As organizations increasingly adopt cloud-based endpoint management, Microsoft Intune remains a cornerstone for securing and managing devices across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android platforms. With 2026 bringing enhancements like expanded Intune Suite features (including Remote Help, Advanced Analytics, Endpoint Privilege Management, Enterprise App Management, and Cloud PKI now integrated into Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plans), Security Copilot agents in general availability, Intel vPro integration, tighter Apple AI controls, and Android Strong Integrity enforcement, interview questions are evolving to test deeper knowledge.
This comprehensive guide provides advanced Microsoft Intune interview questions and answers for 2026, focusing on scenario-based, troubleshooting, architecture, and emerging features. Ideal for L2/L3 engineers, architects, and MDM specialists preparing for roles in modern endpoint management. Whether you’re interviewing for enterprise production environments or seeking to upskill, these questions reflect real-world challenges.
1. Explain the Microsoft Intune Architecture in Detail, Including 2026 Updates
Question Context: Interviewers test your understanding of Intune’s cloud-native design and integrations.
Answer: Microsoft Intune’s architecture is built on Azure Active Directory (Azure AD, now Microsoft Entra ID) for identity management, with the Intune service hosted in Azure. Key components include the Intune Admin Center (endpoint.microsoft.com), device enrollment services (e.g., via MDM protocols like Apple DEP/APNs, Android EMM, Windows Autopilot), policy engines for compliance and configuration, and integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Data flows through secure HTTPS channels, with Graph API enabling custom automation.
In 2026, updates include expanded access to Intune Suite features for E3/E5 subscribers, such as Cloud PKI for certificate management without on-premises CAs, and enhanced Security Copilot agents for AI-driven threat response. For hybrid setups, co-management with Configuration Manager (SCCM) allows workload shifting, with Intune handling cloud policies while SCCM manages on-premises tasks. Always emphasize scalability: Intune supports up to 500,000 devices per tenant with geo-redundancy.
2. What Are the Key Differences Between MDM and MAM in Intune, and When Would You Recommend MAM-Only?
Question Context: This assesses your grasp of device vs. app-centric management, crucial for BYOD scenarios.
Answer: MDM (Mobile Device Management) provides full device control, including enrollment, hardware inventory, remote wipe, and OS-level policies (e.g., passcode enforcement). MAM (Mobile Application Management) focuses on app-specific protections like data encryption, selective wipe, and app configuration without enrolling the entire device.
Recommend MAM-only for BYOD or privacy-sensitive environments where users resist full device oversight. For example, in a finance firm, use MAM to protect Office 365 apps on personal iOS devices via App Protection Policies, ensuring corporate data isolation without touching personal apps. In 2026, MAM integrates tighter with Apple AI controls to prevent data leakage in AI-assisted apps.
3. Describe Intune Enrollment Types with Real-World Use Cases, Including 2026 Enhancements
Question Context: Enrollment is foundational; advanced questions probe hybrid and automated methods.
Answer: Intune supports multiple enrollment types:
- User-Driven Enrollment: Manual via Company Portal app (e.g., for personal Android devices).
- Automated Enrollment: Windows Autopilot for zero-touch provisioning, Apple ADE (Automated Device Enrollment) for iOS/macOS, Android Dedicated/COBO for kiosks.
- Bulk Enrollment: Using tokens or profiles for large-scale deployments.
Use cases: In a retail chain, deploy Android Dedicated devices for point-of-sale with Strong Integrity enforcement (new in 2026) to ensure tamper-proof OS. For corporate Windows laptops, use Hybrid Azure AD Join with Autopilot for seamless co-management. 2026 enhancements include pause/resume for updates via Security Copilot, reducing downtime during enrollments.
4. How Do You Integrate Intune Compliance Policies with Conditional Access, and Troubleshoot Failures?
Question Context: Security integration is key; expect scenario-based troubleshooting.
Answer: Compliance policies define device health requirements (e.g., jailbreak detection, OS version). These feed into Azure AD Conditional Access policies to block access to resources like Exchange Online if non-compliant.
