Using Intune to Install M365 Apps on Hybrid Configured Devices

Question

Hi there,

Our org is currently using a local XML configured by ODT to install Microsoft 365 apps, Visio, Project, etc., and Manage Engine to update the software. However, this approach can sometimes lead to updating issues, such as not updating due to language pack differences or simply users delaying the install.

Before my organization moves to Windows 11 in the near future and goes fully to the cloud, I would like to simplify how we manage M365 app installs and updates. I am considering using Intune as it looks like a tidier way of managing M365 apps. However, I have a few questions before presenting the idea to my superiors:

• Is Intune installation and updating of the software simpler than using a local XML with ODT?
• Will Intune work with hybrid configured devices?
• If I add Project/Visio to the M365 apps configuration in Intune, will it install those apps to every user regardless of whether they have a license or not? Would it only install when the user is in the appropriate license group? Or would I need to create different configurations for Project and Visio and assign them to licensed groups?

Any suggestions or help would be appreciated. :)

Thanks,

C.

Answer 1

• Definitely using M365 Apps in Intune is much more simplier, but you will also need to configure Office policies to get updates after the Office is installed (on-field computers). This can be done by Autopatch or manual Setting Catalog configuration. Update rings of Windows will not cover Office updates.
• Yes, Intune does support hybrid devices and application management to those too. You would need to setup GPO for MDM enrollment and if you use SCCM, do the co-management and workload transfer.
• I believe the installation will happen regardless of licensing. If user does not have Project/Visio, he still will have that binaries installed but cannot use that app (there will be license warning at the start of Visio/ Project).

Hope this helps :)

Answer 2

@Craig Parry,Thanks for posting in Q&A.

I have done some research about your questions, here are some information.

1.Intune provides a streamlined approach for installing and updating Microsoft 365 Apps compared to using a local XML with the ODT.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune/apps/apps-add-office365

2.Intune can work with hybrid configured devices. However, it’s important to note that Microsoft recommends deploying new devices as cloud-native using Microsoft Entra join, and deploying new devices as Microsoft Entra hybrid join devices isn’t recommended.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/autopilot/windows-autopilot-hybrid

3.When you add Project or Visio to the Microsoft 365 (M365) apps configuration in Intune, the apps will be deployed to the devices and be installed even if the user do not have license. However, for the apps to be used, each user must have the appropriate license. Without a license, users won’t be able to use Project or Visio even if the apps are installed on their devices. If you’re deploying apps like Project or Visio, which are typically licensed separately from the Office suite, you might need to use custom configuration with XML data in Intune and assign it to the corresponding user group. This allows more granular control over the installation and uninstallation of these apps without affecting the entire Office suite.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/managed-desktop/operate/project-visio

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-intune/separate-m365-apps-for-enterprise-from-visio-and-project/m-p/3458765

Hope above information can help you.

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