How to Add an EXE App to Intune and Deploy to Windows

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of converting a Win32 .exe application into a deployable .intunewin package using the Win32 Content Prep Tool. This is essential for deploying applications through Microsoft Intune, as .exe files cannot be deployed directly. By following these steps, you will be able to successfully add an application to Intune and make it available for your Windows clients.

Step 1: Download the Necessary Tools

Before you can convert your .exe application, you need to download the required tools.

• Download the Win32 Content Prep Tool from the official Microsoft link: Win32 Content Prep Tool.
• Optionally, download 7Zip for file compression if needed: 7Zip.

Step 2: Prepare Your .exe Application for Conversion

You need to organize the files needed for the conversion process.

• Create a new folder on your computer.
• Place the .exe application file in this folder.
• If your application requires additional files (like configuration files), ensure they are also in this folder.

Step 3: Convert the .exe Application to .intunewin

Now that you have your application ready, use the Win32 Content Prep Tool to convert it.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Navigate to the folder where the Win32 Content Prep Tool is located.

3. Run the following command:

   IntuneWinAppUtil.exe -c <source_folder> -s <setup_file.exe> -o <output_folder>
   

   Replace <source_folder> with the path to your folder containing the .exe file, <setup_file.exe> with the name of your .exe file, and <output_folder> with the path where you want to save the .intunewin file.

4. After running the command, check the output folder for the newly created .intunewin file.

Step 4: Add the .intunewin Application to Intune

With your .intunewin package ready, you can now add it to Microsoft Intune.

1. Log in to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
2. Navigate to Apps > All apps > Add.
3. In the App type dropdown, select Windows app (Win32).
4. Upload the .intunewin file you created.
5. Fill in the required information such as app name, description, and publisher.

Step 5: Configure Application Installation Settings

After adding the app, you need to configure installation settings.

1. Define the Install command. This is typically the name of your .exe file.
2. Specify the Uninstall command, if applicable.
3. Set the Detection rules to check if the application is installed correctly. This could be based on a registry key or file existence.
4. Assign the app to user groups or devices as needed.

Step 6: Test the Application Installation

To ensure the application deploys successfully:

1. Log in to a Windows client that is part of the assigned group.
2. Open the Company Portal app.
3. Locate the newly added application and click Install.
4. Verify that the application installs without errors.

Conclusion

You have successfully converted a Win32 .exe application into a .intunewin package and deployed it through Microsoft Intune. Remember to test the installation on client devices to ensure everything is functioning as expected. If you encounter any issues, double-check your installation commands and detection rules. This process streamlines application management in your organization, allowing for efficient deployment and updates.