Microsoft Intune

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Deploying Third Party Applications using Intune

  • By Amit
  • December 24, 2024

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Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that allows IT administrators to manage devices, apps, and policies securely. Deploying third-party applications using Intune involves a few structured steps to ensure efficient distribution, compliance, and management. Here’s a guide on how to achieve this:

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1. Prepare the Application Package

  • Check Format: Third-party applications must be in a supported format such as .msi, .exe, .intunewin, or available via the Microsoft Store for Business.
  • Convert to IntuneWin Format:
    • If the app is an .exe or custom app, use the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool to convert it into an .intunewin package.
  • Ensure Silent Installation:
    • Configure the installer to support silent or unattended installation using appropriate switches (e.g., /quiet, /silent).

2. Add the Application to Intune

  • Log in to the Microsoft Intune Admin Center.
  • Navigate to Apps > All Apps.
  • Click + Add and choose the appropriate app type:
  • For MSI or Win32 apps: Choose Windows app (Win32).
  • For Store apps: Choose Microsoft Store app.
  • Follow the wizard to upload your app package.

3. Configure Application Information

  • Basic Details: Enter the app name, publisher, and category.
  • Logo (optional): Upload an icon for easier identification in the Company Portal.
  • Requirements:
    • Specify the operating system architecture (x86, x64).
    • Define OS versions or other requirements if applicable.
  • Detection Rules:
    • Define how Intune should detect whether the app is already installed (e.g., registry key, file existence).

4. Define Deployment Behavior

Assignments: Specify the groups of users or devices to receive the app:

  • Required: Automatically installs the app on assigned devices.
  • Available: Makes the app available for self-service installation through the Company Portal.
  • Uninstall: Removes the app from the devices in the group.
  • Dependencies (if applicable): Ensure pre-requisite apps are installed before deploying the main app.
  • Supersedence (if applicable): Replace an older version of the app with a new one.

5. Monitor Deployment

  • Navigate to Apps > Monitor in the Intune Admin Center.
  • Check installation status, errors, and overall compliance.
  • Resolve any errors (e.g., dependency issues, incorrect silent install commands).

6. Use Third-Party Integration Tools (Optional)

For bulk or frequent deployment of third-party updates, consider integration with tools like:

  • Patch My PC: Integrates with Intune to automate third-party patching.
  • WUfB (Windows Update for Business): Manages Microsoft and third-party updates if supported.
  • Chocolatey: A package manager for Windows that can be configured with Intune.

Best Practices

Testing: Always test application deployment on a small group of devices before rolling it out broadly.

Security: Ensure apps come from trusted sources and are scanned for vulnerabilities.

Compliance Policies: Align app deployment with your organization’s compliance requirements.

Documentation: Maintain a record of app configurations, deployment scopes, and troubleshooting steps.

Steps

Step 1: Convert Application to .intunewin Format

  • Download the Win32 Content Prep Tool
  • Convert the App:
  • Run the tool on the target .exe or .msi file.
  • Command example: IntuneWinAppUtil -c <source-folder> -o <output-folder> -a <app-name>.exe.

Step 2: Upload App in Intune

  • Log in to the Microsoft Intune Admin Center:
  • URL: [Microsoft Intune Admin Center] (https://endpoint.microsoft.com/).
  • Navigate to Apps > All Apps:
  • Click + Add and select Windows app (Win32):

Step 3: Configure App Information

Enter details such as:

  • App Name, Publisher, Description, and Category.
  • Upload the .intunewin file:

Step 4: Specify App Requirements

Define:

  • Operating System Architecture: x86 or x64.
  • Minimum Operating System.

Step 5: Define Detection Rules

Choose a detection method:

  • File/Folder: Specify a path and file.
  • Registry: Specify a registry key and value.

Step 6: Assign the Application

Configure assignments:

  • Required, Available for enrolled devices, or uninstall.

Step 7: Monitor Deployment

  • Navigate to Apps > Monitor:
    • View deployment status (Success, In Progress, Failed).

Optional: Use Patch My PC or Chocolatey

  • Patch My PC: Automates third-party app deployment.
  • Chocolatey: Manages packages via Intune scripts.

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WRITTEN BY Amit

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