Auto Update EAM Applications
Enterprise Application Management isn’t new, but the option to automatically update these apps is. Recently this option has become Generally Available (GA). Just in time for the summer break so you won't have to package those applications by your self!.
Enterprise Application Management is now included for customers using the Microsoft 365 E5 suite so you can immediately make use of this great feature. This short post explains how to enable the auto-update feature some caveats to be aware of and how it is handled on the device.
Auto-update EAM Applications
When creating an Enterprise Application from the Enterprise App Catalog, an option is presented for how the application should be updated. The default setting is Update with Supersedence, which is the existing update method. There is now an additional option available to Automatically update the application.
If you want to know more about Enterprise Application Management read my previous blog about this feature.
From the Intune portal head over to Apps
Apps > Windows > Create >Enterprise App Catalog
With this new update method we also get an new filter in the apps section, we can use the filter to only show the Catalog Applications with the Auto update option. Note that the version isn't listed.
Some Caveats
Using the Auto update option streamlines app lifecycle management by removing the need for manual packaging and supersedence. Intune automatically detects when a newer version is available in the catalog and updates the app on targeted devices.
This feature only applies to apps that are scoped as required. Apps that are scoped as available continue to follow the original update process.
Furthermore, it is not possible to change the update method from Update with Supersedence to Auto update, or vice versa, for existing applications.
To modify the update process, a new application must be created. When creating this new application, it is possible to use supersedence to replace and uninstall the existing application.
Update process on the device
When an update is available for applications marked as required, the user receives a notification that a new version is ready to be installed, along with information on whether the installation was completed successfully. Currently, it is not possible to detect whether an application is in use during the update process, and this limitation should be considered. No user interaction is required, as the installation runs automatically.
Recap
Enterprise Application Management Auto Updates transform application management in Intune from a manual, package-centric process into an automated service. With the Auto Update feature, organizations benefit from faster updates, stronger security, and reduced operational effort. There are still some caveats, such as limitations in detecting running apps, so this should be taken into account. To use the Auto Update feature, a new app must be created and deployed; supersedence can then be used to uninstall the previously installed app. With EAM now included in the Microsoft 365 E5 suite, it clearly adds value and is well worth exploring in environments where it is not yet in use.