Microsoft Intune MVP Holiday Reading List 2025

Introduction: why this matters

Intune changes quickly—new Windows management capabilities, evolving Apple enterprise requirements, and expanding security expectations (Zero Trust, compliance frameworks, app control) can easily outpace day-to-day operations. Microsoft’s Intune blog has compiled a 2025 “Essential Intune reading list” featuring MVP-authored content that’s notably hands-on: deployment lessons learned, troubleshooting guidance, and automation approaches you can apply immediately.

What’s new in the reading list (high-level themes)

1) Fast on-ramps for new admins

If you’re training new staff or standardizing onboarding, the list includes beginner-focused resources like “getting started” tips and foundational explainers on why Intune is a strong endpoint management platform.

2) Security & compliance focus (Zero Trust + practical hardening)

Several entries target modern security operations and configuration depth, including:

• Cloud PKI guidance and certificate distribution strategies
• Device-centric Zero Trust implementation using Intune with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
• Advanced Conditional Access scenarios based on field experience
• AppLocker automation techniques and app control guidance
• NIS2-oriented compliance mapping across Microsoft 365, Intune, and Azure
• Mobile Application Management (MAM) setup for iOS/Android (with automation)

3) Windows & Windows 365 operational improvements

The collection highlights newer and sometimes misunderstood areas, such as:

• Windows 11 kiosk multi-app mode configuration and troubleshooting
• Multi-admin approval in Intune and the end-user flow implications
• Windows Backup for Organizations via Intune (useful for refresh/upgrade motions)
• Windows hotpatching deep dive (security updates with fewer reboots)
• OMA-DM, declared configuration, and how policy enforcement really works (including the “8-hour sync” myth)
• Windows 365 Link configuration guidance and best practices
• Emerging Windows 11 admin/elevation model changes (e.g., Administrator protection in 25H2)

4) macOS & Apple ecosystem changes you can’t ignore

Apple management continues to shift, and the list calls out:

• macOS LAPS configuration with Intune
• macOS MDM migration tooling and step-by-step migration approaches
• Enterprise-impacting changes in macOS 26 / iOS 26 (including deadlines and admin implications)
• Updates to iOS app protection policy capabilities

5) Updates, patching, and ongoing device management

Admins will find comparisons and implementation guidance for:

• Driver updates (scripts vs Intune Driver Update Management)
• Enterprise App Management (Intune Suite)
• Removing default Windows Store packages via Settings Catalog (less scripting)
• macOS app/patch workflows (e.g., IntuneBrew)

6) Community tools & automation (“do more with less”)

A major value of the post is the tool roundup—policy-as-code options, log readers for Windows/macOS, Intune backup/restore automation, documentation/report generators, daily tenant checks, and more.

Impact for IT administrators and end users

• Admins: faster troubleshooting, better change planning (Windows/Apple), and reduced manual work through automation and policy-as-code.
• End users: fewer disruptive updates (where hotpatching applies), smoother device refresh experiences, and clearer security guardrails through stronger baseline configurations.

Action items / next steps

1. Bookmark and categorize the list by your priorities (Security, Windows, Apple, Automation).
2. Pick 1–2 improvements to implement this quarter (e.g., Conditional Access hardening, driver management modernization, MAM rollout).
3. Pilot one community tool (log readers, documentation generator, backup/restore, or policy-as-code) in a test tenant or ring.
4. Share internally as part of Intune admin onboarding or a monthly enablement session.

Source: Microsoft Intune Blog post by Lior Bela (Dec 4, 2025), curating MVP community content for 2025.