Mobile Device Management has become non-negotiable for modern IT departments. In 2026, with hybrid working firmly established and security threats evolving constantly, Microsoft Intune stands out as the go-to solution for organisations managing devices across the UK and beyond. Whether you're supporting 50 devices or 5,000, understanding how to set up Intune MDM properly can save your team countless hours of troubleshooting and significantly strengthen your organisation's security posture.
The landscape of workplace technology has transformed dramatically. According to recent industry data, 73% of UK organisations now operate hybrid working models, meaning devices exist both within and outside traditional office environments. This distributed approach demands robust Mobile Device Management solutions.
Intune has evolved considerably since its early iterations. Today's version offers seamless integration with Microsoft Entra ID, advanced threat protection capabilities, and sophisticated compliance policies that adapt to your organisational needs. For IT professionals earning between £28,000 and £42,000 annually in the UK, mastering Intune MDM skills directly translates to career progression and increased earning potential.
Before diving into configuration, ensure you have the right foundations in place:
Take time to audit your current device inventory. Understanding what you're working with prevents configuration mistakes later on.
Navigate to the Microsoft Intune admin centre at `https://intune.microsoft.com`. You'll land on the dashboard showing your device compliance status, enrolled device count, and any pending alerts.
The first thing you should do is familiarise yourself with the left navigation panel. The key areas you'll work with regularly are:
Bookmark this page and consider setting it as your browser home page if you're managing Intune regularly.
Device enrolment is where everything starts. Without proper enrolment configuration, devices won't connect to your MDM system.
For Windows Devices:
1. Navigate to Devices > Enrolment
2. Select Windows Enrolment
3. Choose "Automatic Enrolment" to enable Windows Hello for Business
4. Configure the scope of enrolment (which Entra ID groups can enrol devices)
5. Set up Device Enrolment Manager accounts if your organisation requires them
For iOS/iPadOS Devices:
For Android Devices:
The choices you make here directly impact security and user experience, so take your time evaluating what suits your organisation's culture and compliance requirements.
Configuration profiles are templates that push settings and policies to enrolled devices. Think of them as standardised blueprints for how devices should behave.
Create your first configuration profile:
1. Go to Devices > Configuration Profiles
2. Click "Create Profile"
3. Select your platform (Windows, iOS, Android, macOS)
4. Choose the profile type (Device restrictions, Compliance, Identity, etc.)
5. Configure settings relevant to your security requirements
Practical recommendations for 2026:
Don't try to configure everything at once. Start with essential security settings, then layer additional policies as your team becomes more comfortable with Intune management.
Compliance policies are different from configuration profiles. They determine whether a device is considered "compliant" based on specific criteria. Non-compliant devices can be blocked from accessing corporate resources.
Set up your compliance framework:
For example, you might require all devices to have Windows Defender Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) running, or mandate that all iOS devices use Face ID/passcode. The key is consistency and business alignment.
This is where Intune integrates with Microsoft Entra ID to create adaptive security policies.
Conditional Access evaluates device compliance status before granting access to resources. A non-compliant device attempting to access your corporate email might be blocked entirely or required to complete multi-factor authentication.
Set up a basic Conditional Access policy:
1. Go to Microsoft Entra ID > Security > Conditional Access
2. Create a new policy
3. Include all users (or specific groups initially)
4. Target cloud apps (Microsoft 365 apps)
5. Set grant controls to require compliant devices
6. Test thoroughly before enforcing
Start with report-only mode to understand the impact before fully implementing.
Your Intune configuration isn't a one-time task. Regular monitoring ensures everything functions as intended.
Establish a maintenance routine:
The Reports section in Intune provides excellent visibility. Pay particular attention to:
Enrolment issues: Often caused by incorrect user permissions. Verify users have the right Entra ID group membership.
Policy conflicts: Multiple policies with contradictory settings cause confusion. Use naming conventions to track policy purpose and apply them to specific groups.
Slow rollout: Stagger policy deployment to user groups rather than enforcing organisation-wide immediately.
Mastering Intune MDM opens career doors. IT professionals with advanced Intune skills command salary premiums between 12% and 18% above baseline IT support roles in the UK market during 2026.
SmoothOps 365 offers comprehensive Microsoft 365 training courses covering Intune configuration in depth. Our Advanced Microsoft 365 course (£2,500) includes real-world Intune scenarios, hands-on lab exercises, and certification pathway guidance. The Basic Microsoft 365 course (£1,500) provides foundational knowledge perfect for those starting their Intune journey.
Both courses include access to our AI Job Placement Engine at no additional cost, helping you land roles that value your newly acquired Intune expertise.
Implementing Microsoft Intune MDM properly creates a secure, manageable device environment that supports your organisation's modern working needs. The 2026 version offers powerful features that, when configured correctly, dramatically reduce security risks and management overhead.
Start with the fundamentals covered in this guide, take your time with each step, and don't hesitate to reference Microsoft's official documentation. Your diligence now prevents headaches later.
Ready to deepen your Intune knowledge? Visit smoothops365.com today to explore our Microsoft 365 courses. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your expertise, we have a pathway designed for you. Our June 2026 cohort is accepting enrolments now. Call 01633 226940 to discuss which course suits your goals.
SmoothOps 365 runs live instructor-led training every Saturday and Sunday. 3 months. 52 contact hours. Keep your job while you train.
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