Microsoft Intune’s July 2024 updates: Boosting efficiency and security with Copilot-assisted device queries and more

Microsoft Intune continues to evolve, offering new features that streamline IT administration and enhance user experience. This month’s July 2024 updates focus on improving productivity, simplifying device management, and strengthening security measures.

Microsoft Copilot-assisted device queries

Intune now leverages Microsoft Copilot to help administrators create Kusto Query Language (KQL) queries for device information. This feature, currently in public preview, allows IT professionals to input natural language questions about device data. Copilot then generates the appropriate KQL string, which can be used in Intune Advanced Analytics to retrieve the desired information. This advancement significantly reduces the learning curve for KQL, enabling admins of all skill levels to access critical device data more efficiently.

On-demand macOS app installation

Responding to user feedback, Intune has introduced a new option for macOS device management. Users can now download unmanaged applications (in PKG and DMG formats) on-demand through the Intune Company Portal app. This feature adds an “available” assignment type alongside the existing “required” type, eliminating the need for complex line-of-business app workflows or third-party tools for optional app deployment. This update saves time for both administrators and users, addressing a long-standing request from Mac device administrators.

Windows 365 Cloud PC security baselines

Microsoft has released the first update to the Windows 365 security baseline, offering a streamlined approach to implementing recommended security settings. This update brings several improvements:

• Faster deployment of baseline version updates.
• Improved user interface and reporting experience.
• More consistent naming across the Intune portal.
• Elimination of setting “tattooing.”
• Support for assignment filters in profiles.

While these baselines can be customized to meet specific organizational needs, it’s important to note that any existing customizations from the previous baseline will need to be manually updated.

These enhancements demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to continually improving Intune, focusing on user-friendly features that save time and bolster security. As always, Microsoft encourages user feedback to guide future developments in the ecosystem.