Deploying applications effectively is crucial for organizations aiming to enhance productivity and streamline their IT operations. Microsoft Intune simplifies this process by providing robust support for various app types and deployment scenarios, particularly for Windows 10 devices. By leveraging Intune, organizations can ensure that their applications are easily accessible, securely deployed, and efficiently managed.
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Supported app types and deployment scenarios
Microsoft Intune accommodates several application types, allowing businesses to deploy applications tailored to their needs. The primary application types supported on Windows 10 devices include:
- Line-of-Business (LOB) Apps: Specifically designed for organizational use, these apps are vital for meeting unique business requirements. Supported file extensions for Windows apps are .msi, .appx, and .appxbundle. It’s important to note that LOB app deployment is not available on Windows 10 Home editions.
To successfully deploy modern apps, your organization must ensure that devices meet certain Windows 10 version requirements:
- Windows 10 1803 and later: Requires May 23, 2018, update (KB4100403).
- Windows 10 1709: Requires June 21, 2018, update (KB4284822).
App type compatibility by Windows version
The compatibility of various app types with different Windows versions is summarized as follows:
| App Type | Home | Pro | Business | Enterprise | Education | S-Mode | HoloLens | Surface Hub |
| .MSI | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| .IntuneWin | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 19H2+ | No | No |
| Office C2R | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | RS4+ | No | No |
| LOB: APPX/MSIX | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Store app | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Web Apps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Edge | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 19H2+ | No | No |
It’s critical to remember that all Windows app types require enrollment in Intune for successful deployment.
Installing apps on Windows devices
When deploying applications, organizations can choose between two primary installation contexts:
- 1. User Context: Apps are installed for the user when they sign in to the device. This method supports modern LOB apps and Microsoft Store apps, which can be deployed with either Required or Available intents.
- 2. Device Context: Apps are directly installed on the device, making them available for all users. This method supports a wider range of apps, including Win32 apps and LOB apps, but is limited to Required intents only.
For Win32 apps built as Dual Mode, administrators must select whether the app will install as a User Mode or Machine Mode for all associated assignments, as this context cannot be altered per assignment.
Important considerations for deployment
- Apps must be correctly assigned to the appropriate context; otherwise, installation attempts may fail. For instance, deploying a Windows LOB app in device context requires assignment to a device group, while attempting to assign it to a user group will result in failure.
- Device context installations have precedence over user context installations. In scenarios where both types are applied to a single user or device, the system prioritizes the device context policy.
- Updates for LOB apps uploaded to Microsoft Intune are automatically installed on user devices without requiring user intervention.
Conclusion
Deploying applications with Microsoft Intune provides organizations with a powerful tool to enhance their app management strategies. By understanding the types of apps supported, installation contexts, and prioritization of policies, organizations can effectively streamline their deployment processes. AVASOFT is here to help your organization navigate these complexities and maximize the benefits of Microsoft Intune for your application deployment needs. Reach out to us for more information on how we can assist in optimizing your application management strategy.
