How to Access and Use the Microsoft Intune Admin Center

Managing devices and applications in today’s hybrid work environment requires robust tools, and Microsoft Intune stands out as a powerful solution. Whether you’re an IT administrator or a business owner, understanding how to access and use the Intune Admin Center is key to streamlining endpoint management. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through accessing the Intune Admin Portal, explore its features, and dive into the history of its name changes—culminating in its current identity and URL: https://intune.microsoft.com

To get started with the Intune Admin Center, follow these simple steps:

1. Open a Supported Browser: Use a modern browser like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Firefox. Ensure it’s updated to the latest version for the best experience.
2. Navigate to the URL: Enter https://intune.microsoft.com/ in your browser’s address bar. This is the official, current URL for the Intune Admin Portal, updated as of early 2023.
3. Sign In: Use your Microsoft 365 or Azure Active Directory credentials. You’ll need an account with appropriate permissions, such as Global Administrator or Intune Administrator, to access the full suite of tools. If prompted, complete multi-factor authentication (MFA)—a requirement enforced since October 15, 2024, for added security.
4. Landing Page: Once signed in, you’ll arrive at the Intune Admin Center dashboard, your central hub for managing devices, apps, and policies.

If you’re using a trial or setting up Intune for the first time, visit the Intune signup page, sign in with an existing work/school account, or create a new one to add Intune to your subscription.

Using the Intune Admin Center

The Intune Admin Center is designed to simplify endpoint management. Here’s a quick rundown of its core functionalities:

• Devices: Enroll and manage devices (Windows, iOS, Android, macOS) under “Devices > All Devices.” Configure policies, monitor compliance, and even rename devices.
• Apps: Add, assign, and deploy applications to users or devices via “Apps > All Apps.” This includes Microsoft 365 apps and custom software.
• Users and Groups: Manage user accounts and security groups under “Users” and “Groups” to assign permissions and policies efficiently.
• Reports: Access detailed insights on device health, compliance, and app usage under “Reports.”
• Tenant Administration: Customize settings, roles, and branding (e.g., company logo) in “Tenant Administration.”

The interface is intuitive, with a navigation pane on the left guiding you through these options. Whether you’re setting up Wi-Fi profiles, enforcing security policies, or troubleshooting enrollment issues, the Intune Admin tools are all accessible from this portal.

History of Name Changes: From Old to New

The Intune Admin Center has undergone several name and platform shifts, reflecting Microsoft’s evolving vision for endpoint management. Here’s the timeline:

• Windows Intune (2011): Launched in April 2010 as “Windows Intune,” it was a cloud-based service focused on PC management, accessible via a Silverlight-based console. This early version was limited and clunky due to its dependency on Silverlight.
• Microsoft Intune (2014): On October 8, 2014, Microsoft expanded the service to support multiple platforms (iOS, Android) and rebranded it as “Microsoft Intune.” Management shifted to the Azure Portal, integrating Intune workflows into Azure’s interface.
• Microsoft Endpoint Manager (2019–2022): In November 2019, Microsoft unified Intune with Configuration Manager under the “Microsoft Endpoint Manager” (MEM) brand, aiming to streamline device and app management. The admin portal was briefly hosted at https://endpoint.microsoft.com/, separating it from the Azure Portal. However, many IT pros continued calling it “Intune” informally.
• Back to Microsoft Intune (2022): On October 12, 2022, at Microsoft Ignite, the company announced the retirement of the Endpoint Manager brand, reverting to “Microsoft Intune.” This shift acknowledged the community’s preference and clarified its identity as a standalone product.
• Intune Admin Center Official URL (2023): By February 25, 2023, the admin portal was officially renamed the “Microsoft Intune Admin Center,” with its new URL https://intune.microsoft.com/ solidifying this change. The old https://endpoint.microsoft.com/ still redirects but is no longer the primary address.

This evolution—from a Silverlight console to an Azure-integrated portal, then a unified Endpoint Manager, and back to Intune—highlights Microsoft’s efforts to refine its management tools while aligning with user sentiment.

Why does the Intune Admin Center matter?

For Intune Admin users, the current Intune Admin Center at https://intune.microsoft.com/ offers a streamlined, cloud-native experience. The name reversion to “Microsoft Intune” in 2022 and the URL update in 2023 make it easier to identify and access, cutting through the confusion of past branding. Whether you’re managing a fleet of corporate devices or supporting BYOD policies, this portal is your go-to for efficient administration.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the Intune Admin Center starts with knowing how to access it and understanding its capabilities. With its history of name changes behind it, the Intune Admin Portal is now firmly rooted at https://intune.microsoft.com/, offering a clear path for IT teams to manage modern workplaces. Dive in, explore its features, and take control of your organization’s endpoints today!