Windows 365 Link: Cloud PC Just Got Real
We’re all used to the idea of a PC being a device—your laptop, your desktop, maybe even a fancy all-in-one. But what if your "PC" wasn’t really a PC at all? Enter the Windows 365 Link, Microsoft’s compact bridge between you and the cloud. It’s not here to replace your hardware entirely, but to rethink how we use it.
The Link is designed to connect directly to your Windows 365 Cloud PC, making your workspace portable, secure, and—most importantly—not tied to a traditional endpoint. Let’s break down what this means for how we work and why it might be a big deal for businesses. It’s a rethink of how we approach security, management, and productivity. It also closes the missing gap that was present in the W365 ecosystem.
No Physical Attack Surface, No Problem
One of the Link’s standout features is its complete lack of local storage. No files, no apps, no admin accounts. At first, that might seem limiting, but here’s the genius: there’s nothing on the device for attackers to exploit. If the Link is stolen, it’s just a tiny paperweight for anyone who doesn’t have access to your Cloud PC.
For businesses handling sensitive data, like finance or healthcare, this is a game-changer. Local machines are always at risk of being breached or compromised. The Link removes that risk entirely by keeping everything in the cloud. It’s like a secure tunnel that ensures your data is always protected, no matter where you are.
- Physical theft: Lose a laptop, and your data could end up anywhere. Lose the Link? There’s nothing stored locally for attackers to exploit.
- Malware attacks: The locked-down OS prevents unauthorized software from running or installing locally, drastically reducing the risk of breaches.
- Privileged escalations: No local admin accounts mean attackers can’t exploit traditional elevation-of-privilege attacks to gain control.
For industries that deal with sensitive information—finance, healthcare, or government—the reduced attack surface makes the Windows 365 Link an obvious choice.
Built for Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs)
If you’ve ever tried to implement Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs), you know they’re a hassle. These specialized devices are designed for highly secure tasks—think system administration or managing sensitive data—but they’re costly and complex to set up. The Windows 365 Link changes that.
With no local data and built-in support for FIDO2 security keys, the Link makes securing privileged access much simpler. Passwordless, hardware-backed authentication means no weak passwords to exploit, and no need for bulky, high-spec machines just for security’s sake. At $349, it’s a cost-effective way to deploy secure workstations without sacrificing functionality. For IT admins, it’s a quick win that checks all the compliance boxes without breaking the budget.
- Secure by design: With no local admin accounts or storage, the Link aligns perfectly with the zero-trust principles of PAWs.
- Enhanced authentication: The device supports FIDO2 security keys, enabling passwordless, hardware-backed authentication for privileged users. This reduces the risk of phishing attacks and ensures only authorized personnel can access sensitive systems.
- Cost-effective: At $349, it’s significantly cheaper than building out dedicated, high-end PAW setups while offering superior security through cloud-native management.
Built for Hybrid Work
Perfect for the Hybrid Work Era
Hybrid work isn’t a trend anymore—it’s the way we work now. But with hybrid setups come challenges: laptops lugged between home and office, forgotten chargers, and inconsistent environments. The Link offers a simple solution.
It’s small, portable, and packed with modern connectivity. Dual 4K monitor support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Ethernet mean it’s ready for just about any setup. Plug it into a monitor and peripherals, and you’re instantly connected to your Cloud PC. No need to sync files or carry around a full device.
This isn’t just handy for hybrid workers—it’s perfect for hot-desking environments, too. Instead of provisioning expensive laptops for every desk, you just provide a Link. Simple, scalable, and far less hassle for IT.
- Dual 4K monitor support for high-productivity setups.
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Ethernet connectivity to ensure compatibility with any network.
- Plug-and-play simplicity that turns any screen into a secure workstation connected to your Cloud PC.
IT Management Without the Drama
If you’re an IT admin, you’ve probably rolled your eyes at “revolutionary” devices that make big promises but add complexity to your workload. The Link is different because it’s built to integrate seamlessly into the tools you’re already using, like Microsoft Intune.
From zero-touch provisioning to automatic updates, managing the Link is as straightforward as managing a traditional endpoint. Policies? Same as any other device. Updates? They’re applied in the background overnight. It’s an endpoint that fits neatly into your existing processes without reinventing the wheel.
And because it’s entirely cloud-driven, there’s no need to worry about patching local vulnerabilities, maintaining a separate device inventory for physical machines or even having these on your internal facing LAN. It just works.
