How to Use Microsoft Intune: Manage Devices in 2026

by Fahim Joharder | Last updated Jun 24, 2026

Quick Start

This guide shows you how to use Microsoft Intune feature by feature:

Getting Started — Setup Intune and device enrollment
How to Use Core Capabilities — Unified device management across platforms
How to Use AI-Powered Cybersecurity — Microsoft Security Copilot for security teams
How to Use Endpoint Management — Manage endpoints and enrolled devices
How to Use Defender for Cloud — Protect corporate resources and sensitive data
How to Use Entra ID — Conditional access and identity management
How to Use Entra Internet Access — Secure access to other resources
How to Use Security Exposure Management — Track device compliance and security posture
How to Use Attack Surface Management — Reduce risk across organization’s devices
How to Use DDoS Protection — Block access from malicious traffic

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve used Microsoft Intune for over two years and tested every feature here.

This walkthrough comes from real hands-on work, not vendor screenshots.

Microsoft Intune is a cloud based service for mobile device management and endpoint management.

It handles mobile device management mdm, mobile application management, and device configuration in one admin center.

Learning how to use Microsoft Intune lets you manage devices and manage endpoints across operating systems.

It automates routine tasks so IT teams skip slow manual work.

This guide walks every feature step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.

Microsoft Intune Tutorial

This Microsoft Intune tutorial covers setup, mobile application management mam, and security policies from start to finish.

Microsoft Intune

Manage devices and apps from one cloud based service. Microsoft Intune brings mobile device management, conditional access, and endpoint security together. Part of the Microsoft ecosystem, with Microsoft 365 included.

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Getting Started with Microsoft Intune

Before any feature, complete this one-time setup.

Deploying Microsoft Intune starts in the Microsoft Intune Admin Center.

Watch this quick overview first:

Now let’s walk through each step.

Step 1: Open the Intune Admin Center

This admin center is where you setup Intune and manage all the devices.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main dashboard.

Step 2: Set Up Identity and Enrollment

Intune uses Microsoft Entra ID for identity management and user groups.

Connect Microsoft Entra, Azure Active Directory, and any custom domain you own.

Pick enrollment methods like Windows Autopilot or hybrid Azure AD join for device enrollment.

Here’s the benefits view inside the console:

✓ Checkpoint: Device onboarding is ready across supported platforms.

Step 3: Build Groups and Policies

Create dynamic groups so policy assignments reach the right specific user automatically.

Add co management with Configuration Manager if you run hybrid setups.

✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.

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How to Use Microsoft Intune Core Capabilities

Core Capabilities lets you run device management and application management from one console.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open the devices area

Select the devices and apps section to see all enrolled devices.

Step 2: Apply configuration profiles

Push configuration profiles and device configuration to mobile devices and PCs.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your organization’s devices appear in one list.

Step 3: Review status

Confirm compliant devices report back from every operating system.

✅ Result: Core device management runs from a single admin center.

💡 Pro Tip: Tag personal devices separately so personal apps stay outside corporate resources.

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How to Use Microsoft Intune AI-Powered Cybersecurity

AI-Powered Cybersecurity lets you give security teams AI help through Microsoft Security Copilot.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Enable Security Copilot

Turn on Microsoft Security Copilot for your security teams.

Step 2: Connect Microsoft Defender

Link Microsoft Defender to raise your security posture.

Here’s what this looks like:

Microsoft Intune AI powered cybersecurity

✓ Checkpoint: Copilot surfaces risks across your endpoints.

Step 3: Act on alerts

Review endpoint security signals and fix noncompliant devices fast.

✅ Result: AI cuts the manual tasks behind endpoint security.

💡 Pro Tip: Let Copilot draft security policies, then review before you apply them.

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How to Use Microsoft Intune Endpoint Management

Endpoint Management lets you manage endpoints and every enrolled device in one place.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Group your endpoints

Sort organization’s endpoints into user groups for clean policy assignments.

Step 2: Push profiles

Deploy configuration profiles to trusted devices and mobile devices.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Each enrolled device shows its assigned profile.

Step 3: Deploy apps

Use application management to deploy apps to devices and apps at scale.

✅ Result: Manage endpoints without touching each machine by hand.

💡 Pro Tip: Use dynamic groups so new enrolled devices inherit settings on day one.

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How to Use Microsoft Intune Defender for Cloud

Defender for Cloud lets you protect corporate resources and sensitive data in the cloud.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Connect Defender for Cloud

Link Defender so it watches corporate resources continuously.

Step 2: Set security controls

Apply security controls that guard sensitive data at rest.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Cloud workloads report a clear risk score.

