Microsoft Intune Deployment Guide

1. Planning and Preparation

Objective: Establish a roadmap for managing a mixed-device environment (Windows, Android, iOS) with Intune.

• Understand Device and User Needs:
  • Device Breakdown: Estimate distribution (e.g., 500 Windows, 300 Android, 200 iOS). Determine if devices are corporate-owned, BYOD, or mixed.
  • User Segmentation: Group users by department, role, or region (e.g., Sales, IT, Executives) using Microsoft Entra ID dynamic groups.
  • App Requirements: Identify core apps (e.g., Microsoft 365, custom CRM/ERP) and customization needs (e.g., preconfigured server URLs).
  • Security Goals: Define requirements for encryption, compliance, and conditional access.
• Prerequisites:
  • Licenses: Ensure Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Entra ID P1/P2, and Microsoft 365 licenses are assigned via the Microsoft 365 admin center.
  • Admin Access: Assign Intune Administrator or Endpoint Manager roles in Microsoft Entra ID.
  • Device Requirements:
    • Windows: Windows 10/11 (Pro, Enterprise, Education), TPM 2.0 for BitLocker.
    • Android: Android 8.0+ (Work Profile or Fully Managed).
    • iOS: iOS 14.0+ (Supervised or User Enrollment).
  • Network: Ensure internet access for enrollment and policy sync.
• Pilot Testing:
  • Select a pilot group (e.g., 10 Windows, 5 Android, 5 iOS devices).
  • Document feedback on enrollment, policies, and apps.
• Communication:
  • Create user guides for enrollment (e.g., QR codes for Android, Company Portal instructions).
  • Establish a helpdesk for support.

2. Set Up Microsoft Intune

Objective: Configure Intune as the MDM authority and integrate with Microsoft Entra ID.

1. Set MDM Authority:
   • Sign in to Intune admin center (https://intune.microsoft.com).
   • Navigate to Devices > Device onboarding > Enrollment.
   • Set MDM authority to Intune (standalone or hybrid with Configuration Manager).
2. Microsoft Entra ID Integration:
   • Go to Azure Portal > Microsoft Entra ID > Mobility (MDM and MAM).
   • Set MDM user scope to All or Some (e.g., pilot group).
   • Verify default URLs:
     • MDM Terms of Use: https://portal.manage.microsoft.com/TermsofUse.aspx
     • MDM Discovery: https://enrollment.manage.microsoft.com/enrollmentserver/discovery.svc
     • MDM Compliance: https://portal.manage.microsoft.com/?portalAction=Compliance
   • Enable MAM user scope for BYOD devices (app protection without device enrollment).
3. Create Dynamic Groups:
   • In Microsoft Entra ID > Groups, create:
     • User Groups: Based on attributes (e.g., (user.department -eq "Sales")).
     • Device Groups: Based on OS or ownership (e.g., (device.deviceOSType -eq "Windows")).
   • Example: “All Windows Devices,” “Android Sales Team,” “iOS Executives.”
4. Enrollment Restrictions:
   • Go to Intune > Devices > Device onboarding > Enrollment > Enrollment restrictions.
   • Device Type Restrictions: Allow Windows 10/11, Android Enterprise, iOS/iPadOS. Block personal devices if needed.
   • Device Limit: Set max of 5 devices per user.
5. Assign Licenses:
   • In Microsoft 365 admin center, assign licenses to user groups (e.g., “All Employees”).

3. Enroll Devices

Objective: Enroll 1000 devices across Windows, Android, and iOS.

Windows Enrollment

• Primary Method: Windows Autopilot (corporate-owned devices).
  • Register Devices:
    • Collect hardware IDs via PowerShell (Get-WindowsAutoPilotInfo.ps1) or vendor CSV.
    • In Intune > Devices > Device onboarding > Windows enrollment > Windows Autopilot devices, import CSV.
  • Create Autopilot Profile:
    • Go to Devices > Device onboarding > Windows enrollment > Deployment profiles > Create profile.
    • Settings:
      • Deployment mode: User-driven or Self-deploying.
      • Skip OOBE screens (privacy, EULA).
      • Enable “Convert all targeted devices to Autopilot.”
      • Assign to “All Windows Devices.”
    • Process: Users sign in with Microsoft Entra ID during OOBE; Intune applies policies/apps.
• Alternative: Manual enrollment (BYOD/existing devices).
  • Users go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Connect and sign in.
• Hybrid Join (if using on-premises AD):
  • Configure Azure AD Connect for user/device sync.
  • Deploy Intune Connector for Active Directory.
  • Use Group Policy for automatic MDM enrollment.