Why It Matters
The Windows 365 Link might look like a small, unassuming device, but it’s tackling some big problems. It removes local vulnerabilities, simplifies endpoint management, and makes hybrid work more efficient. For businesses already using Windows 365, it’s an obvious next step. For those on the fence about cloud PCs, it might just be the nudge they need.
This isn’t about replacing every device in your organization, but about rethinking how and where you work. The Link isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s about utility—making your workspace more secure, more portable, and less of a headache for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
The Windows 365 Link isn’t going to revolutionize how you work overnight. But it’s a clear step toward a world where your "PC" isn’t tied to a physical machine. It’s secure, simple, and built for modern work.
If you’re managing hybrid teams, privileged users, or just looking to simplify your endpoint strategy, this little device is worth a closer look. It’s not the whole solution, but it might just be the most practical piece of the puzzle you’ve been missing.
Modern Management on an Old Network? Good Luck with That!
Shifting to modern management tools like Intune, VMware Workspace ONE, MobileIron, and Azure AD is a big step forward for any organization. These cloud-first tools are designed to simplify device management, boost security, and support today’s mobile workforce. But here’s the reality: if you’re running them on an outdated network, you’re setting yourself up for constant headaches. Moving away from traditional Active Directory (AD) and SCCM to modern MDM and cloud management requires a network built for speed, flexibility, and security. Keeping your legacy network design not only limits performance but holds back the benefits of cloud-managed solutions, Conditional Access, and productivity tools like Microsoft 365. Here’s why upgrading your network is a must for getting the most out of your modern management setup.
1. Avoid Network Bottlenecks: Direct Internet Access is Essential
Old networks are built around the corporate data center, often relying on force-tunneled VPNs that route all traffic through a single site. This approach made sense for on-prem resources but creates huge bottlenecks when accessing cloud services. For tools like Intune and Microsoft 365 to function properly, devices need direct internet access to reach cloud resources without being slowed down by outdated routing. Keeping everything tied to the data center hinders speed, and users will notice the impact on productivity apps like Microsoft Teams.
2. Move Beyond Perimeter-Based Security
Traditional network security was built on the idea of a physical perimeter—keeping threats out by securing the edges of the network. But with cloud-managed devices and remote work, there’s no single “edge” to protect. Instead, modern management relies on a Zero Trust model, where each access request is verified independently based on factors like location, device compliance, and risk level. Tools like Conditional Access in Azure AD allow you to control access dynamically, but they require a network built to handle flexible security policies, not rigid perimeter defenses.
3. Optimize Network Access with SASE and Split-Tunneling VPNs
The new era of mobile and cloud-based work needs network solutions that are just as modern. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and split-tunneling VPNs offer a solution by enabling direct access to the internet for cloud services, while routing only sensitive traffic through the corporate network. SASE combines networking and security in the cloud, giving you the performance of direct internet access with essential security controls. Split-tunneling VPNs, meanwhile, allow cloud-bound traffic to bypass the VPN, reducing latency and allowing management tools to work as designed.
4. Embrace Resiliency with a Cloud-First Network Design
Modern management tools like Intune and Azure AD minimize reliance on local infrastructure by keeping identities, policies, and data in the cloud. But to take full advantage of this, you need a network that can match that resilience. Traditional networks tied to data centers and VPNs are vulnerable to on-prem disruptions. By designing your network with cloud-first principles, you can keep users connected to resources like Microsoft 365, even if there’s an issue with the physical site. Cloud-first networks reduce downtime, support mobile users, and ensure business continuity.
5. A Modern Network Enables Real Productivity Gains
Ultimately, upgrading your network to support modern management doesn’t just benefit IT—it enhances productivity across your organization. Tools like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint are core to collaboration, and they perform best on networks that allow for direct, low-latency access. A network built for the cloud keeps users connected, reduces frustrating delays, and lets modern management tools support users wherever they are, without the constraints of outdated infrastructure.
The Bottom Line: A Modern Network for a Modern Workforce
Transitioning to Intune, Azure AD, and other cloud-based management tools is only half the journey. To fully unlock the benefits of these solutions, your network needs to keep up. By rethinking network design with direct internet access, Zero Trust, and cloud-first resilience, you’re setting your organization up for the productivity, flexibility, and security that today’s workforce demands.
