Intune Wi-Fi Profiles: Complete Configuration Guide

Wi-Fi profiles in Microsoft Intune enable you to deploy preconfigured wireless network settings to devices, allowing users to connect to your organization's Wi-Fi networks without manually entering network credentials or configuration details.

Understanding Wi-Fi Profiles in Intune

Wi-Fi profiles in Intune assign wireless network settings to users and devices. When you assign a Wi-Fi profile, users get access to your corporate Wi-Fi without having to configure it themselves, improving user experience and reducing support calls.

Key Benefits

• Preconfigured Connections: Users don't need to manually configure Wi-Fi
• Secure Authentication: Support for certificates and enterprise authentication
• Multiple Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android, macOS support
• Automatic Connection: Devices connect automatically when in range
• Consistent Configuration: Standardized Wi-Fi settings across devices

For an overview, see Add and use Wi-Fi settings on your devices in Microsoft Intune.

Prerequisites

Before creating Wi-Fi profiles:

1. Network Information: Know your Wi-Fi network settings (SSID, security type, etc.)
2. Certificates: Configure certificates if using certificate authentication
3. Permissions: Policy and Profile manager role or higher
4. Network Access: Devices need to be able to reach the Wi-Fi network

Supported Platforms

Wi-Fi profiles support the following platforms:

• Android device administrator
• Android Enterprise (including dedicated devices)
• Android (AOSP)
• iOS/iPadOS
• macOS
• Windows 10 and later
• Windows 8.1 and later
• Windows Holographic for Business

For specific versions, see Supported operating systems and browsers in Intune.

Creating Wi-Fi Profiles

Step 1: Access Wi-Fi Profiles

1. Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center
2. Navigate to Devices > Manage devices > Configuration > Create
3. Select platform (Windows, iOS, Android, macOS)
4. Select Templates > Wi-Fi
5. Select Create

Note: For Windows 8.1 and later, you can choose Wi-Fi import to import Wi-Fi settings from an XML file exported from another device.

Step 2: Configure Basics

1. Name: Enter descriptive name (e.g., "WiFi profile for entire company")
2. Description: Optional description
3. Select Next

Step 3: Configure Wi-Fi Settings

Platform-specific settings vary. Common settings include:

Network Information:

• Network name (SSID): Wi-Fi network identifier
• Hidden network: Whether network is hidden
• Security type: WPA2, WPA3, Enterprise, etc.

Authentication:

• Authentication method:
  • Username and password
  • Certificates
  • Derived credentials

Advanced Settings:

• Proxy settings: Configure proxy if needed
• EAP settings: Configure EAP type and settings
• Trusted root certificates: Select certificate profile

For platform-specific settings:

• Windows Wi-Fi settings
• iOS/iPadOS Wi-Fi settings
• Android Enterprise Wi-Fi settings
• macOS Wi-Fi settings

Step 4: Assign and Deploy

1. Assign scope tags (optional)
2. Assign to user or device groups
3. Review and create

For step-by-step guidance, see Add and use Wi-Fi settings on your devices in Microsoft Intune.

Certificate-Based Authentication

Prerequisites

1. Trusted Root Certificate: Deploy root CA certificate
2. User or Device Certificate: Deploy SCEP or PKCS certificate
3. Certificate Profile: Configure certificate profile

Configuration

1. Deploy trusted root certificate profile
2. Deploy user or device certificate profile
3. Create Wi-Fi profile referencing certificate
4. Assign all profiles to same groups

Important:

• Deploy certificates before Wi-Fi profile
• Use device groups for device certificates
• Use user groups for user certificates

For certificate guidance, see Use certificates for authentication in Microsoft Intune.

Best Practices

1. Use Descriptive Names

• Include network name in profile name
• Indicate authentication method
• Specify target groups if applicable

2. Test Before Deployment

• Test with pilot groups first
• Verify connection works
• Test authentication
• Validate user experience

3. Use Certificate Authentication

• Prefer certificates over passwords
• Deploy certificates properly
• Test certificate authentication
• Monitor certificate expiration

4. Configure Appropriate Security

• Use WPA2-Enterprise or WPA3
• Require certificates when possible
• Avoid WEP (deprecated)
• Use strong authentication methods

5. Monitor Wi-Fi Usage

• Review connection logs
• Monitor authentication failures
• Track certificate issues
• Address problems promptly

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Wi-Fi Not Connecting

   • Verify SSID is correct
   • Check security type matches network
   • Review authentication settings
   • Verify certificate deployment

2. Authentication Failures

   • Check certificate validity
   • Verify certificate assignment
   • Review authentication method
   • Test credentials manually

3. Profile Not Applying

   • Verify device enrollment
   • Check profile assignment
   • Review device check-in
   • Check for conflicts

For troubleshooting guidance, see Troubleshooting Wi-Fi device configuration profiles in Microsoft Intune.

Additional Resources

• Add and use Wi-Fi settings on your devices in Microsoft Intune
• Windows Wi-Fi settings
• iOS/iPadOS Wi-Fi settings
• Step 4 - Configure device features and settings to secure devices and access resources

Conclusion

Wi-Fi profiles in Intune provide seamless, preconfigured wireless network access for your organization's devices. By following these best practices:

✅ Use descriptive profile names
✅ Test thoroughly before deployment
✅ Use certificate authentication when possible
✅ Configure appropriate security settings
✅ Monitor Wi-Fi usage and issues

You can provide seamless wireless network access while maintaining security and reducing support overhead.

Remember: Wi-Fi profiles require proper network information and authentication configuration. Always test with pilot groups first and verify certificates are deployed before the Wi-Fi profile for certificate-based authentication.