Android Enrollment

• Primary Method: Android Enterprise (Work Profile or Fully Managed).
  • Set Up Android Enterprise:
    • Go to Intune > Devices > Device onboarding > Android enrollment > Managed Google Play.
    • Link Intune to a Google account and approve Intune app.
  • Enrollment Methods:
    • Work Profile (BYOD):
      • Users install Company Portal from Google Play and enroll.
      • Creates a separate work profile for managed apps/policies.
    • Fully Managed (Corporate):
      • Use QR code/token during device setup.
      • In Intune > Devices > Device onboarding > Android enrollment > Corporate-owned, fully managed, generate QR code/token.
    • Zero-Touch Enrollment:
      • Work with a zero-touch reseller to pre-provision devices.
      • Devices enroll automatically on first boot.
    • Assign to groups like “Android Fully Managed Devices.”

iOS Enrollment

• Primary Method: Apple Business Manager (ABM) with Automated Device Enrollment (ADE).
  • Set Up ABM:
    • Sign up at https://business.apple.com and link to Intune.
    • In Intune > Devices > Device onboarding > iOS/iPadOS enrollment > Enrollment program tokens, add ABM token.
  • Create Enrollment Profile:
    • Go to Intune > Devices > Device onboarding > iOS/iPadOS enrollment > Enrollment program profiles.
    • Enable Supervised mode for corporate devices.
    • Assign to ABM devices.
  • Process: Devices enroll via ADE during setup; users sign in with Microsoft Entra ID.
  • Alternative: User Enrollment (BYOD).
    • Users install Company Portal from App Store and enroll manually.
  • Assign to groups like “iOS Corporate Devices.”

Bulk Enrollment:

• Use a Device Enrollment Manager (DEM) account to enroll up to 1000 devices.
• Go to Intune > Devices > Device onboarding > Enrollment > Device enrollment managers.

Verification:

• Check Intune > Devices > All devices for enrollment status.
• Ensure devices are “Compliant” and in correct groups.

4. Configure Device Policies

Objective: Create platform-specific compliance and configuration policies.

Compliance Policies

• Windows:
  • In Intune > Devices > Compliance policies > Create policy > Windows 10 and later.
  • Settings:
    • Require BitLocker encryption.
    • Minimum OS: Windows 10 21H2 or Windows 11 23H2.
    • Password: 8+ characters, alphanumeric.
    • Enable Windows Defender real-time protection.
  • Assign to “All Windows Devices.”
• Android:
  • Create policy for Android Enterprise.
  • Settings:
    • Work Profile: Require passcode, block rooted devices.
    • Fully Managed: Require encryption, minimum OS (Android 9.0).
  • Assign to “Android Work Profile” or “Android Fully Managed.”
• iOS:
  • Create policy for iOS/iPadOS.
  • Settings:
    • Require 6-digit passcode.
    • Block jailbroken devices.
    • Minimum iOS 14.0.
  • Assign to “iOS Corporate Devices” or “iOS BYOD.”
• Conditional Access:
  • In Microsoft Entra ID > Security > Conditional Access, block non-compliant devices from Microsoft 365.

Configuration Profiles

• Windows:
  • In Intune > Devices > Configuration > Create > New policy > Windows 10 and later.
  • Profiles:
    • Endpoint Protection: Enable Defender, firewall, tamper protection.
    • Windows Hello: Require PIN/biometric sign-in.
    • Device Restrictions: Disable Cortana, removable storage.
    • Certificates: Deploy Wi-Fi/VPN certificates.
  • Assign to “All Windows Devices.”
• Android:
  • Create profiles for Android Enterprise.
  • Settings:
    • Work Profile: Block copy/paste between work/personal apps.
    • Fully Managed: Disable camera, app installs.
    • Wi-Fi: Push corporate Wi-Fi settings.
  • Assign to Android groups.
• iOS:
  • Create profiles for iOS/iPadOS.
  • Settings:
    • Supervised Devices: Restrict AirDrop, App Store.
    • BYOD: Apply MAM policies.
    • VPN/Wi-Fi: Configure enterprise network access.
  • Assign to iOS groups.

Best Practices:

• Test policies on pilot groups.
• Use Security Baselines (Intune > Endpoint security > Security baselines).
• Monitor policy application in Intune > Devices > Monitor.

5. Configure Windows Updates

Objective: Manage updates for Windows devices.

1. Create Update Rings:
   • In Intune > Devices > Windows > Windows Update rings > Create profile.
   • Settings:
     • Feature Updates: Target Windows 11 24H2.
     • Quality Updates: Defer 7 days.
     • Deadline: Enforce within 3 days.
     • Maintenance Window: Schedule for 2 AM.
   • Assign to “All Windows Devices.”
2. Windows Autopatch (Optional):
   • In Intune > Devices > Device onboarding > Windows Autopatch, enroll devices.
   • Configure deployment groups for automated updates.
3. Monitor Updates:
   • Use Intune > Reports > Windows updates to track compliance.
   • Troubleshoot failed updates via Intune > Devices > Troubleshoot.

6. Enable BitLocker (Windows Only)

Objective: Secure Windows devices with BitLocker.