Intune Done Right: Why Fresh Beats Familiar
As businesses continue to shift to the cloud, Microsoft Intune has quickly become a key tool for managing devices, policies, and apps. Yet, when setting up Intune, organizations often face a big decision: replicate the tried-and-true on-premises configurations or start fresh with a new cloud-native approach? While recreating existing settings might seem the fastest way to get up and running, starting fresh with Intune is almost always the better choice. Here’s why building from the ground up, rather than relying on legacy setups, makes all the difference in getting the most out of your Intune investment.
1. Avoid Legacy Baggage: Leave Old Issues Behind
On-prem configurations have a way of accumulating “tech debt” over the years—policies created to address specific issues, quick fixes layered on top of each other, and legacy security requirements that may no longer apply. By carrying these old configurations into Intune, you risk dragging along unnecessary complexity, inefficiencies, and even outdated security settings.
Starting fresh with Intune offers the chance to shed that baggage and build a streamlined, efficient configuration that aligns with today’s standards and requirements. By doing this, you’re setting up a cleaner, more manageable environment that’s built for the cloud rather than adapting an outdated setup to fit.
2. Take Full Advantage of Intune’s Cloud-Native Features
One of Intune’s biggest advantages is its cloud-native capabilities. Intune isn’t just a direct replacement for your on-prem tools—it’s designed to offer far more flexibility and agility. By starting fresh, you can make full use of cloud-focused features like:
- Conditional Access: Control access based on location, device health, and more, offering targeted security with far more granularity than typical on-prem setups.
- Windows Autopilot: Enable zero-touch device deployment, getting users up and running from anywhere without complex imaging processes.
- Windows Update for Business: Streamline patching and updates with a cloud-based approach that’s more responsive and less prone to bottlenecks than traditional methods.
These features are tailor-made for a modern, remote-friendly world. If you try to replicate on-prem setups, you’re likely missing out on this flexibility or bending these tools to fit a configuration they weren’t designed for. A fresh start lets you build with these benefits in mind from day one, giving users a seamless experience and admins more control.
3. Simplify Device Enrollment with Intune’s Modern Options
Traditional on-prem deployments often rely on imaging and manual device setups, which are time-consuming and complex. Intune, however, provides a far more streamlined solution through Autopilot. With Autopilot, devices can be shipped directly to users and enrolled automatically, allowing IT teams to configure them remotely.
Starting fresh with Intune lets you avoid trying to shoehorn old enrollment processes into a cloud environment. Instead, you can rethink deployment workflows entirely, reducing overhead and giving users an easy, consistent setup experience no matter where they’re located.
4. Azure AD Join vs. Hybrid Azure AD Join: Embrace Cloud Simplicity
A common question when migrating to Intune is whether to use Azure AD Join or stick with Hybrid Azure AD Join. While Hybrid Join may seem like a safer choice because it retains ties to your on-premises Active Directory, Azure AD Join offers clear advantages in a cloud-first setup.
- Reduced Dependency on On-Premises Infrastructure: Azure AD Join eliminates the need for direct connections to an on-premises domain controller, freeing devices to operate fully in the cloud. This not only reduces the dependency on VPNs but also allows users to work from any location without needing to connect back to the corporate network.
- Simpler, Faster Authentication: Azure AD Join leverages cloud-based authentication, which is often faster and more resilient than relying on an on-premises AD setup. This setup minimizes logon delays for remote users and makes it easier to implement features like passwordless authentication or multi-factor authentication (MFA), enhancing security and improving the overall user experience.
- Supports Conditional Access Policies More Effectively: Azure AD Join is natively designed for integration with Conditional Access policies, allowing for better control and a more granular approach to security. With Azure AD Join, IT teams can enforce policies based on device compliance, user location, or app sensitivity, creating a more flexible and powerful security model.
In short, while Hybrid Azure AD Join offers a bridge to the cloud, Azure AD Join is the optimal choice for businesses ready to move beyond on-prem infrastructure. By fully embracing Azure AD Join, organizations can reduce overhead, simplify management, and position themselves for a truly cloud-first future.
5. Streamline and Optimize Policies
On-prem configurations often become cluttered over time, with layers of policies and configurations built up over years. Trying to transfer these directly to Intune can lead to bloated, redundant, or even conflicting policies that add unnecessary complexity.
Designing your Intune policies from scratch allows you to focus on what’s truly needed today, without the weight of outdated or redundant policies. By reviewing and rethinking policies, you’ll build a leaner, more effective setup that’s easier to manage and quicker to troubleshoot.
