Manage Software for Windows with Microsoft Store

To manage software apps on Windows devices, JumpCloud is utilizing Private Repositories, Chocolatey packages and the Microsoft Store. Using the Microsoft Store via JumpCloud Software Management allows you to control the installation and updating of software on your JumpCloud-managed Windows fleet.

 Some benefits of the Microsoft Store include:

• Apps are verified and constantly updated – an important security feature
• Admins can easily manage licenses
• Apps can be deployed immediately to specific devices or groups using JumpCloud MDM

Prerequisites

• Devices must be online and enrolled in JumpCloud Windows MDM
• Review supported Windows versions at JumpCloud Agent Compatibility, System Requirements, and Impacts

Considerations

• JumpCloud is relying on Microsoft APIs for this service and if Microsoft changes these APIs, this feature may stop working.

What is the Microsoft Store?

The Microsoft Store is a unified distribution point for verified Windows apps. The Microsoft Store's apps differ from apps available for public distribution as they are installed directly from the Store versus being downloaded and run as an installation package. They also offer greater security in that they are constantly updated and when installed, run in a 'sandbox'. This means they can’t touch data in other places on your JumpCloud managed Windows devices eliminating the need for administrator permission when installing apps.

Adding Applications from the Microsoft Store

To add using Search in the Admin Portal

1. Log in to the JumpCloud Admin Portal.
2. Navigate to DEVICE MANAGEMENT > Software Management.
3. Select the Windows tab, select (+), and then Microsoft Store.
4. In Package Settings, click Search Microsoft Store Directly.
5. In the Search field, enter the name of the application and select it.
6. The Software Name and Package ID fields should auto-populate.

7. Optionally, make the following selections:
   • Prevent auto-update – disables automatic updates. If this field is not selected, the Microsoft Store settings will determine whether the app is automatically updated
   • Prevent users from uninstalling – disables users’ ability to uninstall the app from their device
8. Click Save.

To add using the Package ID

1. Log in to the JumpCloud Admin Portal.
2. Go to DEVICE MANAGEMENT > Software Management.
3. Select the Windows tab, select (+), and then Microsoft Store.
4. In Package Settings, click Enter Package ID Manually.
5. Right-click the Microsoft Store link under Step 1 and select Open link in new tab.
   • In the new tab, search for and select your desired application
   • In the URL field, copy the PID

7. Back in the JumpCloud Admin Portal, enter the following information in Step 2:
   • Software Name – enter the name of the software
   • Package ID – paste the PID copied from the the Microsoft Store
8. Make the final selections in Step 3:
   • Prevent auto-update – disables automatic updates. If this field is not selected, the Microsoft Store settings will determine whether the app is automatically updated
   • Prevent users from uninstalling – disables users’ ability to uninstall the app from their device
9. Click Save.

To edit the Microsoft Store application

1. Navigate to DEVICE MANAGEMENT > Software Management > Windows tab.
2. Search for and select the application from the list.
3. Make any changes and then click save.

Deploying Microsoft Store Apps to Your Device(s)

You can deploy Windows apps to one or more specific devices or a preconfigured Device Group. After deployment, apps will be installed within 30 minutes.

To deploy to specific devices

1. Log in to the JumpCloud Admin Portal.
2. Go to DEVICE MANAGEMENT > Software Management.
3. Select the Windows tab and select the app you want to deploy.
4. Select the Devices tab.
5. Select the Windows device(s) where you want to deploy the app.
6. Click save and then save again.

To deploy to a device group

1. Log in to the JumpCloud Admin Portal.
2. Go to DEVICE MANAGEMENT > Software Management.
3. Select the Windows tab and select the app you want to deploy.
4. Select the Device Groups tab.
5. Select the group(s) that you want to deploy the app to.
6. Click save and then save again.

To confirm the Windows app has been installed to a device or group

1. Log in to the JumpCloud Admin Portal.
2. Go to DEVICE MANAGEMENT > Software Management.
3. Select the Status tab.
4. A list of devices where the app is installed will appear. Click View next to any of devices for the following information:
   • Status
   • Status Details
   • Status Code
   • Software Version
   • Timestamp
5. Click Ok when finished.

Directory Insights Events

The following Directory Insights (DI) events provide visibility into failures and detailed information when managing software with the Microsoft Store. The events will be logged, irrespective of PackageManager, whenever actions occur via admin-portal/API (PackageManager details will be included in logs).

Removing Microsoft Store Apps

User removal of apps

1. On the specific device, navigate to Settings > Apps.
2. Select the app from the Apps & features list and click Uninstall.
3. Restart your computer (if directed) to complete the uninstall.

Admin removal of apps

1. Log in to the JumpCloud Admin Portal.
2. Go to DEVICE MANAGEMENT > Software Management > Windows tab.
3. Search for and select the checkbox next to the app you want to remove.
4. Click delete and then delete again.