How to migrate Windows devices from another MDM to Hexnode?

Before undertaking a Windows migration, it is important to have proper planning. This guide will walk you through the detailed procedures involved in moving your Windows devices from your legacy provider to Hexnode UEM.

Migration Steps

To be successful in migrating your devices, follow these core steps:

1. Backup: Remove assets from the current MDM and back up required data.
2. Provision: Create a provisioning package file (for enrolling Windows devices in bulk).
3. Sync Users: Sync users from directory services to Hexnode UEM.
4. SCCM: Migrate devices from Microsoft’s System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).
5. Disenroll: Remove devices from the current MDM.
6. Enroll: Onboard devices into Hexnode UEM.

Step 1: Remove Assets and Backup Data

To disconnect your devices from the current MDM, you may have to wipe them. Therefore, it is recommended to back up all required data prior to the device wipe.

• Action: Before removing management profiles, download essential device and user details from your current MDM to assist with the transition.

Step 2: Create a Provisioning Package File

Create a .ppkg file using Windows Configuration Designer to enable the large-scale roll-out of Windows devices.

• Download and install the Windows Configuration Designer on a Windows 10/11 device.
• Create a new project and select the “Provisioning package” workflow.
• Customize the package with enrollment details (Server URL, Username) and the secret key from your Hexnode UEM portal.
• Build the provisioning package.

Step 3: Sync Users from Directory Services

You can sync users from various directory services directly to the MDM console. Unbind your current MDM vendor and configure Hexnode UEM with:

• Active Directory: Configure Active Directory settings under the admin tab.
• Microsoft Entra ID: Configure Microsoft Entra ID settings under the admin tab to sync users.
• Google Workspace: Configure Google Workspace settings to sync users and groups.

Step 4: Migrate Devices from SCCM

Unbind your current MDM from SCCM and integrate Hexnode UEM to sync devices directly.

• Download and install the Hexnode SCCM Agent app on the SCCM server.
• Provide the Site Code and Hexnode Portal Name.
• For direct enrollment, download the Hexnode UEM app for Windows 10 (v1709+)/11 devices.
• Deploy the application. On deploying the application, Windows devices from the SCCM server will automatically sync with your Hexnode console.

Step 5: Disenroll Devices from Current MDM

Disenroll all your devices from the current MDM. This can be done in two ways:

• Remote: Perform a disenroll action from the current MDM console.
• Manual: Manually remove the management profile from the device settings.

Step 6: Enroll Devices into Hexnode UEM

Use any of the following methods to complete your windows mdm migration:

PPKG Enrollment

Use the enrollment package created in Step-2 to bulk-enroll devices. To apply the package for a device:

• Tap on “Add a package” in the device settings.
• Select the package from the removable media containing the .ppkg file.
• The device gets enrolled immediately.

Bulk Enrollment with CSV Import

Use the device details downloaded in Step-1.

• Bulk User Import: Send enrollment instructions to users in bulk via email by uploading user details as a CSV file.
• Pre-Approved Enrollment: Bulk import a list of devices based on their serial numbers via CSV. You can proactively assign policies that take effect immediately upon enrollment.

Self-Enrollment

Provide either the user’s AD credentials, or email and password set in the portal to get the device enrolled.

Open Enrollment

Allow users to enroll without authentication using only their email ID and Server URL.

Email/SMS Enrollment

Users can enroll their devices with the server address, username, and password received via email or SMS