6. Enhance Security with Modern, Cloud-Based Controls
Security is an evolving field, and on-prem solutions can sometimes struggle to keep up with the latest threats. With Intune, you can implement Conditional Access policies that adapt based on the security status of each device, giving you more precise control over who can access what data and when. This is difficult to achieve with traditional on-prem setups, which often rely on fixed parameters.
By starting with a clean slate, you can build your security policies around Intune’s dynamic, real-time security features. For example, if you have sensitive data that needs to be accessed only from secure locations or on compliant devices, you can configure policies specifically for that in Intune, enhancing your overall security posture without adding unnecessary restrictions for all users.
7. Improve User Experience and Productivity
One of the biggest advantages of Intune is its ability to support a seamless, mobile-friendly experience. Users today expect access from anywhere, and they don’t want to be bogged down by outdated policies that don’t fit the way they work. Starting fresh with Intune lets you design a user-centric approach, where policies are optimized for mobility, productivity, and flexibility, making work easier and more enjoyable for users while ensuring security.
8. Plan for Future Scalability
Finally, by starting fresh, you’re setting up a foundation that can scale with your organization. Legacy setups often come with limitations and may not be adaptable to new features or requirements as they come out. By creating a tailored, cloud-first Intune strategy, you can easily scale your device management as your organization grows, adding new policies or adjusting configurations without being held back by outdated frameworks.
9. Boost Resiliency with Cloud-First Architecture
A cloud-first approach to Intune, particularly with Azure AD Join, brings significant advantages in terms of resiliency. Unlike on-prem solutions that rely on local servers or VPNs, Intune’s cloud-based architecture minimizes single points of failure. Devices joined to Azure AD don’t need to be tethered to a physical network or a domain controller, meaning that if there’s an outage or connection issue on-site, users can still access critical apps and data from anywhere. Additionally, Microsoft’s global infrastructure ensures that Intune’s services are backed by robust failover and redundancy systems, maximizing uptime. For organizations prioritizing business continuity, this cloud-first resiliency is a game-changer that ensures smooth operations, even during unexpected disruptions.
10. Upgrade Your Network: Ditch the Force-Tunneled VPNs for Direct Access
If you’re modernizing with Intune, it’s time to rethink the network, too. Old-school networks that rely on force-tunneled VPNs (where all traffic is funneled through the corporate data center) can seriously drag down cloud-managed devices. They’re a major bottleneck, slowing everything down and keeping your users from getting the most out of cloud resources. Instead, look into cloud-native direct internet access or SASE (Secure Access Service Edge). These options let devices connect directly to the internet for cloud resources, skipping the clunky VPN route and speeding things up. Modern, managed devices running on a dated network won’t cut it—you need a network that’s ready for the cloud so users can experience the full benefits of Intune without the legacy network hold-ups.
Wrapping It Up: Start Fresh, Think Modern
Designing your Intune strategy from scratch might take a bit of extra time upfront, but it’s an investment that pays off. By avoiding the temptation to replicate old on-prem configurations, you’re embracing a management style built for today’s cloud-first, mobile-centric environment.
So, ditch the legacy baggage, embrace Azure AD Join, and let Intune do what it does best—providing modern, flexible, and efficient device management that meets the needs of your organization now and in the future.
New Look, Same Limitations: Intune’s Company Portal Facelift
Microsoft recently gave the Intune Company Portal app for Windows a visual refresh, but while the UI improvements are nice, they don’t solve some of the more pressing issues. If you were hoping for new functionality to make life easier for IT admins, you might be left wanting more. The updated design feels more modern and polished, but the lack of deeper functional updates leaves a few gaps—like the missing "retry" button for required apps and the absence of a quick way to gather logs.
What’s Changed?
The new design for the Company Portal app focuses on improving the user experience through a cleaner interface.
Here’s what’s new:
- Updated Navigation: The navigation pane has been redesigned for easier access to apps, devices, and account settings. It’s sleeker and more intuitive, but the functionality remains largely the same.
- Enhanced Visuals for App Details: App descriptions, version numbers, and installation status are now presented more clearly, offering better readability and a more organized layout.
- UI Consistency Across Platforms: The updated Windows version now aligns more closely with the Company Portal app experience on iOS, Android, and macOS, creating a more unified look across platforms.
What’s Missing?
While the visual overhaul is appreciated, some important features are still absent:
- No "Retry" Button for Required Apps: For IT admins managing required apps, the lack of a "retry" option remains a frustrating oversight. If an app fails to install the first time around, users are left in a bit of a limbo, having to wait for another automatic attempt. A manual "retry" button would provide much-needed control in these situations.