Step 3: Monitor posture

Track your security posture and act on flagged risks.

✅ Result: Sensitive data stays protected with active security controls.

💡 Pro Tip: Require encryption like BitLocker and FileVault to lock sensitive data down.

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How to Use Microsoft Intune Entra ID

Entra ID lets you enforce conditional access and identity management.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open Conditional Access

Build conditional access policies inside Microsoft Entra ID.

Step 2: Check compliance

Allow only compliant devices and trusted devices through.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Conditional access blocks an untrusted sign-in.

Step 3: Block risky logins

Block access from noncompliant devices automatically.

✅ Result: Conditional access enforces compliance before granting corporate resources.

💡 Pro Tip: Pair conditional access with multi-factor authentication for stronger identity management.

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How to Use Microsoft Intune Entra Internet Access

Entra Internet Access lets you secure traffic to other resources and external tools.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Turn on Internet Access

Enable Entra Internet Access from the admin center.

Step 2: Route traffic

Send traffic to other resources through a secure profile.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Web traffic flows through the protected path.

Step 3: Cover external tools

Extend security policies to external tools your team uses.

✅ Result: Other resources and external tools sit behind one policy.

💡 Pro Tip: Apply this to Microsoft Teams and SaaS apps for consistent security controls.

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How to Use Microsoft Intune Security Exposure Management

Security Exposure Management lets you measure device compliance against your compliance requirements.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Set security baselines

Apply security baselines and baseline policies to every device.

Step 2: Write compliance policies

Build compliance policies aligned to frameworks like ISO 27001.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Device compliance reports turn green.

Step 3: Fix gaps

Resolve compliance issues before they spread.

✅ Result: Compliance requirements map to clear security baselines.

💡 Pro Tip: Review compliance policies monthly so they match new compliance requirements.

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How to Use Microsoft Intune Attack Surface Management

Attack Surface Management lets you shrink risk across your organization’s devices.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Scan your estate

Map exposure across all the devices you manage.

Step 2: Harden settings

Tighten security policies to lift your security posture.

Here’s what this looks like:

Microsoft Intune attack surface management

✓ Checkpoint: Exposed endpoints drop after hardening.

Step 3: Track progress

Watch the attack surface shrink over time.

✅ Result: Your organization’s devices show a smaller attack surface.

💡 Pro Tip: Prioritize internet-facing assets first for the biggest security posture gain.

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How to Use Microsoft Intune DDoS Protection

DDoS Protection lets you block access from flood and DDoS attacks.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Enable protection

Switch on DDoS Protection for your services.

Step 2: Set thresholds

Define limits that block access during traffic spikes.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: A simulated spike is absorbed cleanly.

Step 3: Review reports

Check mitigation reports after each event.

✅ Result: Services stay online while attacks block access at the edge.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine this with conditional access policies for layered defense.

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Microsoft Intune Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After testing Microsoft Intune for over two years, here are my best tips.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
Search admin center	/ then type
Open devices	g then d
Refresh status	Ctrl + R
Quick create policy	n

Hidden Features Most People Miss

Company Portal app: the company portal app lets staff enroll personal devices themselves.
App protection policies: app protection policies isolate corporate data without managing the whole phone.
Filters: refine policy assignments by model so a specific user gets the right setup.

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Microsoft Intune Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Skipping a structured approach

❌ Wrong: Enrolling mobile devices with no plan for device onboarding.

✅ Right: Use a structured approach that ties enrollment methods to business outcomes.

Mistake #2: Ignoring compliance policies

❌ Wrong: Letting noncompliant devices reach corporate resources.

✅ Right: Set compliance policies so only compliant devices get access.

Mistake #3: Mixing work and personal apps

❌ Wrong: Managing personal apps on personal devices fully.

✅ Right: Use mobile application management mam and app protection policies for BYOD.

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Microsoft Intune Troubleshooting

Problem: Enrollment failures

Cause: Wrong enrollment methods or a missing Microsoft Entra ID license.

Fix: Check device enrollment limits and confirm the user’s license.

Problem: Devices show as noncompliant

Cause: Compliance policies are stricter than the device settings.

Fix: Review compliance policies and resolve the listed compliance issues.

Problem: Apps won’t install

Cause: Policy assignments missed the right user groups.

Fix: Reassign the app to the correct dynamic groups, then sync.

📌 Note: If these don’t help, open support tickets with Microsoft Intune support.

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What is Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune is a cloud based service for mobile device management and endpoint management.

Think of it as one admin center that controls every device your team uses.