Troubleshooting: Check the Intune troubleshooter blade for errors (e.g., APNs certificate expiry on iOS). Use device logs (Intune > Devices > Device compliance) or Graph API queries. Common issues: Network blocks on enrollment ports (TCP 443), mismatched user licenses, or policy conflicts. In 2026, leverage Advanced Analytics for predictive compliance insights and Intel vPro for hardware-level attestation.
5. Explain Co-Management Between Intune and SCCM, Including Workload Shifting Strategies
Question Context: Hybrid environments are common; this tests migration knowledge.
Answer: Co-management allows devices to be managed by both Intune (cloud) and SCCM (on-premises), using Azure AD as the identity bridge. Workloads (e.g., apps, updates, endpoint protection) can shift from SCCM to Intune gradually.
Strategy: Start with pilot groups, shift client apps and compliance first, then updates. Use Cloud Management Gateway (CMG) for internet-based clients. Benefits: Retain SCCM reporting while gaining Intune’s mobility. In 2026, enhanced integrations include Endpoint Privilege Management for just-in-time admin rights, reducing over-privileging risks.
6. How Would You Design an Enterprise App Management Strategy in Intune for 2026?
Question Context: App deployment evolves with cloud features; focus on security.
Answer: Use Enterprise App Management (new in Intune Suite 2026) for catalog-based app distribution. Steps: Wrap apps with App Protection Policies, deploy via Required/Available assignments, integrate with Microsoft Store for Business or custom LOB apps. For iOS, use VPP (Volume Purchase Program); for Android, Managed Google Play.
Scenario: In a global firm, segment apps by user groups (e.g., via Dynamic Azure AD groups) and enforce MAM for sensitive data. Monitor with Advanced Analytics for usage patterns, and use Cloud PKI for app signing certificates.
7. Discuss Troubleshooting Intune Enrollment Failures on macOS/iOS Devices
Question Context: Platform-specific issues test hands-on experience.
Answer: Common causes: Invalid APNs certificate, firewall blocks on apple.com domains, or user mismatches. Steps: Verify APNs in Intune > Tenant admin > Apple, check device logs via Console app on macOS, or use Configurator for diagnostics. For ADE, ensure DEP token sync.
2026 Tip: With tighter Apple AI controls, ensure policies don’t conflict with on-device ML features; use Remote Help for live troubleshooting sessions.
8. What Is Endpoint Privilege Management in Intune, and How Does It Enhance Security?
Question Context: Part of 2026 Suite expansions; focuses on least-privilege principles.
Answer: EPM allows standard users to elevate privileges temporarily for specific tasks without full admin rights, reducing attack surfaces. Configure via Intune policies: Define elevation rules, audit usage.
Enhancement: Integrates with Security Copilot for AI-recommended elevations. Use case: Helpdesk elevates for software installs, logged for compliance.
9. How Do You Handle Large-Scale Device Migrations to Intune in 2026?
Question Context: Enterprise-scale questions probe project management.
Answer: Phase approach: Assess current setup (e.g., via Intune Data Warehouse), pilot with co-management, automate with Autopilot/ESP (Enrollment Status Page) for progress tracking. Use Graph API for bulk actions.
2026 Features: Leverage Advanced Analytics for migration predictions and pause/resume updates to minimize disruptions.
10. Explain Integration of Security Copilot with Intune for Threat Management
Question Context: AI-driven security is a 2026 hotspot.
Answer: Security Copilot (GA in 2026) uses AI agents to analyze Intune data, suggest remediations (e.g., quarantine non-compliant devices), and automate responses. Integrate via Microsoft 365 Defender portal.
Scenario: Detect anomalous app behavior on Android, enforce Strong Integrity, and use Copilot for root-cause analysis.
For more in-depth preparation, explore Microsoft Docs or hands-on labs. Stay updated with Intune’s roadmap for features like enhanced multi-tenant management. If you’re hiring or training for Microsoft Intune roles, contact Cloudsoft Solutions for expert guidance.
