The way we work and the tools we use have transformed over the past few decades. Not long ago, the office was defined by stationary, bulky desktop computers and a working model confined to physical office spaces. Data was stored on local servers, and access to information was often a slow, cumbersome process. Today, the scene is different: desktops have given way to portable laptops, physical offices are no longer the sole hub of productivity, and cloud storage has completely replaced the need for on-premise servers. This shift towards a mobile, agile workforce, and cloud-based infrastructure—has made it clear: the tools that organizations once relied on for device and data management are no longer sufficient. As businesses embrace this new way of working, the need for modern device management has never been more pressing.

In this next era, managing a diverse range of devices, ensuring seamless access, and maintaining robust security requires a strategy that is adaptable, cloud-driven, and built for the dynamic needs of the modern workforce. As the boundaries between work and home continue to blur, and the devices we rely on become increasingly diverse and complex, managing them with traditional methods is no longer sufficient—it’s now a necessity. This blog will explore how Modern Device Management for Windows addresses these challenges and how Scalefusion UEM’s advanced capabilities empower you to efficiently manage and secure your Windows digital assets in today’s dynamic work environment.

The Shift from Traditional to Modern Device Management: Why?

IT and device management has experienced a profound transformation in recent years. The traditional model of managing devices—where IT teams manually configure and oversee each device, often in isolated silos—is no longer sufficient. This model simply cannot accommodate the dynamic nature of the modern workforce, where employees use various devices, and security concerns are more complex than ever. Traditional device management, which relied heavily on on-premise solutions, was designed for a different era. It centered around managing desktops and laptops within the confines of the office network. This static approach did not anticipate the complexities of remote work, the widespread adoption of mobile devices, and the exponential rise in cyber threats. The limitations of this approach are becoming more apparent:

• Limited Flexibility: Traditional management tools were often rigid and designed for specific hardware or software configurations. As businesses adopt diverse devices—from laptops and tablets to smartphones and IoT devices—traditional systems struggle to maintain consistency and control. This lack of flexibility creates inefficiencies and heightens the risk of security gaps.

• Manual Processes and High Overhead: Device management was once a labor-intensive process. IT teams had to manually install updates, patch systems, and enforce policies. This approach was not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. Today’s organizations need more agile solutions that minimize manual intervention and reduce operational costs.

• Security Risks: In the past, IT teams had full control over the devices within a physical office network. However, with the emergence of remote and hybrid work, employees access company data from personal devices and public networks.

According to recent reports, a total of 10,626 confirmed data breaches were recorded in 2024, nearly double the previous year (5,199).^[1] This high number reflects both attackers’ growing capabilities and organizations’ expanding digital footprints. Traditional management systems cannot effectively secure these devices across diverse locations, making them vulnerable to threats like data breaches and ransomware.

• Inability to Scale: As organizations grow, so does the complexity of device management. Traditional systems often struggle to keep up with the needs of large, diverse workforces. Scaling device management efforts in a traditional setup requires significant investment in infrastructure, manpower, and time—resources that could otherwise be allocated to innovation and growth.

In light of these challenges, the need for modern device management is undeniable. Modern device management solutions offer a dynamic approach, addressing both the security and operational complexities of today’s workforce. These solutions are cloud-based, allowing IT teams to manage devices from anywhere, at any time. They provide real-time visibility into device activity and compliance, automating updates and patches, and offering granular security controls that protect sensitive company data across a variety of devices. As businesses undergo digital transformation, especially in environments relying heavily on Windows-based systems, the shift to modern management becomes an essential component of securing and supporting today’s hybrid workforce. The evolution is clear: businesses need scalable, secure, and flexible solutions that meet the demands of an increasingly mobile, remote, and diverse workforce, particularly in a Windows-centric environment.

Modern Management: The Next-Era of Windows Device Management

Modern management is a key aspect of cloud-based, comprehensive endpoint management solutions, blending secure device management with an optimal user experience. For organizations using Windows devices, modern management simplifies device enrollment, configuration, and security at scale. With cloud-based solutions like Scalefusion UEM, businesses can efficiently deploy updates, enforce security policies, and manage applications. This helps them gain complete visibility into the status of every device—without the constraints of on-premise infrastructure. Features like Windows Autopilot streamline the provisioning process for new devices, while built-in security frameworks like Windows Defender protect against advanced threats. By integrating device management and security, modern management supports on-premise, hybrid, remote, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments. Today, modern management enhances unified endpoint management (UEM) by offering agile, cloud-based control over all Windows OS devices and endpoints. This ensures consistent security policy enforcement across all devices, regardless of location. Organizations gain the control they need, while users enjoy the seamless access and flexibility they expect—making this model an essential asset for the modern workforce.

What should IT admins expect from a Modern Management solution for Windows?

Modern management solutions promise to streamline operations, enhance security, and ultimately transform how businesses manage their devices in current workplaces. However, organizations must understand what modern management for Windows entails:

1. Zero-Touch Provisioning

According to a study by Gartner, companies implementing zero-touch deployment can reduce device provisioning time by up to 90%.^[2] Modern device management solutions for Windows leverage cloud-based tools, such as Windows Autopilot, to facilitate zero-touch provisioning. With Autopilot, organizations can preconfigure devices before they are even shipped to users. When an employee receives a new device, they simply connect it to the internet and sign in with their corporate credentials. The device is pre-configured with the security policies, allowing employees to use the business-ready device for work. For IT administrators, zero-touch provisioning significantly reduces the time and effort required for device deployment, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives. This automation also minimizes user disruption and enhances the overall onboarding experience for new employees.