- No Quick Way to Gather Logs: The updated interface still doesn’t include a fast, user-friendly way to collect logs for troubleshooting. Gathering logs is a crucial step for IT teams when diagnosing issues, and a quick method to do this directly within the Company Portal would save significant time and effort, especially when resolving support tickets.
- Better Application detection: If you've ever tried uninstalling an app through the Company Portal, you've probably encountered the issue where the uninstall button doesn’t show up right away or an app that has already been isntalled, has not been detected.It would be great to see improvements with detecting app statuses in real-time. While a fresh look is great, fixing these basic functionality issues would have been a much more impactful update.
Why This Matters
The updates to the Company Portal make the app look better, but for IT admins and organizations managing large device fleets, the functionality is what really matters. Without the ability to easily retry failed app installations or collect logs, the frustrations of managing devices remain.
Sure, the cleaner UI is a welcome change, but it’s the absence of deeper tools—like better error handling for app installs and streamlined troubleshooting—that keeps this update from being as impactful as it could be.
Wrapping It Up
Microsoft’s redesign of the Intune Company Portal app feels like a step in the right direction, but it’s mostly about looks. The missing "retry" button for required apps and the lack of a quick way to gather logs are still glaring omissions that make device management harder than it needs to be.
So while the fresh look is nice, it’s still a case of form over function. Hopefully, future updates will bring the essential tools that admins and users need to make their lives easier. Until then, it’s all about appreciating the superficial improvements while managing the same old challenges.
Microsoft's OOBE Update Snafu: The Rollback We Didn’t See Coming
If there’s one thing we can always count on with technology, it’s that updates have a knack for showing up at the most inconvenient times. Recently, Microsoft made a bold move by deciding to push updates during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)—yes, right as you’re setting up that fresh new device. The idea was simple: deliver the latest updates immediately, ensuring users start off on the most secure and current version of Windows. But as many quickly found out, not everyone was thrilled to have their setup interrupted by an unexpected downloading marathon.
The Plan: Updates, Right from the Start
When Microsoft announced this change, the logic made sense: if users could get the latest patches and security fixes as part of the OOBE, they’d start off on the right foot, avoiding the dreaded post-setup update cycle. In theory, it seemed like a smart move—why not handle everything in one go?
But in practice, it created frustration. Imagine being all set to start using your new device, only to be delayed by a long update process. For businesses, where efficiency is key, this approach turned into a time-sink.
The U-Turn: Backpedaling on the Rollout
And then came the backtrack. It seems Microsoft heard the collective groans loud and clear. After initially doubling down on pushing updates during OOBE, the tech giant quickly adjusted its approach. Microsoft pulled back on making updates mandatory during the initial setup, giving users the flexibility to defer them until a more convenient time.
Why the Shift?
So, what prompted the change of heart? It likely came down to a mix of user feedback and real-world issues. Businesses, in particular, found the enforced update process disruptive—especially when trying to roll out large numbers of devices efficiently. Plus, having devices sit through extended update periods during the first-time setup was a bit like forcing everyone to wait at the starting line before the race could even begin.
Why This is a Big Deal for Enterprises
This wasn’t just a minor inconvenience—it was a major headache for enterprises. Large organizations often need to deploy hundreds or even thousands of devices at a time. During these mass rollouts, speed and efficiency are crucial. Imagine an IT department trying to get a fleet of new laptops ready for use, only to have each one bogged down by an unexpected update marathon during the initial setup process. For enterprises, control over when and how devices are updated is critical. IT teams want the flexibility to decide when updates are applied, allowing them to test updates properly before pushing them out across an entire fleet. The ability to block updates, particularly if there are concerns about compatibility or conflicts with existing applications, is vital for ensuring smooth operations.
Microsoft’s original OOBE update strategy took this control away, forcing businesses to either wait for updates to complete or risk introducing untested changes into their environment.
The backtrack by Microsoft now ensures that enterprises can maintain their customized update schedules, test thoroughly, and block problematic updates until they’re fully vetted—avoiding the chaos that can come from unplanned downtime.
Moving Forward: Balancing Updates and Usability
The whole ordeal highlights a delicate balance that software companies like Microsoft have to strike. On one hand, it’s crucial to keep devices secure and up-to-date from the moment they’re powered on. On the other, users—especially businesses—want control over when those updates happen, particularly in critical environments where time is of the essence.
