Exploring Application Types in Microsoft Intune for Windows Platform Users

📌 Application Types in Microsoft Intune (Windows Platform)

1. Microsoft Store Apps

• Explanation: Apps sourced directly from the Microsoft Store. Ideal for standard productivity tools and widely used applications.

• Implementation Steps:

  1. Sign in to Intune Admin Center.

  2. Go to Apps > Windows > Add.

  3. Select Microsoft Store app.

  4. Search for the app and click Add.

     
     

2. Line-of-Business (LOB) Apps

• Explanation: Custom apps developed internally or acquired from external vendors. Typically packaged as MSI or EXE files.

• Implementation Steps:

  1. Sign in to Intune Admin Center.

  2. Navigate to Apps > Windows > Add.

  3. Choose Line-of-business app.

  4. Upload the app package file (MSI/EXE).

     
     

3. Win32 Apps

• Explanation: Traditional desktop applications packaged into .intunewin format using the Intune Win32 Content Prep Tool. Supports dependencies, detection rules, and supersedence.

• Implementation Steps:

  1. Prepare the app using IntuneWinAppUtil.exe.

  2. Sign in to Intune Admin Center.

  3. Go to Apps > Windows > Add.

  4. Select Windows app (Win32).

  5. Upload the .intunewin file and configure detection rules.

     
     

4. MSIX Apps

• Explanation: Modern packaging format offering clean installs, updates, and rollbacks. Provides isolation and easier management.

• Implementation Steps:

  1. Package the app into MSIX format.

  2. Sign in to Intune Admin Center.

  3. Go to Apps > Windows > Add.

  4. Select Line-of-business app and upload the MSIX file.

     
     

5. Web Link Apps

• Explanation: Shortcut apps that point to a URL (internal portal, SaaS apps, etc.).

• Implementation Steps:

  1. Sign in to Intune Admin Center.

  2. Go to Apps > Windows > Add.

  3. Select Web link.

  4. Enter the app name and URL.

6. Built-in Apps

• Explanation: Pre-installed Windows apps or Intune-provided apps (e.g., Company Portal).

• Implementation Steps:

  1. Sign in to Intune Admin Center.

  2. Go to Apps > Windows > Add.

  3. Select Built-in app.

  4. Choose the app from the list and deploy.

🎯 Best Practices

• Use Win32 apps for complex deployments with dependencies.

• Prefer MSIX for modern, clean packaging.

• Assign apps to device groups or user groups strategically.

• Always configure detection rules for Win32 apps to avoid reinstallation loops.