Top 11 MDM for laptops to simplify your Windows device management

Despite the popularity of Mac computers in the tech world, many companies still use Windows laptops as their primary choice. While the choice of OS can vary depending on the industry you work in, remote and hybrid work have pushed companies to adapt to flexible ways of working, and that means opting for laptops that can be used on the go and on-premise. 

Laptops are great for employees working with flexible arrangements, but they risk getting lost or stolen. Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions help manage and protect these devices effectively. MDM solutions make it easy to enroll, configure, and secure laptops.

Whether you're new to MDM or looking to optimize your current setup, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about MDM for Windows laptops, including top solutions, key features, and enrollment steps.

Is there MDM for Windows?

Microsoft machines have been traditionally managed through on-premise solutions, making many wonder if cloud-based solutions are available for these devices. The rise of remote workers and hybrid work has made companies look for more flexible solutions to manage Windows computers with MDM.

The question is whether there’s such a thing as a Windows MDM. The short answer is yes, but you must have the latest OS versions. Overall, most Windows devices meant for corporate use can be managed with MDM. The issue is that Windows 7 and 8 do not have the MDM protocol required to manage devices with an MDM solution. That’s why Windows 10 and Windows 11 are better suited for MDM.

Some MDM solutions provide a "lighter" device management option through a separate client application. However, using the latest OS versions, such as Windows 10 and Windows 11, is still recommended. 

What are the best MDM options for Windows laptops? 

We've gathered a list of the best MDM solutions for laptops, focusing on those best suited for Windows environments, to help IT managers find the MDM solutions that best suit their devices’ needs. In this selection, we consider key features, pros, and cons based on online customer reviews. 

Here's our shortlist of the best MDM for laptops based on our research:

1. GroWrk

2. Microsoft Intune

3. Hexnode UEM

4. IBM MaaS360

5. Miradore

6. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

7. AppTec360 Enterprise Mobility Management

8. Citrix Workspace

9. Baramundi Management Suite

10. SOTI MobiControl

11. Scalefusion

1. GroWrk: Best MDM overall

GroWrk is a leading provider of IT equipment solutions specializing in streamlining the entire device management lifecycle. You can handle procurement, deployment, retrieval, and storage across more than 150 countries from a single Dashboard. 

Why GroWrk?

GroWrk’s Dashboard includes mobile device management (MDM) and identity access management (IAM) features powered by JumpCloud. You can automate onboarding, enhance security, and improve visibility for all your Windows, Mac, and Linux devices, from a single place. GroWrk’s MDM simplifies device management for global teams making onboarding fast and secure anywhere in the world. 

GroWrk’s zero-touch enrollment enables devices to be added to the MDM environment automatically, which saves time by avoiding manual enrollment and potential end-user mistakes. Additionally, you can deploy and assign devices in just one click. 

Security features include a single login for each end-user to access company applications, remote management capabilities like locking, restarting, shutting down, or wiping devices from the GroWrk Dashboard, and automated patch management.

Key features

Zero-touch enrollment and deployment.

Remote access control and data protection.

End-to-end visibility for each device.

Pros

End-to-end IT equipment management from procurement to retrieval.

MDM features are included in GroWrk’s equipment management service.

User-friendly dashboard, easy access, and enhanced user experience.

Tailored integration solutions.

AI-powered IT support that’s available 24 hours in any location.

Pricing

Schedule a demo call to learn more about GroWrk's platform functions and get a personalized solution that suits your remote team's requirements.

Learn more about GroWrk’s MDM capabilities

2. Microsoft Intune: Best for Microsoft users

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based mobile device management software integrated with the Microsoft 365 suite that enables users to protect and administer their endpoints from a single place. Formerly known as Endpoint Manager, Intune allows users to deploy and manage company devices like computers, servers, and mobile devices through a unified console.

Why Intune?

Microsoft Intune is a great choice if you already have a Microsoft 365 enterprise plan and your fleet consists mostly of Microsoft laptops. However, Intune can support all the devices owned by your organization or your end users, including Android, iOS, or Linux devices.

Key features

Device enrollment

Policy management

Application deployment

Security monitoring

Integration with Azure AD

Pros

Seamless integration with Microsoft services.

Strong security capabilities.

Comprehensive support for Windows devices.

Provides a robust solution for Windows-centric environments.

Cons

Can be complex to set up and manage for non-Microsoft environments.

You must pay extra for some additional features even if you have an enterprise account.

Pricing

Intune pricing starts at $8 per user per month and offers a 30-day free trial.

3. Hexnode UEM: Best for remote access

Hexnode UEM is a cloud-based MDM solution that allows businesses to manage endpoints from a central console. It enables companies to secure, track, and manage corporate-owned and personal devices. Additionally, Hexnode UEM allows users to configure various device types and company policies, deploy and manage apps, and set up devices to work in kiosk modes.

