# 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](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enroll-windows-laptops-in-hexnode-mdm/) 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**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-make-mdm-profile-non-removable-on-windows-pc/): 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**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-install-apps-in-windows-devices-using-hexnode-mdm/): Deploy store apps directly to devices without user intervention. - **Compliance Monitoring**: - [**Blocklisting**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-blacklist-whitelist-apps-on-windows-devices-using-hexnode-mdm/): 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**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-lock-down-windows-devices-to-a-single-app-kiosk-mode/): Locks the endpoint to a single application. Ideal for digital signage or public-facing terminals. - [**Multi-App Kiosk**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-lock-down-windows-devices-in-multi-app-kiosk-mode-using-hexnode/): 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**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-manage-bitlocker-with-hexnode-mdm/): Remotely perform full disk encryption to protect data at rest. - [**Hexnode Access**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/set-up-hexnode-access-to-allow-login-to-windows-using-idps/): Integrate with **Okta, Microsoft Entra ID** or **Google Workspace**. This allows users to log in using their cloud-based identity provider credentials. - [**SCEP Configuration**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/configure-scep-on-windows-devices/): Automate certificate-based authentication via Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP) to secure Wi-Fi, VPN, and Email access. - [**External Media Management**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-configure-media-management-settings-for-windows-devices/): 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](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wifi-configuration-on-windows-devices-with-mdm/), [VPN](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-configure-vpn-settings-on-your-windows-devices/), [Email](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/configuring-email-in-windows-devices-with-mdm/), and [Exchange ActiveSync](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/active-sync-configuration-for-windows-devices-with-mdm/) profiles. - [**Windows Defender Management**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enable-windows-defender-settings-for-windows-pc-using-hexnode-mdm/): - 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**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/configure-windows-update-end-user-experience/): Configure end user update experience by managing settings for update installation, reboot behavior, and user notifications. - [**WSUS Integration**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-configure-wsus-specific-settings-for-windows-devices/): Configure Windows Server Update Services to control the distribution of Microsoft updates within the network. - [**Update Preferences**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/manage-windows-update-preferences-and-settings/): Customize installation times, reboot behavior, and user notifications. Customization -------------- Enhance visual brand identity. - [**Screensavers**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/configure-screensaver-settings-for-windows-devices/): Deploy branded screensavers for visual consistency across inactive devices. - [**Browser Management**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-configure-browser-settings-on-windows-devices/): 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](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/automate-device-management-tasks/) 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](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/patches-and-updates-deployment/) 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. IssuePotential CauseTroubleshooting StepDevice not syncingNetwork 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 stuckPolicy conflict or app update pending.Use [**Unattended Remote Access**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/allow-unattended-access-to-remotely-view-and-control-devices-with-hexnode-uem/) 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 MDMRemoval restriction not enabled.Ensure the “Prevent MDM Removal” configuration is applied in the policy settings.