1. Create BitLocker Policy:
   • In Intune > Endpoint security > Disk encryption > Create policy > Windows 10 and later > BitLocker.
   • Settings:
     • Enable BitLocker on OS/fixed drives.
     • Enable silent encryption for Autopilot.
     • Save recovery keys to Microsoft Entra ID (accessible at https://myaccount.microsoft.com).
     • Use AES-256-XTS encryption.
   • Assign to “All Windows Devices.”
2. Prerequisites:
   • Ensure TPM 2.0 or software-based encryption.
   • Verify UEFI mode and Secure Boot in BIOS.
   • Update TPM firmware.
3. Monitor and Troubleshoot:
   • Check Intune > Endpoint security > Disk encryption > Encryption report.
   • Review Event Viewer (BitLocker-API logs) for errors (e.g., Event ID 853).
   • Ensure no conflicting Group Policies.

7. Deploy and Customize Applications

Objective: Deploy and configure apps for all platforms.

Core Apps

• Microsoft 365 Apps:
  • In Intune > Apps > All apps > Add > Microsoft 365 Apps (Windows 10 and later) or Office (Android/iOS).
  • Select apps (Word, Excel, Teams), enable updates, assign as Required to “All Employees.”
• Company Portal:
  • Add from Managed Google Play (Android), App Store (iOS), or Microsoft Store (Windows).
  • Assign as Required for self-service.

Custom Apps

• Windows (e.g., CRM):
  • Package .exe as .intunewin using IntuneWinAppUtil.
  • In Intune > Apps > All apps > Add > Win32 app, upload .intunewin.
  • Set install command (e.g., setup.exe /silent) and detection rule (e.g., HKLM\Software\CRM\Version).
  • Customization:
    • Create PowerShell script to set registry values (e.g., HKLM\Software\CRM\ServerURL = "https://crm.company.com").
    • In Intune > Devices > Scripts and remediations > Add > Windows, upload script and assign.
• Android/iOS (e.g., Mobile CRM):
  • Add .apk (Android) or .ipa (iOS) via Managed Google Play or ABM.
  • App Protection (MAM):
    • In Intune > Apps > App protection policies > Create policy.
    • Block data transfer, require PIN, set app settings (e.g., ServerURL: https://crm.company.com).
  • App Configuration:
    • In Intune > Apps > App configuration policies, add key-value pairs (e.g., Theme: Dark).
• Browser (Microsoft Edge):
  • Deploy Edge via Intune > Apps > All apps.
  • Configure homepage/bookmarks via Intune > Devices > Configuration > Create > Administrative Templates (e.g., HomepageLocation = "https://intranet.company.com").

Assignment:

• Required: Auto-install for corporate devices.
• Available: User-initiated via Company Portal for BYOD.
• Use filters for platform targeting (e.g., Windows 11, Android 12+).

Best Practices:

• Test deployments on pilot devices.
• Monitor Intune > Apps > Monitor > Device install status.
• Deploy dependencies first (e.g., .NET Framework).

8. Monitor and Maintain

Objective: Ensure compliance and troubleshoot issues.

1. Monitor Compliance:
   • Check Intune > Devices > All devices for status.
   • Use Intune > Devices > Compliance policies > Device compliance for non-compliant devices.
2. Troubleshooting:
   • Enrollment: Use Intune > Devices > Troubleshoot + support > Diagnose MDM failures (e.g., DeviceCapReached).
   • BitLocker: Check Event Viewer (BitLocker-API logs) for errors.
   • Apps: Verify detection rules/dependencies in Intune > Apps > Monitor.
3. Reporting:
   • Use Intune > Reports for compliance, encryption, and updates.
   • Integrate with Power BI via Intune Data Warehouse.
4. User Support:
   • Provide Company Portal for self-service.
   • Share BitLocker recovery key access (https://myaccount.microsoft.com).
   • Set up helpdesk for common issues.

9. Scale and Optimize

Objective: Roll out to 1000 devices and refine configurations.

• Staged Rollout:
  • Week 1-2: Pilot (20 devices: 10 Windows, 5 Android, 5 iOS).
  • Week 3-4: Expand to 200 devices.
  • Week 5-8: Complete rollout (200-300 devices/week).
• Optimize Policies:
  • Adjust update deferrals or app assignments.
  • Apply CIS/Microsoft security baselines.
• Automation:
  • Use PowerShell for bulk tasks.
  • Leverage Windows Autopatch/zero-touch enrollment.

10. Timeline and Milestones

• Week 1-2: Plan, configure Intune, enroll pilot devices, test policies/apps.
• Week 3-4: Refine configurations, expand to 200 devices.
• Week 5-8: Complete rollout to 1000 devices.
• Ongoing: Monitor, update policies, support users.

11. Key Considerations

• Hybrid Environments: Configure Azure AD Connect and Intune Connector for on-premises AD.
• BYOD vs. Corporate: Use MAM for BYOD, MDM for corporate devices.
• Custom Apps: Test configurations to avoid errors (e.g., incorrect URLs).

12. How to Create a PDF

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