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Getting started with Windows device management
To get started with windows device management, organizations require a robust Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution. Hexnode UEM provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to manage personal computers and mobile devices running Microsoft’s Windows operating system. This guide outlines the core lifecycle of Windows management: enrollment, configuration, security, and maintenance.
Device Enrollment and Onboarding
The first step in Windows management is onboarding endpoints into the ecosystem.
- Compatibility: Supports PCs running Windows 10/11.
- Enrollment Methods: Hexnode offers multiple enrollment pathways (Over-the-air, Agent-based, etc.) to suit different deployment scales.
- MDM Profile Security: Administrators can make the MDM profile non-removable. This prevents users from uninstalling the management profile without admin permission, ensuring persistent control.
App Management and Compliance
Efficiently manage, distribute, and restrict applications to ensure productivity and compliance.
- Silent Installation: Deploy store apps directly to devices without user intervention.
- Compliance Monitoring:
- Blocklisting: Identify and block unauthorized apps.
- Allowlisting: Restrict device access to only a specific set of approved apps.
- Non-Compliance Actions: Automatically flag devices as “non-compliant” if blocklisted apps are detected.
Kiosk Mode Configurations
For purpose-specific devices, Hexnode UEM offers robust Kiosk modes:
- Single App Kiosk: Locks the endpoint to a single application. Ideal for digital signage or public-facing terminals.
- Multi-App Kiosk: Restricts the device to a specific set of work-critical applications, blocking access to all other software and system settings.
Security and Access Control
Security is a primary pillar when you get started with windows device management.
- BitLocker Encryption: Remotely perform full disk encryption to protect data at rest.
- Hexnode Access: Integrate with Okta, Microsoft Entra ID or Google Workspace. This allows users to log in using their cloud-based identity provider credentials.
- SCEP Configuration: Automate certificate-based authentication via Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP) to secure Wi-Fi, VPN, and Email access.
- External Media Management: Control or block access to USB drives and external storage to prevent data leakage.
Network and Threat Defense
Secure communication channels and harden the OS against external threats.
- Network Settings: remotely configure Wi-Fi, VPN, Email, and Exchange ActiveSync profiles.
- Windows Defender Management:
- Apply real-time malware protection policies.
- Application Guard: Configure isolated browsing environments for non-trusted sites to prevent web-based attacks.
Patch Management
Ensure system reliability and health by establishing an optimal strategy for system update deployment.
- Windows Updates end-user experience: Configure end user update experience by managing settings for update installation, reboot behavior, and user notifications.
- WSUS Integration: Configure Windows Server Update Services to control the distribution of Microsoft updates within the network.
- Update Preferences: Customize installation times, reboot behavior, and user notifications.
Customization
Enhance visual brand identity.
- Screensavers: Deploy branded screensavers for visual consistency across inactive devices.
- Browser Management: Configure Chrome extensions and settings (e.g., ad blocking, password managers).
Automations
Automation capabilities to reduce manual administrative effort and ensure consistent policy enforcement.
Automated Device Management Tasks
Administrators can configure Automation Rules to execute specific actions based on device events or schedules.
- Triggers: Automations can be initiated by events such as Device Enrollment, Compliance Violation, or on a recurring Schedule (Daily/Weekly/Monthly).
- Actions:
- Security Actions: Automatically lock, wipe, or disenroll devices that fail compliance checks.
- Configuration: Automatically push Wi-Fi profiles, email configurations, or specific app groups when a device enters a Dynamic Group.
- File Management: Deploy or remove scripts and files to specific directories on Windows endpoints without manual intervention.
Automated Patch Management
Securing Windows devices against vulnerabilities requires timely updates. Hexnode’s Automated Patch Management streamlines this process:
- Criteria-Based Deployment: Create automation policies that deploy updates based on specific criteria, such as Severity (Critical, Important), Classification (Security Updates, Feature Packs), or KB Number.
- Maintenance Windows: Define specific Active Hours or maintenance windows to ensure updates and reboots only occur during non-productive hours, minimizing user disruption.
- Approval Workflows: Automatically approve and deploy low-risk updates while requiring manual review for major Feature Updates.
Troubleshooting Windows Device Management
When managing a fleet of Windows devices, administrators may encounter connectivity or policy conflicts. Below are standard troubleshooting steps utilizing Hexnode features.
| Issue | Potential Cause | Troubleshooting Step |
|---|---|---|
| Device not syncing | Network issues or firewall blocking MDM ports. | Verify Wi-Fi configuration and ensure necessary ports are open. Manually sync from the Hexnode agent app. |
| Kiosk Mode stuck | Policy conflict or app update pending. | Use Unattended Remote Access to view the screen and reboot the device remotely. Hexnode supports Unattended Remote Access to Windows devices even when the user is not present. This allows admins to diagnose and fix issues directly on the endpoint. Re-associate the Kiosk policy. |
| User removed MDM | Removal restriction not enabled. | Ensure the “Prevent MDM Removal” configuration is applied in the policy settings. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which Windows operating system versions are supported for device management on Hexnode?
A: Hexnode UEM supports advanced management features primarily for PCs and mobile devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Q: Is it possible to prevent the unauthorized removal of the MDM profile from a device?
A: Yes. The management profile can be configured as “non-removable” within the policy settings. This security measure restricts the ability to delete the profile, requiring administrator credentials to perform an unenrollment.
Q: What is the primary difference between Single App and Multi-App Kiosk modes?
A: Single App Kiosk mode locks the device to a solitary application, making it ideal for dedicated self-service stations. Multi-App Kiosk mode restricts the environment but allows access to a specific list of approved applications, suitable for task-based workforce devices.
Q: How are Windows Updates managed and scheduled through the platform?
A: Windows Updates are managed through a combination of Policies and Automations:
- Automated Patch Management: Admins can set up rules to automatically scan, approve, and deploy updates based on severity or classification (e.g., “Auto-install all Critical Security Updates”).
- Update Policies: Windows Update Preferences allow you to configure “Active Hours” to prevent reboots during work time and defer Feature Updates to ensure stability.
- WSUS Integration: For granular control, devices can be configured to point to an internal Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server for approved update distribution.
