Windows Devices in Intune: What Changes
Windows Devices in Intune
If you're using a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, Intune enrollment brings several changes. Let's walk through what you'll notice and what stays the same.
How Windows Enrollment Works
On Windows, enrollment connects your PC to your organization's Azure AD (now Microsoft Entra ID). This creates a work or school account on your device — separate from your personal Microsoft account.
The enrollment process on Windows typically involves:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school
- Click Connect and enter your work email
- Sign in with your work password
- Approve the MFA prompt if required
- Wait for the device to register (2-5 minutes)
What Changes After Enrollment
| Setting | Before Intune | After Intune |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-in | Local account or personal Microsoft account | Work or school account added alongside personal account |
| Password/PIN | You choose whatever you want | Must meet IT's complexity requirements (e.g., 6+ digits for PIN) |
| BitLocker encryption | May or may not be on | Typically forced ON automatically |
| Windows Updates | You control when to update | IT may set update policies and deadlines |
| Company apps | Install manually | May be pushed automatically via Company Portal |
| Settings access | Full access to all settings | Some settings may be greyed out (e.g., disabling antivirus) |
What You'll See on Your Windows PC
The Company Portal App
After enrollment, you'll find the Company Portal app in your Start menu. This is your hub for:
- Checking device compliance status
- Installing company-approved apps
- Syncing your device with Intune (if something isn't working)
- Getting IT support contact information
Work Account in Settings
If you go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school, you'll see your work email listed as a connected account. This is normal and expected.
Windows Security Notifications
You might see notifications from Windows Security about:
- BitLocker — "Your device is encrypted" (this is good — it means your data is protected)
- Firewall — Managed by your organization (IT controls firewall settings)
- Antivirus — Microsoft Defender settings may be locked (IT manages threat protection)
What Stays the Same
Important: Intune does NOT take over your entire PC. The following remain yours to control:
- Personal files — Your documents, photos, and downloads are untouched
- Personal apps — You can still install apps from the Microsoft Store or web
- Browser settings — Your personal bookmarks, history, and extensions remain
- Windows customization — Wallpaper, taskbar layout, themes — all yours
- Personal Microsoft account — Your personal OneDrive, Xbox, etc. still work
When You Might Notice Intune
Day-to-day, you might interact with Intune in these situations:
- When you change your password — IT's complexity rules apply
- When Windows Update runs — You might see "Some settings are managed by your organization"
- When you try to access company email — Outlook may require you to be compliant first
- When you install a new app — Some apps might be blocked if IT has app restrictions
Beawit Consulting specializes in Windows device management with Microsoft Intune. Contact us for Windows enrollment support and IT services.
Next, we'll look at what changes on macOS devices.
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