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Intune Microsoft Store Apps: Complete Deployment Guide

Learn how to deploy and manage Microsoft Store apps in Intune, including UWP apps, Win32 store apps, and automatic app updates.

By Ali Alame•
intunemicrosoft-storestore-appsuwpapp-deploymentwindowsapplication-management

Microsoft Store apps in Intune enable you to browse, deploy, and monitor Microsoft Store applications on Windows devices. The modern Store app deployment provides improved capabilities over legacy methods, including better monitoring, automatic updates, and support for both UWP and Win32 store apps.

Understanding Microsoft Store Apps in Intune

Microsoft Store apps in Intune allow you to deploy Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, desktop apps packaged in MSIX, and Win32 apps from the Microsoft Store. Intune automatically keeps these apps updated when new versions become available.

Key Benefits

  • Automatic Updates: Apps stay current automatically
  • Easy Discovery: Browse and search Store apps within Intune
  • Better Monitoring: Track installation progress and results
  • Win32 Support: Deploy Win32 apps from Store (preview)
  • System and User Context: Support for both installation contexts

For an overview, see Add Microsoft Store Apps to Microsoft Intune.

Prerequisites

Before deploying Microsoft Store apps:

  1. Intune Subscription: Active Microsoft Intune license
  2. Device Requirements:
    • Windows 10/11 devices
    • At least two core processors
    • Intune Management Extension (IME) support
  3. Store Access: Devices need access to Microsoft Store
  4. Permissions: Intune Administrator role

Adding Microsoft Store Apps

Step 1: Access Apps

  1. Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center
  2. Navigate to Apps > All apps > Create
  3. Select Microsoft Store app (new) under Store app
  4. Select Select

Step 2: Search Microsoft Store

  1. Select Search the Microsoft Store app
  2. Enter app name in search bar
  3. Browse search results:
    • Name: App name
    • Publisher: App publisher
    • Type: UWP or Win32
  4. Select the app you want to deploy
  5. Select Select

Note: Some apps may not appear if:

  • App is not available in US region
  • App is paid (not supported)
  • App platform isn't supported

Step 3: Configure App Information

Review and configure app details:

  1. Name: App name (editable)
  2. Description: App description (editable)
  3. Publisher: App publisher (editable)
  4. Installer Type: UWP or Win32 (read-only)
  5. Package Identifier: Store app ID (read-only)
  6. Install behavior:
    • System: Install for all users
    • User: Install for current user
  7. Category: Select app category
  8. Show as featured: Display prominently in Company Portal
  9. Information URL: URL with app information
  10. Privacy URL: App privacy URL (pre-filled)

Select Next.

Step 4: Assign Apps

Configure app assignments:

  1. Required:

    • Apps installed automatically
    • Add device or user groups
    • Configure end user notifications
    • Set installation deadline

  2. Available for enrolled devices:

    • Apps available in Company Portal
    • Add user groups
    • Users can install optionally

  3. Uninstall:

    • Remove app from devices
    • Add groups for uninstallation

Best Practice:

  • Use System context for faster installation to all users
  • Use User context for user-specific installations
  • Test with small groups first

Select Next.

Step 5: Review and Create

  1. Review all settings
  2. Select Create to add the app

For step-by-step guidance, see Add and deploy a Microsoft Store app.

Installation Contexts

System Context

When to Use:

  • Apps needed for all users on device
  • Faster installation for all users
  • Device-specific apps

Requirements:

  • Device must be enrolled
  • App must support system context
  • Assign to device groups

Note: When device is Microsoft Entra registered (not joined), system context must be used.

User Context

When to Use:

  • User-specific apps
  • Per-user installations
  • Apps that don't need system access

Requirements:

  • User must be signed in
  • App must support user context
  • Can assign to user or device groups

App Updates

Microsoft Store apps are automatically kept up to date:

  • UWP Apps: Updated by Store automatically
  • Win32 Store Apps: Updated by Store automatically
  • Update Behavior: Apps stay current with or without Intune assignment

Note: Apps will stay up to date once installed, unless Store policy blocks auto-update.

Supported App Types

Universal Windows Platform (UWP)

  • Traditional UWP apps from Store
  • Support system and user context
  • Automatic updates via Store

Desktop Apps (MSIX)

  • Desktop apps packaged in MSIX format
  • Support system and user context
  • Automatic updates via Store

Win32 Apps (Preview)

  • Win32 apps from Microsoft Store
  • Support system and user context
  • Automatic updates via Store

Best Practices

1. Choose Appropriate Context

  • Use System context for device-wide apps
  • Use User context for user-specific apps
  • Test both contexts if unsure
  • Consider user experience

2. Test Before Deployment

  • Test app installation on pilot devices
  • Verify app functionality
  • Check for compatibility issues
  • Test update behavior

3. Monitor App Status

  • Review installation status regularly
  • Address installation failures
  • Monitor app updates
  • Track user adoption

4. Use Appropriate Assignments

  • Use Required for essential apps
  • Use Available for optional apps
  • Configure installation deadlines
  • Set end user notifications

5. Organize with Categories

  • Assign apps to categories
  • Help users find apps in Company Portal
  • Create custom categories
  • Improve user experience

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  1. Apps Not Installing

    • Verify device enrollment
    • Check Store access
    • Review app requirements
    • Check installation context

  2. Apps Not Appearing in Store

    • Verify app availability in region
    • Check app is free (not paid)
    • Verify app platform support
    • Check Store connectivity

  3. Installation Fails

    • Review installation logs
    • Check device requirements
    • Verify installation context
    • Test app installation manually

For troubleshooting guidance, see Add Microsoft Store Apps to Microsoft Intune.

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Microsoft Store apps in Intune provide an easy way to deploy and manage Store applications. By following these best practices:

✅ Choose appropriate installation context
✅ Test apps before broad deployment
✅ Monitor app installation status
✅ Use appropriate assignment types
✅ Organize apps with categories

You can effectively deploy Store apps while leveraging automatic updates and improved monitoring capabilities.

Remember: Microsoft Store apps are automatically kept up to date by the Store. Once installed, apps will stay current with or without Intune assignment, unless Store policy blocks auto-update.