Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management service that configures, secures, and updates devices and protects business data in apps—on company-owned and personal devices.
Key takeaways
What to know before you act
- Intune manages devices (MDM) and apps (MAM) from the cloud, without on-premises servers.
- It supports Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, and Android, on both company-owned and personal devices.
- Intune is included in some Microsoft 365 business plans; confirm your licensing.
Why it matters
What business leaders should understand
As employees work from many devices and locations, central device management becomes essential for consistent security, faster onboarding, and protecting data when a device is lost.
The right response should reflect your environment, data, vendors, risk, and operational priorities. Use this guide as a practical starting point, then validate important decisions with the people responsible for your technology, cybersecurity, legal obligations, and insurance coverage.
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Related reading: Conditional access explained and Secure your business smartphone in 5 minutes.
What Intune can do
Intune lets administrators define how devices should be configured and secured, then apply those settings automatically wherever the device is. Combined with Windows Autopilot, new laptops can be shipped directly to employees and configured on first sign-in.
- Enroll devices and apply configuration and security baselines.
- Require encryption, screen locks, and minimum OS versions.
- Deploy and update applications.
- Manage Windows updates and report compliance.
- Protect business data in apps on personal phones without managing the whole device.
- Remotely wipe company data or reset lost devices.
Getting started
Start by deciding which devices are company-owned and which are personal, and what level of management is appropriate for each. Company laptops typically get full management; personal phones often get app protection policies only.
Connect Intune compliance to conditional access so only healthy, compliant devices can reach business data. Pilot policies with a small group before broad rollout, and document the settings so they can be reviewed later.
Practical action plan
Steps your business can take
Confirm whether your Microsoft 365 plan includes Intune.
Enroll company devices and define compliance policies.
Use app protection policies for personal phones.
Connect device compliance to conditional access.
Recommended next steps
Continue from this article.
These pages expand the specific risks and decisions covered in this guide. Use them to move from general understanding to the service, tool, or related topic that best matches your next question.
Related guide
Conditional access explained
Use device compliance to control access.
Explore nextRelated guide
Secure your business smartphone in 5 minutes
Complement device management with good habits.
Explore nextRelated guide
Managed desktop service
Standardize device care across the business.
Explore nextService
Managed IT services
Deploy and maintain Intune policies with expert support.
Explore nextWarning signs
Do not ignore these indicators
- New laptops are set up manually one at a time
- No way to wipe business data from a lost phone
- Device encryption and updates cannot be verified
Frequently asked questions
Common questions, answered.
What is Microsoft Intune used for?
Managing and securing Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices and protecting business data in apps.
Is Intune included in Microsoft 365?
It is included in some Microsoft 365 business plans; confirm your licensing.
Can Intune manage personal phones?
Yes, often through app protection policies that secure business data without managing the whole device.
How Meta IT Pro can help
Related services and practical next steps
Explore the services connected to this topic. These links provide more detail about scope, safeguards, support, and how to start a conversation with our team.
Authoritative references
Sources and further reading
These primary sources support the guidance in this article and provide additional technical or consumer information.
Microsoft Learn
What is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft's overview of Intune device and application management capabilities.
Microsoft Learn
What is Conditional Access?
Microsoft's explanation of Conditional Access signals, decisions, and common policies.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
NIST SP 800-124 Rev. 2: Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices
Guidance for managing mobile-device security across deployment, use, and disposal.
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