New starters waiting days for a laptop. IT staff imaging machines by hand. Devices with no encryption accessing company email. These are signs your device management has not kept up with hybrid work.
This guide explains how to deploy Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopilot to manage and secure devices at scale.
What is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution, part of Microsoft Intune Suite and included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, E3 and E5. It manages:
- Device configuration: security settings, Wi-Fi, VPN, certificates, BitLocker
- Compliance: rules a device must meet, such as encryption and OS version
- Applications: deploying and updating apps, including Microsoft 365 Apps
- Updates: Windows Update rings and feature update policies
- App protection: protecting company data in mobile apps, even on personal devices
What is Windows Autopilot?
Windows Autopilot is a set of technologies for setting up and pre-configuring new Windows devices. Devices are registered to your tenant by the hardware vendor or reseller. When a user signs in for the first time, the device joins Entra ID, enrols in Intune and installs policies and apps automatically. No imaging is required.
How does Intune fit Zero Trust?
Intune provides the device signal for Zero Trust. A compliance policy marks each device as compliant or not, and a Conditional Access policy can require a compliant device for access. A stolen password alone is then not enough.
Intune device compliance with Conditional Access
Illustration in progress
A stolen password alone is then not enough.
Step-by-step Intune deployment
- Plan scope and ownership. Corporate vs personal (BYOD) devices, platforms and which apps need protection.
- Configure enrolment. Set up Windows automatic enrolment, Apple Business Manager for iOS and macOS, and Android Enterprise.
- Create compliance policies. Require BitLocker or FileVault, minimum OS version, Defender for Endpoint running and an acceptable risk level.
- Build configuration profiles. Use security baselines and settings catalog for Windows; avoid recreating old Group Policy one-for-one.
- Deploy apps. Microsoft 365 Apps, line-of-business apps and browser configuration.
- Set update rings. Pilot, broad and critical rings for Windows Update.
- Configure app protection policies for mobile access from personal devices.
- Enable Autopilot for new and reset devices.
- Connect to Conditional Access in report-only mode first, then enforce.
Recommended rollout rings
| Ring | Who | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring 0 | IT team | Validate policies and apps | 1–2 weeks |
| Ring 1 | Pilot business users | Real-world feedback | 2 weeks |
| Ring 2 | Department waves | Broad rollout | 2–6 weeks |
| Ring 3 | Executives and special cases | Careful handling | As needed |
What about Windows 11 migration?
Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025. Organisations can buy Extended Security Updates for up to three years, but the per-device price doubles each year, so many are completing Windows 11 migrations now. Intune and Autopilot make this easier: use Windows feature update policies for eligible devices, and Autopilot to provision replacements. Combining a Windows 11 refresh with an Intune rollout avoids touching every device twice.
How Crozaint approaches device management
Intune and Autopilot deployment is a core part of Crozaint's Microsoft 365 security programme, delivered alongside Entra ID, Defender XDR and Purview in the 4–12 week deployment phase. We move policy from Group Policy to cloud-native configuration, set up compliance and connect it to Conditional Access.
After deployment, you choose how devices are operated: Crozaint Managed, with automated patching, SLA-backed support and monthly health reports, or Your Team Operated, with full handover of runbooks and training.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Recreating every old Group Policy setting in Intune
- Enforcing compliance before devices are enrolled and reporting
- Skipping app protection for personal mobile devices
- No pilot ring, so issues hit everyone at once
- Forgetting to register existing devices for Autopilot reset
Conclusion
Intune and Autopilot turn device management from a manual chore into an automated, secure process. Plan in rings, connect compliance to Conditional Access and let new devices set themselves up.
Planning an Intune or Windows 11 rollout? Book a 30-minute discovery call with Crozaint.
