397886 – Microsoft Intune: Device clean up rule

Product:

Intune

Platform:

Android, iOS, Mac, US Instances, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

This enables IT admins to clean up inactive devices from their tenant by providing capabilities of running these rules at a platform level.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview

Created:
2024-06-11

updated:
2025-08-19

Public Preview Start Date

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Device Management Disruption
If the cleanup rules are implemented without proper preparation, active devices may be mistakenly identified as inactive and removed, leading to disruption in device management and access to corporate resources.
   - roles: IT Admin, End User
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/intune-customer-success/announcing-intune-device-cleanup-rules/ba-p/3651230

User Experience Degradation
Users may experience sudden loss of access to applications and data if their devices are incorrectly cleaned up, resulting in frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End User, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2021/06/24/announcing-microsoft-intune-device-cleanup-rules/

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Imagine your office as a large library. Over time, people come and go, leaving behind books they no longer need. Some books are still in use, while others gather dust on the shelves. In this analogy, the books represent the devices that connect to your company's network. Just like a librarian needs to keep the library organized and up-to-date, IT administrators need to manage the devices within their organization.

Microsoft Intune is like a digital librarian for your company's devices. It helps IT admins keep track of all the devices that access company resources, ensuring they are secure and compliant with company policies. However, over time, some devices may become inactive, much like books that are no longer checked out or read. These inactive devices can clutter the system, making it harder to manage the active ones.

The device clean-up rule in Microsoft Intune is a tool that helps IT admins tidy up their "library" by automatically identifying and removing these inactive devices. This process is similar to a librarian running a routine check to remove outdated or unused books from the shelves, making space for new ones and ensuring the library remains organized and efficient.

By implementing these clean-up rules at a platform level, IT admins can streamline their management tasks, focusing on devices that are actively used and need attention. This ensures that the company's digital environment remains secure and efficient, much like a well-maintained library that provides a pleasant experience for its visitors.