Blocking Installation of Software via Intune

Hi, if you want to block users from installing software and apps once the device is set up, you can do so using Intune without necessarily relying on third-party solutions or purchasing additional licenses, as long as certain requirements are met. One effective solution is to use AppLocker, a built-in Windows tool that allows you to create rules to determine which applications (such as executable files, scripts, MSI files, DLLs, etc.) can run on the device. With Intune, you can create a custom configuration profile that distributes these rules, ensuring that only explicitly authorized applications are executed while unrecognized ones are blocked. However, it is important to note that AppLocker is only available on Windows 10/11 Enterprise or Education. If your devices run Windows Pro, this solution will not be applicable, and you may need to consider upgrading the operating system or looking for an alternative. Another built-in option is to disable the Microsoft Store through Intune policies, preventing users from installing apps directly from the store. Alternatively, you can use Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC), which works similarly to AppLocker by creating a whitelist of allowed applications.

Regarding licensing, Intune is included in Microsoft 365 Enterprise (E3/E5) or Business Premium plans, so additional licensing is generally not required. However, it is crucial to ensure that devices are running a Windows version that supports AppLocker or WDAC.