# Simplifying Enterprise Application Delivery: Hexnode’s Approach to Deploying Win32 apps Overview --------- Microsoft Intune has the concept of Win32 app packaging to enable deployment of traditional Windows applications using a unified deployment model. This model combines installers, scripts, detection logic, and dependency handling into a single operational unit, commonly distributed as an .intunewin package. Hexnode approaches the same deployment challenges using a [**configuration driven enterprise app model**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/deploy-windows-exe-apps-using-hexnode-uem/) for Windows, where application logic is defined directly during app configuration rather than embedded into a wrapped package. This document maps Intune’s Win32 app concepts to Hexnode’s Windows enterprise app capabilities, helping administrators understand how equivalent deployment outcomes can be achieved without a dedicated wrapping tool. Understanding the Intune Win32 App Model ----------------------------------------- An Intune Win32 app consists of: - An installer payload (EXE, MSI, or scripts) - Optional pre or post execution logic - Detection logic to confirm installation state - Dependency relationships between applications - Installation behavior controls such as context, retries, and restarts The Win32 Content Prep Tool packages these components into a single *.intunewin* file so Intune can deliver and execute them via the Intune Management Extension. Hexnode’s Windows Enterprise App Deployment Model -------------------------------------------------- Hexnode enables deployment of Windows enterprise applications by allowing administrators to associate **[scripts](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/deploy-scripts-to-automate-app-deployment-on-windows-devices/), installers, and execution logic directly with the application configuration.** [![Preparation of Windows Enterprise applications](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Windows-Enterprise-App-preparation.png "Windows Enterprise App preparation")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Windows-Enterprise-App-preparation.png) Instead of embedding logic into a packaged container, Hexnode separates concerns: - Application content is uploaded as-is - Execution logic is defined declaratively - Validation and auditing are handled through scripts - Installation behavior is controlled through configurable parameters This model removes the need for an offline packaging or wrapping workflow while still supporting complex enterprise deployment scenarios. Conceptual Mapping: Intune Win32 Apps vs Hexnode Windows Enterprise Apps ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Application Packaging Intune Win32 AppsHexnodeRequires conversion of app source files into *.intunewin*No proprietary packaging format is requiredUses a command line content prep toolInstallers and scripts are uploaded directlyLogic and content are tightly coupled inside the packageDeployment logic is configured within the platform**Key takeaway**: No command-line wrapping tool required. Application logic is defined at configuration time rather than embedded into a package. ### Installer Execution IntuneHexnodeInstaller commands are defined during Win32 app configurationInstaller execution is defined as part of the enterprise app configurationExecution is triggered by the Intune Management ExtensionSupports EXE based application deployment with controlled executionBoth platforms ultimately execute native installers on the device. The difference lies in *where* that execution logic is authored. ### Pre-install and Post-install Logic **Intune** Pre and post logic is typically embedded using scripts referenced by the install command or included in the package **Hexnode** - **Pre-install** and **post-install scripts** are explicitly defined as part of the app configuration - Scripts execute in sequence around the installer This makes deployment flow visible and adjustable without rebuilding application packages. ### Detection and Validation IntuneHexnodeDetection rules or scripts determine whether the application is installed**Audit scripts** evaluate installation state and system conditionsDetection governs retries, compliance, and reportingAudit results provide validation and visibility into deployment outcomesBoth approaches rely on script-based evaluation rather than installer return codes alone. ### Dependencies and Conditional Execution IntuneHexnodeDependencies are defined between Win32 appsConditional logic can be implemented using **pre-install** or **audit scripts**Applications install in a required sequence based on dependency rulesScript based checks can control whether installation proceedsWhile Intune models dependencies as a formal relationship, Hexnode enables equivalent outcomes through script driven validation and sequencing. ### Installation Behavior and Controls IntuneHexnodeInstallation context, restart behavior, and retries are defined per Win32 app[Installation settings](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/deploy-windows-exe-apps-using-hexnode-uem/#configure-exe-app-installation-settings) provide control over execution behaviorChanges often require repackaging or reconfigurationAdditional parameters can be adjusted without modifying the installer payloadThis supports faster iteration when deployment behavior needs refinement. Architectural Difference, Not Capability Loss ---------------------------------------------- Intune encapsulates application logic inside a wrapped package. Hexnode externalizes application logic into configuration and scripts. Both models: - Execute native Windows installers - Support pre and post execution logic - Validate installation success - Enable controlled enterprise scale deployment Hexnode’s approach avoids the operational overhead of maintaining a packaging pipeline while preserving functional parity for most Windows enterprise application use cases. Summary for Migration Planning ------------------------------- When migrating from Intune Win32 apps to Hexnode: - The *.intunewin* file is replaced by direct installer uploads - Detection rules map to audit scripts - Embedded scripts map to pre and post install scripts - Dependencies are handled through conditional execution logic - Installation behavior is controlled through configurable settings The result is the same deployment outcome, achieved through a different architectural approach.