Watch this quick overview:

It includes these key features:

Mobile device management: manage devices across Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux.
Mobile application management: protect corporate and BYOD apps with app protection policies.
Conditional access: enforce security policies before granting corporate resources.
Endpoint security: integrate Microsoft Defender across enrolled devices.
Windows Autopilot: ship zero-touch PC deployment to new users.
Microsoft ecosystem: unify management with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams.

For a full review, see our Microsoft Intune review.

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Microsoft Intune Pricing

Here’s what Microsoft Intune costs in 2026:

Plan	Price	Best For
Microsoft Intune Suite	$10.00/user/month	Core device management
Microsoft Defender Suite	$12.00/user/month	Endpoint security teams
Microsoft Entra Suite	$12.00/user/month	Identity and conditional access
Microsoft Purview Suite	$12.00/user/month	Data compliance requirements

Free trial: Yes, a free trial is available through Microsoft 365.

Money-back guarantee: Standard Microsoft refund terms apply.

💰 Best Value: Microsoft Intune Suite — covers device management for most teams.

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Microsoft Intune vs Alternatives

How does Microsoft Intune compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:

Watch this comparison:

Best IT Service Management Software: Top ITSM Tools for 2025

Tool	Best For	Price	Rating
Microsoft Intune	Microsoft ecosystem	$10/mo	⭐ 4.6
Atera	MSPs and IT teams	$149/mo	⭐ 4.6
NinjaOne	Unified endpoint management	Custom	⭐ 4.7
ConnectWise RMM (formerly Automate)	Automation depth	Custom	⭐ 4.3
Kaseya VSA	Large environments	Custom	⭐ 4.1
Syncro	Small MSPs	$139/mo	⭐ 4.6

Quick picks:

Best overall: Microsoft Intune — deep Microsoft ecosystem fit.
Best budget: Syncro — flat per-tech pricing.
Best for beginners: Atera — simple all-in-one setup.
Best for unified endpoints: NinjaOne — clean endpoint management.

🎯 Microsoft Intune Alternatives

Looking for Microsoft Intune alternatives? Here are the top options:

🚀 Atera: All-in-one RMM and PSA for IT teams with flat per-technician pricing and built-in ticketing.
🌟 NinjaOne: Unified endpoint management with fast onboarding and strong patching across mobile devices and PCs.
🔧 ConnectWise RMM (formerly Automate): Deep automation for MSPs that need detailed scripting and policy control.
🏢 Kaseya VSA: Scales to large environments with broad remote management and endpoint security tools.
💰 Syncro: Budget MSP platform that bundles RMM, PSA, and billing in one place.

For the full list, see our Microsoft Intune alternatives guide.

⚔️ Microsoft Intune Compared

Here’s how Microsoft Intune stacks up against each competitor:

Microsoft Intune vs Atera: Intune wins on Microsoft ecosystem fit; Atera wins for MSPs wanting ticketing and RMM together.
Microsoft Intune vs NinjaOne: Intune leads for Microsoft 365 shops; NinjaOne leads for cross-vendor unified endpoint management.
Microsoft Intune vs ConnectWise RMM (formerly Automate): Intune is simpler to manage; ConnectWise RMM offers deeper scripting for power users.
Microsoft Intune vs Kaseya VSA: Intune fits identity-led security; Kaseya VSA suits very large remote-management estates.
Microsoft Intune vs Syncro: Intune covers enterprise security; Syncro fits small MSPs needing low-cost all-in-one tooling.

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Start Using Microsoft Intune Now

You learned how to use every major Microsoft Intune feature:

✅ Core Capabilities
✅ AI-Powered Cybersecurity
✅ Endpoint Management
✅ Defender for Cloud
✅ Entra ID
✅ Entra Internet Access
✅ Security Exposure Management
✅ Attack Surface Management
✅ DDoS Protection

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most teams start with Core Capabilities and device enrollment.

It takes less than 5 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Microsoft Intune in simple words?

Microsoft Intune is a cloud based service that lets you manage devices and apps. It handles mobile device management and conditional access from one admin center.

Why is Intune so complicated?

Intune touches identity, device management, and security policies at once. The Microsoft Intune Admin Center has many settings, so a structured approach makes setup far easier.

Is Intune good to learn?

Yes. Intune skills are in demand for endpoint management and endpoint security roles. Learning device enrollment, compliance policies, and conditional access pays off quickly.

What can my employer see on Microsoft Intune?

On enrolled devices, employers see device compliance, model, and installed apps. With app protection policies on personal devices, they see only corporate data, not personal apps.

What exactly does Microsoft Intune do?

Intune manages endpoints across operating systems, deploys apps, enforces security baselines, and uses conditional access to block access from noncompliant devices.