Why Hexnode UEM?

Hexnode supports all major platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Fire OS, and Apple TVs. This desktop management software offers a key feature called kiosk mode, which allows users to configure devices for specific objectives. This makes it easier to implement restrictions or lock down the device remotely.

Key features

Over-the-air device enrollment

Integrations with enterprise solutions.

Kiosk lockdown

App and content management

Security monitoring

Pros

User-friendly interface for non-technical users.

Can run custom scripts to deploy updates to multiple machines.

Robust feature set for all devices.

Cons

Some advanced features may require additional configuration.

Occasional difficulty in finding specific devices or groups.

Pricing

Hexnode UEM plans start at $1.08 per device per month for basic MDM features and offer a 14-day free trial.

4. IBM MaaS360: Best for enterprise-sized companies

IBM MaaS360 is a robust desktop management solution from IBM that helps manage and protect enterprise mobile devices, applications, and content. It integrates with existing IT infrastructure and uses artificial intelligence to provide enhanced security and desktop management capabilities.

Why IBM MaaS360?

IBM MaaS360 offers robust security and comprehensive device management tools, making it ideal for managing Windows devices. Its integration with IBM’s Watson AI enhances its security and reporting capabilities, and despite being enterprise-focused, the desktop management console is user-friendly. Overall, IBM's financial and technological strength makes MaaS360 a reliable desktop management software.

Key features

Device enrollment

Policy management

Threat management

Application deployment 

Compliance reporting

Pros

Offers sophisticated security and reporting features powered by Watson AI.

Provides a user-friendly management console.

Has robust security features.

Extensive device support.

Cons

Requires training to operate effectively.

Limited customization options.

Lacks built-in remote control functionality.

Limited custom reports.

Higher cost, which may be a barrier for smaller businesses.

Pricing

Starts at $4.00 per client device per month and has a 30-day free trial.

5. Miradore: Best free software

Miradore MDM is a cloud-based device management platform that helps users manage diverse Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for effective device management, including security, control, app management, and automation.

Why Miradore?

Miradore offers a free tier option that can be useful for companies with small IT fleets and minimal device management needs. This desktop management software allows companies to secure and control their data while simplifying management across multiple operating systems.

Key features

Device enrollment

Policy management

Application distribution

Security compliance

Inventory location tracking tracking

Pros

Free forever version available.

Comprehensive set of features and an intuitive user interface.

Straightforward device enrollment.

Integrates with Azure Active Directory.

Cons

Limited advanced features compared to some competitors.

Lack of support for Chrome OS and Linux.

Pricing

Premium plans for Miradore start at $2.75 per device per month, but they also offer a free version with limited features. 

6. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus: Best for large device fleets

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is a comprehensive mobile and desktop management software that supports multiple operating systems, including iOS, Android, and Windows. It provides a comprehensive endpoint management (UEM) system with features for managing desktops, network hardware, servers, and other devices.

Why ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus?

ManageEngine's desktop management solution offers easy-to-use features and an intuitive design, even for complex tasks like on-premises deployment. This MDM solution provides a free tier for up to 25 devices, making it an excellent option for small and large enterprises and businesses. It offers good control over your company's devices without sacrificing usability or value.

Key features

Device enrollment

Policy enforcement 

Application management

Remote troubleshooting

Detailed reporting

Pros

Keeps personal and corporate information separate on BYOD devices.

Includes allowlist and blocklist policies for controlling information flow.

Offers standard security controls such as update alerts and malware protection.

Cons

Advanced features may require additional configuration and learning.

Pricing

The cloud version's plans start at $64 per 50 devices per month, and the on-premise option starts at $495 per 50 devices per month. A 30-day free trial and a free plan option for up to 25 devices are available.

7. AppTec360 Enterprise Mobility Management: Best for small businesses

AppTec360 Enterprise Mobility Management is a comprehensive desktop management software solution for managing devices, applications, and data across various platforms, including Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. This MDM platform provides IT administrators with a single dashboard to manage and control all aspects of IT devices, ensuring the security and efficiency of corporate data and applications.

Why AppTec360 Enterprise Mobility Management?

AppTec360 is ideal for budget-conscious small businesses, offering solid value despite its basic UI. It's especially useful for those moving away from a BYOD environment without management or security. This desktop management software is available as a virtual machine download and a cloud-hosted version. One downside is that growing organizations might need a more robust solution.

Key features

Unified endpoint management.

Easy-to-use interface for IT admins.

Multi-level security for corporate data security.

BYOD support.

Multi-OS platform support.

Pros

In-house research and development.