For now, it looks like Microsoft has learned a valuable lesson about when to push those updates—and it’s a good reminder that even in the tech world, timing is everything. The concept of updating at the start isn't a bad one, it just needs to be done in a way the enterprise can controll the behaviour!
WSUS is Out—What’s Next? Microsoft’s Shift to Modern Update Management
WSUS, the trusty tool many of us have relied on for patch management, is officially heading for the exit. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/windows-server-update-services-wsus-deprecation/ba-p/4250436
With Microsoft’s announcement of WSUS deprecation, the question looms: “What’s next for update management?” Don’t worry—there’s a cloud-friendly future waiting. Let’s break down what this means, when it’s happening, and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
Why is WSUS Being Deprecated?
After more than two decades of faithfully distributing patches, WSUS is finally being phased out. The tool was a staple in on-premises environments, offering IT admins granular control over which updates were deployed and when. However, with the shift to cloud-based infrastructures, Microsoft is steering towards more modern, scalable, and flexible solutions.
Simply put, WSUS is being retired because it wasn’t designed for today’s hybrid and cloud-first environments. The modern workplace demands seamless updates across diverse device fleets, from on-prem servers to remote laptops. Enter Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Intune, and Windows Update for Business, the cloud-driven solutions poised to take over WSUS’s role.
When Will WSUS Be Deprecated?
Microsoft has outlined a gradual deprecation process, which means you won’t wake up tomorrow to find WSUS suddenly gone. Instead, the timeline allows for a smooth transition:
•Active Deprecation: With each new release of Windows Server, you’ll see more features of WSUS being retired.
•Support Ends with Server 2025: Official support for WSUS is set to end by 2025, giving organizations time to transition.
This gives IT pros plenty of runway to adjust their update strategies. However, it’s best not to wait until the last minute to explore alternatives.
What’s Next? The Modern Alternatives
Now that WSUS is heading into the sunset or bin, Microsoft has made it clear where the future lies—Microsoft Intune. This cloud-based platform, combined with Windows Update for Business, is your ticket to managing updates across hybrid environments.
•Microsoft Intune: As part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Intune lets you manage updates and policies from a central hub, whether devices are on-premises or remote. The flexibility to manage Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android from a single console is a game-changer.
•Windows Update for Business (WUfB): Integrated within Intune, WUfB allows you to automate update deployment directly from Microsoft’s cloud services. It offers more streamlined management of Windows updates without the need for the infrastructure WSUS required. Plus, WUfB is built for the modern era—it scales as your device fleet grows and adapts to the needs of a hybrid workforce.
Granularity: WSUS vs. WUfB
One thing to note is that WUfB is less granular compared to WSUS. With WSUS, admins had precise control over individual updates, allowing them to pick and choose which patches were deployed and when. In contrast, WUfB embraces an “evergreen” approach, which focuses on keeping devices automatically updated with the latest features and security patches. While this ensures devices stay current and secure, it offers less flexibility for those who prefer to selectively approve updates or hold back specific upgrades. However, for many organisation, the benefits of an evergreen environment far outweigh the need for micromanaging individual updates. Let's face it, the evergreen approach is here to stay.
If your organisation requires more granular control over updates—similar to what WSUS provided—then third-party patch management tools may be the way to go. While Windows Update for Business (WUfB) offers a more streamlined, cloud-friendly approach, it lacks the ability to pick and choose individual updates with the same level of detail. For businesses that need to carefully manage which patches are deployed or need to hold back specific updates for testing, third-party tools offer the flexibility and granular control that WUfB doesn’t. These tools can handle Windows updates, as well as patches for third-party applications, giving you a more tailored approach to update management without sacrificing control, however this needs to be balanced against the cost of essentially paying twice for the same service.
How to Prepare for the WSUS Transition
Transitioning away from WSUS may seem daunting, but here are a few steps to make the process smoother:
1. Audit Your Current Setup: Start by taking stock of your WSUS deployment and assess how it fits into your broader IT strategy.
2. Evaluate Microsoft Intune: If you’re not already using Intune, this is the perfect time to explore how it can streamline your device management and update strategy.
3. Plan for Migration: Create a roadmap for migrating from WSUS to Intune, ensuring you have the resources and time to test, train, and fully transition your IT team.
