When deploying applications through Microsoft Intune, IT professionals are often faced with choosing between Win32 apps and LOB (Line-of-Business) apps.
While both options serve to deliver applications to managed devices, the way Intune handles them – and the features available during deployment – vary significantly.In this article, we’ll break down the core differences between Win32 and LOB apps in Intune to help you make an informed decision that best fits your deployment strategy.
One thing you should be aware of right from the start is that Windows Autopilot doesn’t support mixing Win32 and LOB apps, and the app installation may fail if you do. However, Windows Autopilot device preparation does support both.
LOB Apps in Intune
Line-of-Business apps, or commonly referred to as LOB apps, have been part of Intune since its early days. These are typically internal applications that your organization develops and are simpler to install and manage.
IT professionals only need to provide the installation file for the created application.
The supported installation file types include: MSI, APPX, APPXBUNDLE, MSIX, and MSIXBUNDLE.
After selecting your installation file, only minimal settings are required, including entering any custom installation parameters the installer supports.
Intune installs LOB apps on the user’s device using a process called sideloading. This allows apps that aren’t certified by the Microsoft Store to be installed through the Intune Management Extension.
Key Features of LOB App Deployment in Intune
- Supported formats: .msi, .appx, .appxbundle, .msix, .msixbundle
- Streamlined deployment process with minimal configuration
- Intune Management Extension
- Designed for basic internal app distribution
- No scripting or advanced packaging knowledge needed
Win32 Apps in Intune
Windows Apps, or commonly referred to as Win32 apps, are designed to support complex desktop applications. They offer advanced configuration and deployment options similar to the “Application Model” in Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM).
Win32 apps are ideal when deploying applications that require more than just a silent install.
With Win32 apps, you can configure:
- Multiple installer files,
- Detection methods,
- Supersedence chains\
- Install/uninstall commands
You can use Microsoft’s Win32 Content Prep Tool (IntuneWinAppUtil.exe), or simplify the process with PacKit’s one-click conversion to .intunewin format.
Download PacKit and try it for free here.
Key Features of Win32 App Deployment in Intune
- Ability to include multiple/complex installer(s)
- Packaged as .intunewin (supports .exe, .msi, etc.)
- Full customization of install and uninstall commands, including device restart behavior
- Support for requirement rules: It enables IT pros to specify the conditions that the endpoints must meet to process the application assignment.
- Custom detection rules – Allow IT pros to specify how Intune detects whether an app is installed on a managed device.
- Support for dependencies – Enables IT pros to specify additional Win32 apps that must be installed before installing the current application.
- Supersedence support – Makes it easier to update or replace an existing Win32 app.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison: Win32 vs. LOB Apps in Intune
| Feature | Win32 App | LOB App |
| Supported formats | .intunewin (from .exe, .msi, etc.) | MSI, APPX, APPXBUNDLE, MSIX, and MSIXBUNDLE |
| Custom detection rules and requirements | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited or none |
| Dependencies | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not supported |
| Supersedence | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not supported |
| Installation commands | ✅ Fully customizable | ❌ Automatic or basic (msiexec /i) |
| Multiple/complex installer(s) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No — intended for simple installs |
| Best use case | Complex desktop apps, legacy software | In-house developed MSIs or UWP/MSIX apps |
Conclusion
While Win32 apps may require more effort to package and configure, their flexibility and control make them the preferred option for most IT professionals.
In enterprise environments, where application deployment success and compliance are critical, having granular control over installation behavior, detection logic, and support for dependencies and supersedence is essential.
Win32 apps provide this support and level of control, making them more suited for use within an enterprise environment than LOB apps.
Whether you’re deploying Win32 apps or LOB apps, the right tools can save you time and effort. PacKit streamlines application packaging and deployment—automating tedious tasks and converting installation files into the .intunewin format with just a click.
Download PacKit and try it for free here.
