What Is Microsoft Intune? How It Works, Features and Benefits

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management service that helps businesses manage, configure and secure employee devices and applications from one central platform. It supports mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM), allowing IT teams to control company-owned devices or protect business data within supported work applications.

For UK businesses asking “what is Intune”, the service can simplify device administration, support remote working and help enforce consistent security policies. Understanding how Microsoft Intune works, what administrators can see and which licences are required can help you decide whether it is suitable for your organisation.

What Is Microsoft Intune Used For?

Microsoft Intune is primarily used to manage business devices, deploy applications and apply security policies without requiring IT staff to configure every laptop or smartphone individually.

Administrators use the cloud-based Microsoft Intune admin centre to control settings on supported devices and applications. This helps businesses support remote employees, multiple offices and staff using both company-owned and personal devices.

Common uses include preparing laptops for new employees, distributing approved software, enforcing device security requirements and identifying devices that no longer meet company policies.

A business recruiting remote workers can arrange for company laptops to receive the necessary applications and configuration settings during setup. IT staff can manage those settings remotely instead of visiting each employee.

Microsoft’s Intune overview explains how the platform supports device enrolment, application management, security configuration and ongoing updates.

Businesses already using Microsoft 365 solutions may find Intune particularly useful for managing work applications and devices across different locations.

How Does Microsoft Intune Work?

Microsoft Intune operates through a cloud-based administration platform. IT administrators create policies, assign them to users or devices, and monitor the results as supported devices and applications check in.

There are two main approaches: mobile device management for enrolled devices and mobile application management for protecting business applications and their data.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile device management allows organisations to enrol supported devices in Intune and centrally manage their configuration, applications and security requirements.

Once enrolled, devices can receive policies covering passwords, encryption, software settings and other security controls. Administrators can also review whether devices meet the organisation’s requirements and take supported remote management actions.

A company laptop, for instance, can receive approved applications and security settings before an employee starts work. If the device is lost or stolen, authorised administrators may be able to take action to protect business information.

The extent of control depends on the operating system, device ownership and enrolment method. Some management actions remove only business information, while a full-device wipe can erase personal content as well.

Microsoft’s Intune core concepts explain how device management works alongside applications, user identities and organisational policies.

Mobile Application Management (MAM)

Mobile application management protects business data within supported applications without necessarily requiring an organisation to manage the entire device.

Intune can apply app protection policies to compatible applications, including Microsoft Outlook and other Microsoft 365 apps. These policies may require additional authentication, restrict copying company information into personal applications or prevent business files from being saved to unauthorised locations.

MAM is particularly useful for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) arrangements, where employees use personal smartphones for business tasks.

Supported app protection policies can operate without full device enrolment. This allows a business to protect information within work applications while avoiding unnecessary management of employees’ personal content.

When an employee leaves, administrators may be able to remove corporate information from protected applications without resetting the entire device.

Microsoft’s app protection policy guidance explains these controls and the management scenarios they support.

What Are the Main Features of Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune combines device administration, application management, security configuration and compliance monitoring within a cloud-based platform.

Its principal features include:

Intune supports Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android and Linux, although management capabilities differ between platforms. ChromeOS and some specialised platforms have more limited functionality, so organisations should check the available features for each operating system.

Microsoft provides detailed supported-platform guidance and explains how Windows Autopilot helps prepare eligible devices for business use.

Advanced capabilities also include Microsoft Security Copilot integration, which can assist administrators with policy analysis and troubleshooting when appropriately licensed and configured. Microsoft’s Security Copilot guidance explains these features.

Effective managed IT support can help businesses maintain device policies and address ongoing management issues.

What Can Microsoft Intune See on Your Device?

Microsoft Intune shows administrators certain device and management details, but not employees’ personal browsing history, messages, photographs or document contents.

According to Microsoft’s device visibility guidance, administrators can see identifying information such as the device name, model, operating system and serial number on enrolled devices.

Additional visibility depends on device ownership, operating system and management method.

These distinctions are important when employees use personal smartphones or laptops for work.

Intune’s privacy limitations do not mean employers have no other monitoring capabilities. Separately deployed network security, web filtering or monitoring tools may collect different information under an organisation’s policies.

Businesses should communicate device-management requirements clearly, particularly when personal equipment is involved, so employees understand the information available to administrators and the actions permitted under company policy.

How Does Microsoft Intune Work With Microsoft 365 and Entra ID?

Microsoft Intune works alongside Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Entra ID to help organisations manage device security and control access to business resources.

Intune manages device and application policies, while Microsoft Entra ID provides identity and authentication services. These systems can work together so that access decisions consider whether a user’s device meets the organisation’s security requirements.

An organisation could require employees to use compliant devices before accessing selected Microsoft 365 resources.

Intune supplies relevant compliance information, while Microsoft Entra Conditional Access policies determine whether access is permitted. Microsoft’s Conditional Access guidance explains how these capabilities work together.

Intune does not independently authenticate users or replace identity security. Conditional Access requires Microsoft Entra ID P1 or higher, which is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, plus the right configuration.

For businesses already using Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and other Microsoft services, centrally managed device policies can help maintain more consistent access controls.

Working with a Microsoft 365 managed services provider can help organisations review their existing identity, device and application configurations.

