How to use Intune to deploy software

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based solution that focuses on managing mobile devices and mobile applications. You have complete control over how your company’s devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, are used. That’s all great but how do you deploy software using this fascinating program — how do you launch an application with the assistance of Intune? The types of applications that are compatible with Intune are quite variant with plenty of options for different types of functions the app carries out. You have the ability to determine the app functions and requirements that are necessary for the user based in your organization — for instance, the platform and progress that are required by your workforce.

In this blog, we will be looking at solutions to help users deploy software with the help of Intune. We will also address some of the issues that can be present when users deploy software with the help of Intune, so users are more aware of what they are dealing with and what approaches they need to take. Follow the step-by-step process below to see how you can deploy software with the help of Intune.

Step by step process – How to use Intune to deploy software

  • First, sign in to your Office 365 account.
  • Click the app launcher in the top left.
  • Then select “Admin” from the apps list.
  • Click the menu icon in the top left corner of the Admin center.
  • Click “Show all” to reveal more Admin centers.
  • Then select “Endpoint Manager.”
  • Go to “Apps” on the left menu.
  • Select “All apps.”
  • Click on “+ Add” to add a new app.
  • Click the select box under “App type” then select an app from the list.
  • When you’ve selected the app you want to add, click the “Select” button.
  • The following steps will vary depending on which apps you are launching.
  • For Microsoft 365 Apps, click “Next.”
  • When installing Microsoft 365 apps, you will need to set a default file format and channel.
  • Click “Next.”
  • Click “Next” again, then click “Create.”

Once you have tested your results, you will have successfully deployed your application with the assistance of Intune. You will use the code blade approach on file installation to make it easy to register the application. This is designed to work in tangent with the application structure core to ensure the scripts dialogued can be assigned to the correct post within the software. You may require the assistance of a third party to assign the application for instance in this example we used Win 32 as a primary installation package that works brilliantly with Microsoft. 

Prepare for the deployment of software using Intune

Gather the necessary installation or update files before distributing an update or other software package. One of the following files must be included in these files:

  • Setup.exe is an example of an installation executable file.
  • Application.msi is an example of a Windows Installer file.

If the installer file specifies that additional files or folders are required to finish the installation, combine all of these items into a single, easily accessible folder. As a result, the Intune Software Publishing wizard may add them to the software package.

Intune automatically adds the /Install switch to.exe files. To turn off the default user interaction and install the program quietly, most.exe files require additional command-line parameters. Only.exe installation packages are supported by Microsoft Intune deployments. Use a third-party tool to generate an installer package if you wish to deliver runtime executable files.

Intune automatically adds the /quiet switch to.msi files. The installer packages should recognize that the installation is being performed under the SYSTEM account and install silently. However, it is dependent on how the software package is created by the program publisher. If a program requires user context to install, it is unlikely to be deployable through Intune.

Prerequisites of Intune

When it comes to publishing Win32 programs to a client, there are a few prerequisites. Keep in mind that you must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Build 1607 or higher of Windows 10 (Education, Pro, and Enterprise)
  • The Windows 10 client must be connected to Azure Active Directory or a hybrid domain.
  • Microsoft Intune is required for the MDM administration of Windows 10.
  • The application’s total size (including all source files) cannot exceed 8 GB.

Script for custom installation

You must fill in the install command when adding a Win32 program to Microsoft Intune. This might, for example, be the.EXE with the “/S” option for quiet installation.

If changes are required during or after installation (for example, config files must be transferred or registry settings must be applied), a PowerShell (or other) script might be used. Make sure that the script is in the source folder before executing the Intune Content Prep tool in that instance.

In-depth – Step by step process – How to use Intune to deploy software

Step by step breakdown:

  • Click the menu icon in the top left corner of the Admin center. (1)
  • Click “Show all” to reveal more Admin centers. (2)
  • Then select “Endpoint Manager.” (3)
  • Go to “Apps” on the left menu. (1)
  • Select “All apps.” (2)
  • Click on “+ Add” to add a new app. (3)
  • Click the select box under “App type” then select an app from the list. (4)
  • When you’ve selected the app you want to add, click the “Select” button.
  • The following steps will vary depending on which apps you are launching.
  • For Microsoft 365 Apps, click “Next.
  • When installing Microsoft 365 apps, you will need to set a default file format and channel.
  • Click “Next.”
  • Click “Next” again, then click “Create.”

That’s it for this Blog thank you for taking time out to read our content, please feel free to email our team about how it went if you followed the steps or if you need more help with the questions we answered in this Blog.

Saajid Gangat

Saajid Gangat has been a researcher and content writer at Business Tech Planet since 2021. Saajid is a tech-savvy writer with expertise in web and graphic design and has extensive knowledge of Microsoft 365, Adobe, Shopify, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and more! You can connect with Saajid on Linkedin.

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