What is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based device management platform included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium. It gives you complete visibility and control over every device — laptops, desktops, phones, and tablets — that accesses your business data.
Without Intune, you have no idea what devices are connecting to your Microsoft 365 environment, whether they have up-to-date security software, or whether they meet basic security standards. With Intune, you can see everything, enforce policies, and take action — from anywhere.
💡
The simple version
Intune is like a security checkpoint for every device that touches your business. Without it, anyone with a username and password — on any device, in any condition — can access your Microsoft 365 data. With it, you set the rules and enforce them automatically.
What can Intune actually do?
🔍Device inventory
See every device enrolled — OS version, compliance status, last check-in, and who owns it. Full visibility in one dashboard.
📋Compliance policies
Set minimum security standards — minimum OS version, BitLocker enabled, screen lock required, Defender running. Non-compliant devices are blocked automatically.
⚙️Configuration profiles
Push settings to devices automatically — Wi-Fi profiles, VPN configuration, email setup, browser policies. No manual setup needed on each device.
📱App management
Deploy and manage apps across all devices remotely. Install required software, remove unauthorised apps, and keep everything updated.
🗑️Remote wipe
If a device is lost or stolen, wipe company data remotely — instantly. On personal devices, you can wipe just the business data without touching personal files.
🔐Conditional Access integration
Block Microsoft 365 access from any device that isn't Intune-enrolled or doesn't meet your compliance policies. Only managed, compliant devices get in.
Real scenarios where Intune matters
Scenario 01
Employee leaves — device not returned
Without Intune: their account is disabled but the company data on their laptop remains accessible. With Intune: remote wipe removes all company data within minutes of their account being closed.
Scenario 02
Laptop stolen from a car
Without Intune: all company data on that device is at risk. With Intune: you trigger a remote wipe from the Intune portal. BitLocker encryption means the data is unreadable anyway.
Scenario 03
Staff using personal phones for work email
Without Intune: no visibility, no control. With Intune MAM (Mobile App Management): company email and data is managed in a secure container on the personal device, separated from personal data.
Scenario 04
New starter setup
Without Intune: manual setup of each new device — hours of IT work. With Intune and Autopilot: new devices are shipped directly to staff and configure themselves automatically on first login.
Does Intune work on personal devices?
Yes — and this is one of the most valuable features for SMEs. Many small businesses have staff using personal devices to access work email and files. Intune offers two approaches:
- Full MDM enrolment — the device is fully managed by Intune. Best for company-owned devices.
- MAM (Mobile Application Management) — only the work apps and data are managed, personal data is completely untouched. Best for personal devices where staff don't want full management.
MAM is particularly useful for managing Outlook and Teams on personal phones — you can enforce PIN, prevent copy/paste to personal apps, and remotely wipe just the work data if needed.
⚠️
Common mistake — Intune available but not configured
We regularly find businesses on Business Premium where Intune is available in their licence but has never been set up. They're paying for it, getting no benefit from it, and leaving a significant security gap. If you're on Business Premium and haven't configured Intune, this should be your next priority.
How long does Intune take to set up?
For a small business with 5–20 devices, a proper Intune deployment typically takes:
- Planning and policy design — half a day
- Configuration and testing — one day
- Device enrolment — approximately 30 minutes per device (or automated via Autopilot for new devices)
- Training — an hour for the business owner or internal admin
We charge £50 per device for Intune setup and enrolment as part of our onboarding service.
✅
Already on Business Premium? You already own Intune.
Intune is included at no extra cost in Microsoft 365 Business Premium. If you're on Business Premium and haven't configured Intune, you're leaving a significant security capability unused — one you're already paying for.
Want to know if your devices are properly managed?
Book a free Microsoft 365 Health Check. We'll check your Intune configuration — or lack of one — and tell you exactly what's needed.
Book Free Health Check →
Key takeaways
- Intune is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium at no extra cost
- It gives you full visibility and control over every device accessing your business data
- Remote wipe, compliance enforcement, and app management are the three most critical features
- It works on both company-owned and personal devices
- Most SMEs on Business Premium have it available but haven't configured it
About SRX IT Solutions
Microsoft 365 specialist based in Birmingham. We configure Intune properly for SMEs — not just switch it on. Learn more →