The Future is Cloudy (and That’s a Good Thing)
While WSUS has been a reliable workhorse, the future of IT update management is all about the cloud. With Intune and Windows Update for Business, you’ll have the flexibility, scalability, and security needed to thrive in a modern, hybrid world. So, wave goodbye to WSUS and say hello to a more agile, efficient way of managing updates.
SCCM’s Long, Slow Death: Why Intune is Dancing on its Grave
System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) has served IT teams for years, but its slow death is undeniable as Microsoft pivots toward Intune and cloud-first solutions. The shift reflects the changing needs of modern IT environments, driven by mobility, remote work, and cloud-based services. Let’s dive deeper into why SCCM’s days are numbered and what you can expect as it fades into the background.
1. Legacy Infrastructure Doesn’t Cut It Anymore
SCCM was a powerhouse in its prime, built for a time when most IT operations were centralized and on-premises. Enterprises relied on SCCM’s complex infrastructure, including SQL databases, distribution points, and local servers to deploy updates and applications. Back then, it made perfect sense—but in today’s cloud-driven world, these requirements are cumbersome. IT teams now prefer lightweight solutions that don’t require large on-prem servers and heavy management infrastructure.
SCCM's reliance on physical infrastructure makes it difficult for IT teams to manage today’s distributed, hybrid workforce, where devices are scattered across multiple locations. Intune’s cloud-first model, on the other hand, allows IT admins to manage devices from anywhere, without the need for physical servers.
With remote work here to stay, relying on SCCM feels like dragging along an anchor in an era of lightweight speedboats. Microsoft’s focus is increasingly on Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Intune, leaving SCCM to manage its decline while businesses adopt cloud solutions.
2. SCCM’s Bloated Costs and Complexity
SCCM’s infrastructure is not only heavy but also costly. From maintaining on-premises servers to ensuring databases are up to date, SCCM requires significant financial and human resources to run effectively. IT admins need to constantly monitor infrastructure, manage backups, update software, and troubleshoot issues. In contrast, Intune’s cloud-native design allows organizations to offload infrastructure management to Microsoft, drastically reducing costs and administrative burden.
Intune’s approach is far simpler. Updates are managed automatically in the cloud, reducing manual maintenance tasks and freeing up time for IT teams to focus on more strategic projects. Companies no longer have to worry about distribution points, patch management, or managing complex environments, as all of this is taken care of through Intune’s cloud service.
The Forrester Total Economic Impact (TEI) study on Intune shows that organizations switching from SCCM to Intune report up to 60% reduction in infrastructure costs, making it clear that sticking with SCCM is not just outdated, but financially inefficient.
3. Sluggish Updates and Innovation
SCCM is still receiving updates, but it’s clear that these are mostly maintenance updates rather than innovations. Microsoft’s strategic investment is going into Intune and its integration with Azure, Microsoft 365, and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) features. SCCM’s development is noticeably slower, and the latest features are almost exclusively appearing in Intune.
For example, SCCM’s Windows Update management requires manual configurations and often takes longer to execute, whereas Intune offers Windows Update for Business or Autopatch, a cloud-based update management tool that streamlines the entire process. Intune can push updates to remote devices without the need for cumbersome VPNs or relying on devices being connected to the corporate network.
Intune’s roadmap is full of new features aimed at streamlining remote work, improving security, and automating device provisioning—all areas where SCCM struggles to keep up.
4. Deprecation of Key SCCM Features
Microsoft’s gradual deprecation of SCCM features is perhaps the clearest indicator of SCCM’s future. Legacy Reporting, for instance, has been replaced by Intune’s cloud-based analytics which offer more powerful insights without the infrastructure burden. App deployment, once a strong point of SCCM, has also been overtaken by Intune’s intuitive and cross-platform management capabilities.
As Microsoft continues to retire these core SCCM features, organizations relying heavily on SCCM are finding themselves at a crossroads. The writing is on the wall—while SCCM may still function, it’s on life support. Intune’s app management, with its ability to handle Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices seamlessly, has made SCCM’s application deployment process look antiquated.
5. Co-Management: The Transition Bridge
For organizations not ready to cut ties with SCCM entirely, Microsoft offers a co-management model that allows businesses to use both SCCM and Intune during the transition period. With co-management, IT teams can move workloads such as compliance policies, device configuration, and security management to Intune while continuing to use SCCM for legacy tasks.
Co-management offers a softer landing for companies transitioning from SCCM to Intune, but make no mistake—it’s still a transition, not a long-term solution. As SCCM continues to lose features and Intune gains new capabilities, the balance will inevitably tip towards full migration.