Cost-effective, comprehensive solutions for all business aspects.

Comprehensive customer-infrastructure support.

Cons

Interface can be complex for beginners.

Device remote control is offered as an add-on

Pricing

The Unified Endpoint Management Package with MDM features starts at 0.99 € per device per month. A free full on-premise license for up to 25 devices and a 30-day free trial are also available.

8. Citrix Endpoint Management: Best for Microsoft integration

Citrix Endpoint Management is a mobile device management solution that helps organizations secure and manage all their endpoints, regardless of device type or ownership, to enable a productive and secure mobile workforce.

Why Citrix Endpoint Management?

Citrix brings its remote-access expertise to the MDM market with Citrix Endpoint Manager, offering strong integration with Microsoft tools. This desktop management solution supports all major OS, including Chrome and Linux. However, it requires Citrix Workspaces, adding to the cost. Ideal for existing Citrix users, it can be expensive for others, but it remains a robust and wide-ranging MDM solution.

Key features

MDM capabilities for corporate-owned devices or BYOD. 

Mobile application management for enterprise mobile apps.

Comprehensive endpoint management. 

Cloud or on-premises deployment.

Tight integration with other Citrix products.

Pros

Comprehensive and configurable management console.

Supports the latest Windows 10 for Mobile.

Easy device enrollment.

Supports all mobile and desktop OS.

Provides a good value with up to 10 managed devices for a single price.

Cons

Complex integration with non-Citrix back-end systems.

No direct management of Office 365 apps.

Requires additional-cost EMS connector.

Uses flat files for importing users and devices, not standard CSV.

Potentially expensive, especially without Citrix Workspaces.

Pricing

Citrix Endpoint Management pricing starts at $2.25 per month, with a subscription model and a free trial available. 

9. Baramundi Management Suite: Best for basic features

Baramundi Management Suite is an IT management solution designed to streamline IT-related processes, asset discovery, installation, distribution, protection, and backup. It supports businesses in managing all endpoints in the company network, providing a unified endpoint management approach across platforms.

Why Baramundi Management Suite?

Baramundi stands out from other MDM solutions with its job-based approach, ideal for managing large device fleets where uniform actions are needed. This desktop management software supports Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows systems and is affordable, though it requires an external relational database for data storage. Other MDM solutions with more user-friendly interfaces might be more satisfying for tasks like provisioning single devices or providing user support.

Key features

Hardware and software inventory on all platforms.

Robust endpoint protection for more IT security.

Ready to deploy updates and patches for Microsoft and 3rd party applications.

Automated software deployment.

License management & application usage tracking.

Data backup solutions.

Pros

Offers job-based device management.

Offers on-premise and cloud versions.

Strong automation features.

Detailed reporting.

Versatile MDM solution.

Cons

Steep learning curve.

Some functions need multiple steps, while other products need just one.

Pricing

Pricing starts at $11 per device per year, and they offer a 30-day free trial.

10. SOTI MobiControl: Best for remote control features

SOTI MobiControl is an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution that provides visibility and control over where a business's critical devices are, what they are doing, how they are performing, and what security vulnerabilities or compliance risks they face.

Why SOTI MobiControl?

SOTI MobiControl offers sophisticated remote device control that makes it feel like you are controlling the device right in your hands. Admins can view and control users' devices from the desktop management console, allowing for full two-way file transfers and macros to automate tasks. This solution is excellent for those seeking ultimate control over a diverse range of devices, including Windows 10 Mobile, and is particularly useful in BYOD environments with a varied device fleet.

Key features

Device enrollment

Security policies

Application management

Remote control

Geolocation

Pros

Offers sophisticated remote device control capability.

Provides full, two-way file transfers and macro automation.

Strong security.

Excellent customer support.

Cons

Steeper learning curve and higher cost.

Pricing

SOTI MobiControl pricing varies based on business needs. The Cloud system license fee starts at $4.00 per device per month. On-premises hosting begins at $3.25 per device per month. They also offer a free 30-day trial for the SOTI ONE Platform. 

11. Scalefusion: Best for troubleshooting

Scalefusion is a powerful mobile device management (MDM) solution that enables organizations to secure and manage mobile devices at diverse endpoints, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, rugged devices, mPOS, and digital signages, across multiple operating systems such as Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows 10. It offers a range of features for comprehensive endpoint management, including device management, application management, content management, and remote troubleshooting.

Why Scalefusion?

Scalefusion is a strong MDM option for businesses managing diverse and distributed devices. It features a remote cast and control, allowing you to mirror and control device screens for Android and Windows, making troubleshooting easier. You can also take screenshots and recordings to aid IT tickets. This robust platform also provides customizable security safeguards, including admin activity logs and data-sharing restrictions, ensuring compliance with company policies.