What Are the Benefits and Limitations of Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune can simplify IT administration, improve consistency across managed devices and help businesses protect corporate information.

Centralised policies reduce the need to configure every device individually. They also support remote and hybrid working by allowing IT teams to manage eligible devices and applications across different locations.

Automated configuration can make employee onboarding more efficient, while compliance reporting helps administrators identify devices that require attention.

However, Intune also has limitations. Some features work differently across operating systems, advanced capabilities may require additional licensing, and organisations need suitable expertise to configure policies and maintain the platform.

Poorly planned settings can disrupt access to business applications or create unnecessary restrictions for employees. Testing and ongoing administration are therefore important.

Microsoft’s Intune product information outlines its management and security capabilities. However, the platform does not independently eliminate cyber threats or replace other essential protective measures.

Businesses should consider Intune within a wider approach to cyber security services, including identity protection, malware prevention and secure backup arrangements.

How Much Does Microsoft Intune Cost, and Is It Included in Microsoft 365?

Microsoft Intune is a paid service, although organisations may already have access through an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription.

Microsoft Intune Plan 1 provides core endpoint management capabilities. It is included in several Microsoft 365 subscriptions, including Business Premium, E3 and E5. Advanced features may require additional entitlements depending on the subscription.

As an illustration of UK add-on pricing, Microsoft lists Intune Plan 2 at £3.10 per user per month, paid yearly, excluding VAT. This is an add-on price, not the full cost of a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Microsoft also began rolling additional advanced Intune capabilities into E3 and E5 subscriptions in July 2026. Availability may depend on the tenant and activation schedule.

Microsoft’s UK Intune pricing, licensing documentation and Business Premium guidance explain the available arrangements.

Businesses should review existing subscriptions and current prices before purchasing additional licences. Microsoft also offers trial options for eligible organisations.

What Do You Need to Set Up Microsoft Intune?

Setting up Microsoft Intune requires an eligible subscription, appropriate Microsoft Entra identities, supported devices and a clear plan for applying management policies.

Microsoft’s Intune setup guidance explains the process of preparing users, licences, configuration settings and enrolment.

A typical business rollout involves:

1. Checking existing licences and devices. Identify which employees and equipment need management.
2. Preparing user identities. Review Microsoft Entra accounts, groups and administrator permissions.
3. Defining management policies. Establish the necessary application, configuration and compliance requirements.
4. Selecting enrolment methods. Choose appropriate approaches for company-owned and personal devices.
5. Testing the deployment. Start with a limited group to identify configuration or access problems.
6. Expanding management. Review the initial results before applying policies across the organisation.
7. Maintaining the platform. Establish responsibilities for monitoring, updates and employee support.

The technical process differs between Windows computers, Apple devices, Android phones and other supported platforms.

A cyber security audit can help identify existing configuration weaknesses and priorities before introducing additional device controls.

Is Microsoft Intune Right for Your Business?

Microsoft Intune may be suitable for organisations that need centralised device management, consistent security policies and controlled access to business applications.

It can be particularly valuable for UK SMEs with remote workers, multiple offices, company-owned laptops or employees using personal smartphones to access Microsoft 365.

However, businesses should first review whether their existing device management arrangements are sufficient and whether current Microsoft 365 subscriptions already include the required Intune features.

Intune can introduce unnecessary administration if an organisation has limited device-management requirements and no clear purpose for adopting the platform.

Microsoft’s Intune planning guidance recommends assessing business objectives, licensing, devices, existing policies and deployment requirements before implementation.

The most appropriate decision depends on security risks, operational requirements, employee expectations and available IT expertise rather than company size alone.

A cyber security consultant can help organisations evaluate existing controls and determine whether additional endpoint management would provide meaningful business value.

Managing Business Devices Securely With Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune provides businesses with a centralised way to manage supported devices, configure applications and apply security policies. Its combination of MDM and MAM enables organisations to protect corporate information across company-owned equipment and supported personal-device arrangements.

For businesses using Microsoft 365, Intune can contribute to more consistent device compliance and access management when integrated with Microsoft Entra ID.

However, effective endpoint management requires more than purchasing a licence. Organisations need to understand their existing devices, configure appropriate policies and establish ongoing administration.

The most suitable approach depends on your business’s security risks, existing technology and internal resources. Reviewing these factors before deployment can help avoid unnecessary costs and management complexity.

If your organisation is considering Microsoft Intune or reviewing its Microsoft 365 device-management arrangements, contact AGT to discuss your requirements and identify appropriate next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I install Microsoft Intune on my personal phone?

Only follow your organisation’s approved setup process after understanding what it requires. Personal-device access may involve device enrolment or app-only protection, depending on company policy. Microsoft’s device enrolment guidance explains the process. Check the permissions and management actions with your IT team before proceeding.

What is the Microsoft Intune Company Portal app?

The Intune Company Portal app is an employee-facing application used to access approved business resources and complete supported device-management tasks. Depending on the organisation’s configuration, employees can use it to enrol devices, install work applications or review compliance requirements. It is separate from the administrator’s Intune management console.

Does Microsoft Intune replace antivirus software?

No. Intune manages device settings, apps and security policies; it does not replace software that detects malware. It can configure supported antivirus security policies, including Microsoft Defender settings. Businesses still need suitable endpoint protection to detect and respond to malicious software.