498896 – Microsoft Intune: Application Control for Business

Product:

Intune

Platform:

US Instances, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Application Control for Business in Intune has built-in controls and XML upload of WDAC policies and now supports targeting Managed Installer to specific groups instead of the entire tenant.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-07-22

updated:
2025-09-03

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**

Application Control Misconfiguration
If the new targeting feature is implemented without proper preparation, it may lead to misconfiguration of application controls, resulting in unauthorized applications being allowed or necessary applications being blocked.
   - roles: IT Administrator, End User
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/intune-customer-success/app-control-for-business-in-intune/ba-p/3651230" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/intune-customer-success/app-control-for-business-in-intune/ba-p/3651230, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/01/10/whats-new-in-intune-january-2023/ " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/01/10/whats-new-in-intune-january-2023/

User Experience Disruption
Changes made without adequate testing may disrupt user experience, causing frustration and decreased productivity if users cannot access essential applications due to misconfigured policies.
   - roles: End User, Help Desk Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/01/10/whats-new-in-intune-january-2023/, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/intune-customer-success/app-control-for-business-in-intune/ba-p/3651230" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/intune-customer-success/app-control-for-business-in-intune/ba-p/3651230

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Intune has introduced a feature called Application Control for Business, which is like having a security guard for your company's software. Imagine your office building: you wouldn't want just anyone to walk in and out without checking if they belong there. Similarly, Application Control ensures that only approved applications can run on your company's devices, keeping unwanted software out.

Previously, these controls were more generalized, like having one security policy for the entire building. Now, with the new update, you can tailor these security measures to specific groups within your organization, much like assigning different access levels to different departments. For example, the finance team might need access to certain financial applications that the marketing team doesn't require.

The update also allows for the upload of XML files, which are like detailed instructions for the security guard, telling them exactly what to look out for. This makes it easier to implement and manage these controls across your devices.

By supporting the targeting of Managed Installer to specific groups, you can ensure that only the necessary applications are installed and managed by trusted personnel. This is akin to having a trusted contractor who knows which equipment is essential for each department and ensures it's properly set up.

Overall, these changes make it easier to manage and secure your organization's applications, providing a more customized and efficient approach to application control.