Multiple ways to sync Windows devices with Intune

Keeping Windows devices in sync with Microsoft Intune is essential for enforcing compliance policies, deploying apps, and maintaining security baselines. Whether you're managing endpoints via Autopilot or troubleshooting policy delays, knowing the right sync method can save time and ensure smooth operations.

🔄 Why Sync Matters

Syncing forces a device to check in with Intune immediately, applying pending configurations, apps, scripts, or compliance policies. This is especially useful:

• After Autopilot provisioning

• During troubleshooting

• When deploying Win32 apps or PowerShell scripts

• For validating OMA-URI or custom policies

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🧭 1. Company Portal App

Steps:

• Open the Company Portal app.

• Click “Sync this device”.

Pros:

• Simple and user-friendly

• No admin rights required

Cons:

• Relies on user action

• Not ideal for bulk sync

Use Case: Great for BYOD or frontline workers who need to manually trigger sync.

⚙️ 2. Windows Settings – Work or School Account

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school.

• Select the account > Click Info > Scroll down and click Sync.

Pros:

• Built-in method, no extra apps needed

• Works on Windows 10 and 11

Cons:

• Manual initiation

• May be hidden from less tech-savvy users

Use Case: Ideal for corporate devices without the Company Portal installed.

🌐 3. Microsoft Intune Admin Center

Steps:

• Go to Intune Admin Center.

• Navigate to Devices > Windows.

• Select the device > Click Sync.

Pros:

• Remote sync by IT admins

• Useful for troubleshooting or urgent policy enforcement

Cons:

• One device at a time

• Requires RBAC permissions

Use Case: Perfect for helpdesk or support teams resolving device issues remotely.

🧪 4. PowerShell via Microsoft Graph

Steps:

1. Install the Microsoft Graph Intune module.

2. Authenticate and connect to Graph.

3. Use Invoke-DeviceSync to trigger sync.

powershell

Install-Module Microsoft.Graph.Intune
Connect-MgGraph -Scopes "DeviceManagementConfiguration.ReadWrite.All"
Invoke-DeviceSync -DeviceId <DeviceID>

Pros:

• Automates sync across multiple devices

• Can be scheduled or triggered via scripts

Cons:

• Requires scripting knowledge

• Needs Graph API permissions

Use Case: Ideal for automation, bulk sync, or integrating into provisioning workflows.

🧰 5. Bulk Device Actions in Intune

Steps:

• In Intune Admin Center, go to Devices > Bulk actions.

• Select Sync and choose multiple devices.

Pros:

• Efficient for syncing many devices

• No scripting required

Cons:

• Limited to supported device types

• May not show immediate results

Use Case: Great for syncing entire device groups post-deployment.

🖱️ 6. Start Menu Shortcut (Custom Task)

Steps:

• Create a scheduled task that runs a sync script.

• Add a shortcut to the Start Menu for user-triggered sync.

Pros:

• Easy for users to access

• Reduces navigation steps

Cons:

• Requires initial setup

• Still user-dependent

Use Case: Useful in environments where users need quick access to sync without navigating settings.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right sync method depends on your environment, user base, and urgency. For enterprise-scale management, PowerShell and bulk actions offer automation and control. For user-driven sync, the Company Portal and Settings app are intuitive options.

Want to automate this across your fleet or integrate sync into your Autopilot provisioning flow? Let’s build a custom PowerShell module or Intune checklist together.