6. The Future is Cloud-Based
Ultimately, SCCM’s demise is part of the broader trend of IT moving to the cloud. The advantages of cloud-based solutions like Intune are undeniable—reduced costs, simplified management, scalability, and the ability to handle the remote work environments that define the modern workplace. The long, slow death of SCCM is just another step in this ongoing shift.
Microsoft is clearly placing its bets on Intune and the Microsoft Endpoint Manager ecosystem, and businesses that are still clinging to SCCM are running out of time. Planning for the future means planning for a world where cloud-based management is the norm, and SCCM is nothing more than a chapter in IT history.
Windows Enrollment Just Got a Glow-Up: Here’s the Good, the Bad, and the Patchy
Starting October 2024, new Windows 11 devices (version 22H2+) will automatically download and install quality updates during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) when enrolled via MDM like Intune. This ensures devices are secure before user login.
Advantages:
- Better Security: Immediate patching reduces risks from out-of-date software.
- Compliance: Ensures policies are met from day one.
Disadvantages:
- Longer Enrollment: Updates during OOBE might delay device handoff.
- Access Pass Adjustments: Temporary Access Passes may expire before setup is complete.
- Updates whether you want them or not: No more choice in the process.
Final Thoughts:
While the enhanced security is a significant benefit, the extended setup time could become a challenge for organizations with tight provisioning schedules. Admins managing large fleets may need to plan for the additional time required for these updates. The Temporary Access Pass issue also means careful coordination will be needed, particularly in environments relying on quick deployments or where devices are being "White Gloved" on behalf of Assistive Technology users.
For businesses prioritizing immediate security and compliance, this update is a step in the right direction. However, organizations focused on speed or with existing streamlined processes may face slight disruptions. Balancing security with efficiency will be key. One thing is for sure, Microsoft is keen for you to be on the latest updates!
Autopilot 2.0: Microsoft’s Slick New Rollout for Gov & Enterprise!
Microsoft has dropped a fresh upgrade for Windows Autopilot, and it's a game changer, especially for IT admins in government and large enterprises. The new features streamline the onboarding process, improve error handling, and provide support for government clouds like GCC High and DoD. If you're dealing with large-scale deployments, this update just made things smoother and less of a headache.
Key Features You’ll Love:
- Improved Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE): You can now see real-time progress as devices are onboarded. This not only gives you peace of mind but also lets you track issues before users get their hands on the device. The new UI is cleaner and provides more insight into the deployment process, which helps IT teams pinpoint problems quickly.
- Stronger Error Handling: The update includes enhanced error resiliency, meaning that even if something goes wrong during the setup, the system can handle it better, reducing the number of failed deployments. This saves time and frustration, especially in large environments where downtime can be costly.
- Government Cloud Support: For those managing sensitive environments, Autopilot now has extended support for government clouds, including GCC High and DoD. This means that government institutions with high security requirements can now enjoy the benefits of Autopilot without compromising on compliance or control.
Why It Matters:
The latest Autopilot updates are tailored for large-scale deployments, making it easier to manage thousands of devices while ensuring they stay secure and up-to-date. With better visibility into the onboarding process and a stronger focus on error resilience, IT departments can spend less time troubleshooting and more time focusing on strategic tasks.
For government bodies and enterprises that require strict security and compliance, these features are a blessing. The ability to deploy devices into secure environments like GCC High and DoD clouds without extra steps means faster, more efficient rollouts.
What’s the Catch?
While the updates bring a lot of improvements, it’s worth noting that device setup may still take some time, especially with larger batches. But overall, these enhancements mean fewer bumps along the way, less downtime, and a more intuitive deployment process.
Final Thoughts:
This Autopilot update is all about saving time, reducing errors, and providing greater control for IT admins working with large or highly secure environments. If you’re an IT admin in government or enterprise, these changes are worth exploring. Not only will they improve how you manage devices, but they’ll also give you more confidence in the deployment process from start to finish.
For more details, check out the full announcement here.
Welcome
Welcome everyone to the first blog of modern-managed.com! This site has been a long time in the making, having purchased the domain over a year ago, I finally decided that I needed to sit down and write some content for it.
This site will replicate some of the work I did on my own company Cloudable in the blog section, but I wanted to separate out the blog from my commercial consultancy.
Over the coming weeks, months and years, I plan to add lots of helpful content from some co-workers and I that you will hopefully find useful. I will also import all the old articles from the cloudable blog.
