Hardware Information Reporting in Microsoft Intune

A Comprehensive Guide to Generating and Analyzing Device Hardware Reports

Highlights

Multiple Access Methods: Use the Intune Portal, Graph API, and Resource Explorer for in-depth hardware details.
Export Options: Generate and export CSV reports, customize inventory profiles, and automate data extraction.
Detail Rich Reports: Comprehensive information including device model, manufacturer, OS version, storage, and more.

Introduction to Hardware Reporting in Intune

Microsoft Intune offers robust tools for managing and monitoring enrolled devices in an organization. A critical aspect of device management is the ability to retrieve, review, and analyze the hardware information of devices. This guide provides a detailed overview of how you can generate hardware information reports from devices managed by Intune. Whether you are using the web-based portal to view individual device details or automating the extraction process through the Microsoft Graph API, this guide describes all necessary steps and best practices.

Accessing Hardware Information through the Intune Portal

The most straightforward way to view the hardware details of a device involves using the Intune Portal. Once you have signed in with your organizational credentials, the intuitive interface directs you to various device management functionalities.

Navigating to Your Devices

Begin by logging into the Microsoft Intune admin center. Once inside, navigate to the “Devices” section from the main menu. This central hub displays all devices enrolled under your organization’s management. Selecting “All Devices” will list every monitored device along with a snapshot of key details.

Individual Device Information

For an in-depth look at the hardware details of a specific device, click on the desired device from the “All Devices” list. On the device details page, locate the “Hardware” section within the Monitor area. Here you will find extensive information such as:

Device ID and Serial Number
Manufacturer and Model
Operating System and its version
Storage details: free space and total capacity
Additional configurations, such as TPM version and Secure Boot status
Mobile-specific details like IMEI/MEID numbers (where applicable)

Exporting Hardware Reports from Intune

While the portal allows for quick examination of individual devices, exporting data for large numbers of devices is crucial for effective IT management and reporting. Intune offers several options to generate comprehensive hardware reports:

Using the Export Feature

Within the “Devices” > “All Devices” view, an export feature is provided to generate CSV files containing a broad range of hardware data. To export:

Ensure you have expanded the “All Devices” list for all enrolled devices.
Select “Export All” from the available options. This command initiates the export process, and a CSV file is generated for download.
The CSV file will typically contain columns such as Device Name, Model, Manufacturer, OS Version, Serial Number, Last check-in, storage information, and memory specifications.

The exported CSV file can be opened in spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel, which then allows you to perform further data analysis or combine hardware information with compliance data.

Customizing Hardware Reports

For an increasingly tailored reporting experience, Intune offers the capability to configure custom hardware inventory. This feature is particularly useful when gathering hardware details that are unique to your organization’s needs. By defining custom inventory profiles, you can collect specific hardware attributes beyond the default set. This increased granularity enables more precise planning and device management.

When customizing these reports, consider including additional attributes such as:

Advanced storage metrics (e.g., SSD vs. HDD information)
Memory configuration and performance stats
Security features like Secure Boot, BitLocker, and TPM status
Network information such as MAC addresses for wired and wireless interfaces

Advanced Reporting with Microsoft Graph API

For organizations that require automation or need to extract data for complex analyses, the Microsoft Graph API offers a programmable interface to access Intune data. With the Graph API, IT teams can automate routine reporting tasks, build custom dashboards, and integrate hardware inventory data with other IT management systems.

Getting Started with Graph API

Accessing hardware information via the Graph API involves several steps:

Authentication: Ensure that you have the proper authentication tokens and permissions to access Graph endpoints.
API Calls: Use appropriate Graph API endpoints to query the device inventory. These API calls return JSON data encompassing hardware details such as device models, serial numbers, OS versions, and additional configuration options.
Data Processing: Once the data is obtained, you can process it to create a consolidated report. This may involve scripting with PowerShell or using other programming languages to transform JSON data into CSV or table format for decision-making.
Automation: Advanced setups can schedule these API calls to run at set intervals, ensuring that your hardware reports remain up-to-date without manual intervention.

The use of Graph API is powerful for IT departments managing hundreds or thousands of devices, as it streamlines the retrieval and processing of hardware inventory data systematically.