Key features

Security enforcement

Application and content management

Remote troubleshooting

User-friendly dashboard and deployment options

Identity and access management

Pros

Comprehensive analytics tools.

Multiple pricing tiers to suit various needs.

Efficient IT support.

Cons

Limited advanced features.

Can be pricey for smaller businesses.

Steep learning curve for end-users.

Pricing

Scalefusion plans start at $2 per device per month, but they also offer custom plans based on business needs. There’s also a 14-day free trial available.

How to enroll Windows devices into MDM

Organizations can manage their Windows devices through Microsoft’s tools like Microsoft Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune or other third-party solutions. Once you have selected your MDM system, you can add Windows devices manually or in bulk. 

For manual enrollment, you can connect corporate-owned devices to MDM by joining the device to an Active Directory domain (on-premise) or a Microsoft Entra domain (formerly known as Azure Active Directory). 

Microsoft Entra ID is Microsoft’s cloud-based service for identity and access management. It helps users sign in and access company resources like apps, the corporate network, and email. Additionally, it allows you to enroll Windows devices into your MDM system automatically.

When enrolling devices, join them to Microsoft Enterprise ID or add a workplace account. This also applies to personally owned devices (BYOD) used for work. In this case, you must connect them to a work account through the Settings app.

Bulk enrollment sets up numerous devices to be managed by an MDM server without reimaging them. For this, you can use a provisioning package and apply a specific set of configurations. Large organizations commonly use this option for MDM management to set up kiosks and point-of-sale terminals.

What are the most common MDM features for Windows devices? 

MDM solutions provide vast tools tailored to oversee and safeguard Microsoft laptops effectively. These key features include:

• Policy management: IT admins can define and enforce security policies, such as password requirements, encryption settings, and access controls, to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance.
• Application management: MDM allows for the deployment, management, and removal of applications on Microsoft laptops. This includes managing app permissions and ensuring that only approved applications are installed.
• Security monitoring and threat detection: MDM solutions provide real-time monitoring of device security status, including antivirus updates, firewall settings, and vulnerability assessments. They can detect and respond to security threats in a timely manner.
• Remote lock and wipe: In case of lost or stolen devices, MDM enables IT admins to remotely lock the device or wipe its data to prevent unauthorized access to corporate information.
• Device inventory and reporting: MDM maintains an inventory of all enrolled devices, providing detailed reports on device status, compliance, and usage patterns. This helps identify potential technical issues and plan for future needs.
• Geolocation and tracking: MDM solutions can track devices' geographical locations, which is helpful for asset management and locating lost or stolen laptops.
• Compliance management: Ensure devices adhere to regulatory and organizational compliance standards. MDM solutions can enforce and monitor compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and other regulations.
• Patch management and software updates: Automate the deployment of patches and software updates to keep devices secure and up-to-date with the latest features and security fixes.
• Support for BYOD: MDM solutions often support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios, allowing employees to use personal devices while ensuring corporate data remains secure.

Learn more about the top MDM features to manage your distributed teams efficiently.

Benefits of using MDM software for mobile devices

Implementing desktop and laptop management software with MDM offers numerous benefits for managing devices within an organization. Here are some key advantages:

Simplifies device management and reduces IT workload: MDM centralizes the management of all your devices, streamlining administrative tasks such as device enrollment, configuration, and updates. This reduces the IT workload and allows IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives.

Enhances device security and data protection: MDM enforces security policies, such as encryption, strong passwords, and remote wipe capabilities, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and potential breaches.

Improves compliance with organizational policies and regulations: MDM ensures that all devices comply with corporate policies and regulatory requirements, such as GDPR and HIPAA, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.

Supports remote management access and control of devices: MDM enables IT administrators to access and manage devices remotely, providing support, troubleshooting, and updates without needing physical access to the devices.

Enables automated management and software updates: MDM automates patch deployment and software updates, ensuring devices are always up-to-date with the latest security fixes and features, reducing vulnerabilities.

Conclusion 

Implementing MDM for Microsoft laptops is essential for modern businesses to ensure device security, streamline management, and enhance productivity. By leveraging the features and benefits of MDM solutions, organizations can protect sensitive data, enforce compliance, and reduce the IT workload. 

With numerous options available, selecting the right desktop management software involves careful evaluation of features, scalability, and support. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you choose the best MDM solution for your needs, ensuring your devices are managed efficiently and securely.

GroWrk’s MDM solution offers all the necessary features to manage your devices remotely. Our Dashboard provides insights into every stage of the device lifecycle and allows you to monitor all your devices regardless of physical location. To learn more about GroWrk’s MDM, book a demo with one of our product specialists.