saves time, but also significantlyreduces operating costsand the risk of human error.
Support for various systems and operating models
Microsoft Intune features include full support for devices running:
- Windows (including kiosk mode and shared device mode),
- Android (including company devices and BYOD),
- iOS/iPadOS,
- macOS,
- and, increasingly, Linux as well.
Whether your company uses ahybrid workmodel, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device),orCOPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled), Intune can handle it without the need for exceptions.
Security first
Security today is no longer just about antivirus software. Microsoft Intune enables you to builda layered approach to protectingdevices and data:
- enforcing security and encryption policies,
- access control based on device status (so-called compliance),
- integration with Defender for Endpoint and Entra ID (Conditional Access),
- remote data wipe in case of device loss,
- certificates and SSO – with full access auditing.
It's not just about securing systems—it's alsoabout compliance with GDPR, ISO, NIS2, and other regulations that require specific data protection measures.
Scalability and future-proofing
Microsoft Intune grows with your business—from a small team to a global organization. Fully built on Azure, Intune doesn't require costly infrastructure upgrades or a large on-site IT department.
What's more, manyMicrosoft Intune features(such as Autopilot, Hotpatch, and Proactive Remediation) support automation, which allows you to scale operations without having to increase the number of administrators.
Microsoft Intune – overview of features and new additions
MDM solutions only make sense if they address real IT challenges. The features in Microsoft Intune are not only extensive, but also integrated with Microsoft 365, Azure, Defender, and Entra ID—which translates into efficiency, security, and ease of management. Below, we discuss the most important functional areas that are worth knowing about.
Conditional Access
Conditional access is one of the most important features of Microsoft Intune. It allows you to control access to company resources based on predefined conditions, such as:
- device compliance with policies,
- user's geographic location,
- the application used for logging in,
- authentication status (MFA, certificate, password).
This means that you can, for example,block logging into a company application from an unregistered phone in another country, orallow access only from encrypted and up-to-date devices.
This feature works in full integration withEntra IDand is the basis of the so-calledZero Trust Security Model.
Windows Compliance Policies
Compliance policies enable you to define criteria that each device must meet in order to access your organization's resources. Examples:
- the device must have disk encryption (BitLocker) enabled,
- antivirus software and a firewall must be installed,
- The system must be updated to the latest version.
If the device does not meet these conditions, it is automatically considered "non-compliant" and access is blocked. This is a very effective way toenforce security requirementswithout user intervention.
Cloud-native endpoints + Windows Autopilot
This is one of the most revolutionary aspects of Microsoft Intune. By connecting toWindows Autopilot, your organization can:
- deliver the device directly to the employee (e.g., by courier),
- configure them remotely with predefined settings, applications, and policies,
- enable the user to start working after the first login – without the involvement of the IT department.
The result?Maximum productivity from the very first minutes, while maintaining compliance and security.
Entra ID Join (formerly Azure AD Join)
Microsoft Intune features also include full integration with cloud identity. Entra ID Join allows devices to:
- connect to the cloud from anywhere in the world,
- automatically register with Intune,
- use SSO for cloud applications,
- Log in securely with Windows Hello for Business, for example.
Entra ID Join is the foundation of remote and hybrid work. No VPNs, no complicated configurations, full control.
Digital certificate management
Microsoft Intune enablescentralized management of digital certificates, which are essential for encrypted communication, authentication, and compliance. It supports, among others:
- Cloud PKI (Microsoft Intune Cloud Certificate Connector),
- S/MIME certificates for email,
- VPN and Wi-Fi certificates.
From a single console, you can automatically distribute and renew certificates on dozens or hundreds of devices.
App Configuration Policies
With this feature, administrators can enforce specific application settings, such as:
- which account should be used for logging in,
- which application features should be available to a given user,
- whether data can be copied to other applications.
It works great withMicrosoft Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and third-party applications with Intune SDK integration.
Windows Hotpatch (no restart required)
One of the most innovative features issecurity updates without restarting. Thanks to integration with Windows Autopatch and Defender for Cloud, it is possible to:
- installing critical operating system patches in the background,
- without interrupting the user's work,
- with full reporting on compliance and update status.
This applies to both workstations and servers. Less downtime, more stability.
Proactive Remediation (automatic repair)
An advanced feature that allows you to detect and resolve issues on devicesbefore users notice them. It works based on:
- PowerShell scripts run periodically,
- detect & remediate logic,
- full reports and change history.
The perfect tool for tackling common IT issues, such as missing Teams clients, outdated certificates, disabled firewalls, etc. It reduces the number of tickets, relieves the helpdesk, and improves the user experience.
Implementing Microsoft Intune in your company
In summary, Microsoft Intune is not just a device management tool—it is a central point of control for security, compliance, and productivity in your organization. Its features address the needs of modern businesses operating in hybrid, remote, and distributed models.
What do you gain by implementing Intune?
- Full visibility and control over end devices—regardless of their location or operating system.
- Automation of IT processes – from onboarding and updates to incident prevention.
- Data consistency and security data, regulatory compliance, and resilience to the most common threats,
- Effective collaboration with other Microsoft 365 services—no silos, integrators, or patchwork systems.
Want to get started with Microsoft Intune?
AtTrek2Summit, we can conduct a needs assessment, advise on the optimal implementation scenario, help with tool configuration, and train your team.
We will help you implement Microsoft Intunesecurely and for the long term.
Krzysztof Popek
Microsoft Technology Consultant
He has over five years of experience. He focuses on the Security M365 area (Intune, Defenders, Entra ID, Sentinel). His goal is to help clients use Microsoft services and optimize them.