Microsoft Intune is Microsoft's cloud-based device management platform, part of the wider Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It allows IT teams to configure, secure and manage laptops, phones and tablets, whether company-owned or personal devices used for work, all from a single console rather than visiting each device individually.
How Microsoft Intune works
Devices are enrolled into Intune, either automatically when a new company laptop is set up or manually for personal devices used for work. Once enrolled, IT teams can apply configuration profiles, enforce security requirements such as encryption and screen lock, deploy or restrict applications, and remotely wipe a device if it is lost or stolen. Intune works closely with Microsoft Entra ID, which handles the identity side of who is using each device, and with Conditional Access, which can require a device to meet Intune compliance rules before allowing access to company data.
How UK businesses use Microsoft Intune
- An IT team automatically enrols every new company laptop into Intune during setup, ensuring consistent security configuration without manual intervention.
- A business allows staff to use personal phones for email and Teams, with Intune managing only the work profile and leaving personal apps and photos untouched.
- An IT administrator remotely wipes a lost company laptop through Intune, protecting sensitive business data without needing physical access to the device.
- A business combines Intune with Conditional Access so that only devices meeting Intune compliance policies, such as having encryption enabled, can access company email and files.
How Advantage implements Microsoft Intune
Advantage configures Intune device policies, compliance rules and app deployment as part of managed IT and cyber security engagements, giving businesses control over the growing range of devices used to access company data without creating unnecessary restrictions for staff.
Frequently asked questions
Does Microsoft Intune work on personal devices as well as company-owned devices?
Yes. Intune supports both fully managed company-owned devices and a bring-your-own-device approach, where only the work-related apps and data on a personal device are managed, leaving personal content and apps untouched and outside IT's control.
What is the difference between Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID?
Microsoft Entra ID manages user identity and sign-in. Microsoft Intune manages the devices themselves, including configuration, security policies and app deployment. The two work closely together, since Intune relies on Entra ID to know which user and device it is managing.
Can Microsoft Intune remotely wipe a lost or stolen device?
Yes. Intune can remotely wipe a managed device, either fully or selectively, removing only company data and apps while leaving personal content intact in a bring-your-own-device scenario. This is a key control for protecting company data if a device is lost or stolen.
