Intune Deployment Guide
Intune app lifecycle: install, detect, update, uninstall
Overview
The Intune Win32 app lifecycle is the sequence that moves an app from package creation to install, detection, reporting, update, and uninstall.
This lifecycle view helps connect packaging, commands, requirements, detection rules, assignments, return codes, and logs.
Install lifecycle
Intune does not simply run a setup file. It evaluates assignment, requirements, detection state, command execution, return code, restart behavior, and final detection.
Uninstall lifecycle
Uninstall uses a separate intent and command. Detection still matters because Intune needs to understand whether the app remains installed.
How the flow works
01EligibleAssignment and requirements
02InstallCommand runs
03DetectInstalled state checked
04ReportStatus returned to Intune
Intune UI examples
These compact mockups show the Intune settings that matter for this topic.
Required
Passed
Not detected
setup.exe /quiet
System
0 Success
Detected
No specific action
Installed
Assigned
setup.exe /uninstall /quiet
Not detected
Practical reference
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Before install | Assignment, sync, requirements, detection |
| During install | Command execution and return code |
| After install | Detection and reporting |
| Uninstall | Uninstall intent and command |
Quick checklist
- Confirm assignment intent before troubleshooting.
- Read logs by timeline: assignment, requirements, detection, command, return code.
- Validate both install and uninstall lifecycle paths.
Troubleshooting checks
| Issue | What to check |
|---|---|
| Install skipped | Detection may already be true. |
| Install failed but app exists | Post-install detection may be wrong. |
| Uninstall fails | Check uninstall command and assignment intent. |
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