Example Table: Hardware Attributes

Below is an example table showcasing some key hardware information attributes you might find in an exported report:

Attribute	Description
Device Name	The unique name assigned to the device within the organization.
Manufacturer	Name of the company that produced the device hardware.
Model	Specific model information that indicates the device version and configuration.
Operating System	Details about the operating system, including version numbers.
Storage Capacity	Total storage capacity and current usage statistics for the device.
Memory	Specifications regarding installed RAM and memory performance details.

This table serves as a template for understanding the types of information available in Intune hardware reports. Depending on your setup and configuration, additional fields might be included.

Additional Techniques for In-Depth Reporting

For many organizations, a one-size-fits-all report may not be sufficient. Consider these advanced techniques to maximize the utility of your Intune hardware reports:

Utilizing Intune Resource Explorer

Intune Resource Explorer is an effective tool for diving deeper into device-specific details. It aggregates all data collected based on inventory profiles, providing a central repository for examination. Use this tool to:

Examine past and present inventory profiles.
Trace historical data trends regarding device configurations.
Identify discrepancies between expected hardware configurations and actual device details.

By integrating Resource Explorer data with exported reports, you can perform a more comprehensive audit, ensuring that devices across your network comply with your organizational standards.

Combining KQL Queries with Log Analytics

Some organizations use Log Analytics within the Azure portal to run custom Kusto Query Language (KQL) queries against Intune-collected data. Though direct export of some custom fields may require additional workarounds, this method provides:

Real-time monitoring of device status and hardware performance.
The ability to merge hardware data with compliance reports and other telemetry.
Enhanced visualization options through Azure dashboards.

By constructing tailored queries, IT administrators can drill down into specific hardware attributes—enabling proactive management and rapid response to any issues that may arise.

Best Practices for Hardware Reporting in Microsoft Intune

To ensure that your hardware reporting endeavors yield the most actionable insights, consider the following best practices:

Routine Data Reviews

Regularly reviewing hardware reports is essential to maintain an updated inventory and detect anomalies. Routine audits facilitate early detection of hardware failures, misconfigurations, or non-compliance with corporate policies.

Data Integration and Correlation

Combine hardware data with other IT data sources, such as software compliance reports, security logs, and user activity monitors. Integrated data analysis helps to triangulate issues and supports more effective troubleshooting.

Automation and Scheduling

Automating the extraction and processing of hardware data via the Graph API significantly reduces administrative overhead. By scheduling regular reports, you ensure that your device inventory is always current, and any deviations from established standards can be promptly addressed.

Custom Reporting for Specific Needs

Not every organization requires identical reports. Customize your hardware inventory profiles to collect additional attributes that are critical for your organization. Enhanced inventory profiles provide more detailed insights into device capabilities, which are beneficial in planning upgrades and budgeting for replacements.

Practical Implementation Scenario

Consider an organization that wants to ensure all devices comply with new security standards by checking for the TPM and Secure Boot status. The IT admin can:

Export a CSV report from the Intune portal containing TPM and Secure Boot fields.
Set up a custom Graph API script to extract these fields on a nightly schedule.
Utilize Intune Resource Explorer to cross-check and validate the exported data.
Integrate the hardware data with security reports in a centralized dashboard.

This combined approach not only ensures compliance but also provides visibility into potential vulnerabilities, thereby improving overall device management and security posture.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Generating a comprehensive hardware report in Microsoft Intune is a multi-faceted process that involves using the Intune Portal, leveraging export features, and taking advantage of powerful tools like the Microsoft Graph API and Intune Resource Explorer. This guide has outlined the fundamental methods and best practices to achieve accurate and actionable hardware reporting. By combining routine data review, custom inventory profiles, and automated report generation, IT administrators can maintain an up-to-date view of device hardware configurations, enhance compliance, and streamline troubleshooting.

Adopting these reporting techniques ensures that your organization is well-equipped to handle the challenges of device management. With detailed hardware insight, you gain better control over your IT assets, contribute to proactive maintenance, and facilitate smoother upgrade cycles—all essential for sustaining an efficient and secure IT environment.