Intune Device Categories: Complete Configuration Guide

Device categories in Microsoft Intune allow you to automatically organize devices into groups based on categories you create. When users select a category for their device, Intune automatically adds the device to the corresponding dynamic device group, simplifying device management and organization.

Understanding Device Categories

Device categories in Intune enable you to create categories such as "Sales", "Accounting", or "HR", and Intune automatically adds all devices that fall within that category to the corresponding device group. This feature uses Microsoft Entra dynamic groups to automatically organize devices.

Key Benefits

• Automatic Organization: Devices automatically added to groups
• Simplified Management: Easier device organization
• Dynamic Grouping: Uses Microsoft Entra dynamic groups
• User Selection: Users can select categories during enrollment
• Flexible Categories: Create categories for any purpose

For an overview, see Categorize devices into groups.

Prerequisites

Requirements

• Platforms: Available for Android, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, and Windows
• Permissions: Intune Administrator role required
• Microsoft Entra Groups: Dynamic device groups needed
• Company Portal: Users access categories via Company Portal

Before You Begin

Decide if you want to show the device category selection prompt to end users:

• Show: Users select category during enrollment
• Block: Hide prompt in Company Portal customization

If blocking, configure Company Portal customization first.

Creating Device Categories

Step 1: Create Category in Intune

1. Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center
2. Navigate to Devices > Manage devices > Device categories
3. Select Create
4. Enter Name (e.g., "HR", "Sales", "Accounting")
5. Enter optional Description
6. Select Next

Step 2: Assign Scope Tags

1. Optionally assign scope tags
2. Select Next

Step 3: Review and Create

1. Review settings
2. Select Create

Important: Note the category name - you'll use it when creating the Microsoft Entra dynamic group.

For step-by-step guidance, see Step 1: Create device category in Intune.

Creating Microsoft Entra Dynamic Groups

Step 1: Create Dynamic Device Group

1. In Microsoft Entra admin center, create new group
2. Select Dynamic Device membership type
3. Select Add dynamic query

Step 2: Configure Membership Rule

Use the deviceCategory attribute with the category name:

Rule Syntax:

device.deviceCategory -eq "HR"

Example Rules:

• device.deviceCategory -eq "Sales"
• device.deviceCategory -eq "Accounting"
• device.deviceCategory -eq "Marketing"

For guidance, see Using attributes to create advanced rules.

Step 3: Save Group

1. Review membership rule
2. Save the dynamic group
3. Devices matching category automatically join group

User Category Selection

Company Portal Website

Users can select categories on:

• Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, and Android devices

Steps:

1. Navigate to Company Portal website
2. Go to Devices page
3. Select device
4. Select Category is unknown. Tap to select now
5. Choose category from list
6. Select Select

Company Portal App (Windows)

Steps:

1. Open Company Portal app
2. On Choose the best category for this device page
3. Select category from list
4. Select Done

Note: Users can't change category after selection. Only admins can change device categories.

Viewing Device Categories

In Intune Admin Center

1. Navigate to Devices > All devices
2. Select Columns
3. Choose Category
4. Select Apply
5. Device category column displays category for each device

Unassigned Devices

When a category is deleted:

• Devices assigned to it show as Unassigned
• Admins can reassign devices to new categories

Best Practices

1. Plan Categories

• Define categories before creating
• Use meaningful names
• Consider organizational structure
• Document category purposes

2. Create Dynamic Groups

• Create groups for each category
• Use consistent naming
• Verify membership rules
• Test group membership

3. User Communication

• Explain category purpose
• Guide users on selection
• Provide category descriptions
• Document selection process

4. Monitor Categories

• Review category usage
• Check group membership
• Verify device assignments
• Adjust as needed

5. Company Portal Configuration

• Configure category prompt visibility
• Show or hide based on needs
• Test user experience
• Document configuration

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Devices Not Joining Groups

   • Verify dynamic group rule
   • Check category name matches
   • Review group membership
   • Wait for sync (can take time)

2. Category Not Available

   • Verify category is created
   • Check Company Portal configuration
   • Review user permissions
   • Test category selection

3. Group Membership Delays

   • Dynamic groups can take time to update
   • Wait for Microsoft Entra sync
   • Check group membership rules
   • Verify device category assignment

Additional Resources

• Categorize devices into groups
• Use groups to organize users and devices for Microsoft Intune
• Device groups and Microsoft Intune categories in Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Conclusion

Device categories provide an efficient way to automatically organize devices into groups. By following these best practices:

✅ Plan categories before creating
✅ Create corresponding dynamic groups
✅ Communicate with users
✅ Monitor category usage
✅ Configure Company Portal appropriately

You can simplify device organization and management while enabling automatic grouping based on user-selected categories.

Remember: Device categories require both Intune categories and Microsoft Entra dynamic device groups. Users can select categories during enrollment, and devices are automatically added to corresponding groups based on the selected category.