2. Balanced Security and User Productivity

Organizations must prioritize security to protect sensitive data as network threats become more sophisticated. However, stringent security measures can frustrate users and hinder their ability to efficiently perform their tasks. The modern device management model integrates robust security features with user-friendly functionalities. This includes implementing conditional access policies that allow users to authenticate based on their context, such as work email, location, or device health. Additionally, features like data encryption, secure application management, and endpoint protection ensure that sensitive information remains secure without impeding user workflows. By balancing security and productivity, IT administrators can create an environment where users feel empowered to work while safeguarding organizational assets. This not only enhances overall productivity but also reduces the likelihood of security breaches, thereby preserving the organization’s reputation and operational integrity.

3. Automation

As organizations scale, the volume of tasks required to manage devices can become overwhelming. Manual management processes are time-consuming and prone to human error, which can lead to inconsistencies and compliance issues. Modern device management frameworks leverage automation to streamline routine tasks such as software updates, policy enforcement, and compliance audits. Automation tools can schedule updates during off-hours to minimize disruption, ensure that devices are consistently maintained, and automatically report compliance statuses. For instance, IT teams can set up automated alerts for devices that fall out of compliance, allowing for swift corrective actions. This automation reduces the administrative burden on IT staff, enabling them to concentrate on higher-value tasks, such as strategic planning and improving user experience. With automation in place, organizations can achieve higher operational efficiency while maintaining a consistent security posture.

4. Cost-Optimization

With increasing pressures on budgets, organizations must find ways to optimize costs associated with device management while maintaining high performance and security standards. Modern device management solutions focus on cost optimization through efficient resource allocation and visibility into device utilization. Organizations can lower operational costs associated with IT support and management by automating processes, reducing manual intervention, and enabling device sharing. Additionally, analytics tools provide insights into device, software, and application performance and usage patterns, enabling organizations to make informed decisions about hardware and software investments and licensing.

Modern Windows Device Management with Scalefusion UEM

Organizations leverage the following modern device management capabilities for WindowsOS-based devices with Scalefusion UEM:

1. Windows Autopilot-Based Provisioning

Scalefusion UEM supports modern device management with zero-touch provisioning by integrating Windows Autopilot. With Windows Autopilot, you can configure new Windows 10 and above devices to automatically join Microsoft Entra ID and seamlessly enroll into Scalefusion UEM upon first boot. Once Windows Autopilot is configured through Scalefusion, newly procured Windows devices can be shipped directly to end users with the assurance that they will automatically enroll in Scalefusion on the first boot. Windows Autopilot-based provisioning ensures secure and standardized setup and management without requiring manual intervention, aligning with the core principles of efficient and modern device management.

2. Customizable Device Profile

With Scalefusion UEM, you can create tailored device profiles according to your use case. Scalefusion’s Windows Device Profile enables you to configure applications, websites, and browsers on managed Windows devices. Once configured, these device profiles can be applied to different devices and user groups or individual devices. This provides you a granular, context-based control over your Windows device inventory.

3. Application Delivery and  Management

Scalefusion UEM’s Windows application management allows you to allow and block applications on Windows devices used for work. For seamless application delivery, Scalefusion enables you to install and publish applications from the Windows Business Store. You can also push the Win32 application on the managed Windows devices. For organizations who want to push their private applications, Scalefusion offers Enterprise Store. Through this store, you can push their private applications via Universal Windows Apps (UWP), Windows Enterprise Installer, PowerShell script, and EXE for legacy applications. Additionally, to create a cohesive secure device environment, Scalefusion offers proprietary apps such as FileDock for secured file sharing, Remote Support for remote troubleshooting, and ProSurf browser for controlled and limited access to websites. This eliminates the need for IT admins to integrate additional third-party software for the above functionalities.

4. Browser Configuration

Scalefusion’s browser configuration feature allows precise control over Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers. You can set specific parameters, including homepage, browsing history, extensions, and printing options. Additionally, you can manage pop-ups, Flash plugins, YouTube access, and geolocation settings for enhanced security. These configurations help maintain a secure and controlled browsing experience across managed devices

5. Kiosk Mode

Scalefusion’s Windows kiosk mode enables you to transform Windows devices into dedicated kiosks by configuring them in Single-App or Multi-App Kiosk Mode based on your needs. Single-App Kiosk Mode restricts the device to a single application, ideal for use cases like self-service kiosks, POS systems, or digital signage, where focused functionality is essential. This mode enhances security by limiting user access to only the intended app. Multi-App Kiosk Mode allows access to multiple pre-approved applications, offering flexibility in environments where users need a few essential tools. This setup is useful for shared devices in sectors like retail and healthcare, where controlled, multi-app access is necessary. Once configured, these kiosk modes can be applied across devices, user groups, or individually, ensuring secure, context-based device management.

6. Over-the-air Software and OS Update

With Scalefusion, you can set up and manage OS update policies for Windows 10 devices, allowing precise control over update rollouts. You can choose to automate updates for essential components while selecting other updates for manual approval, tailoring the update process to organizational needs. For updates that require approval, Scalefusion provides tools to check and apply pending updates at both the individual device level and across device groups. This ensures that updates are managed efficiently, keeping devices up-to-date without impacting user productivity.

7. Efficient Patch Management

Scalefusion MDM offers a robust Windows Patch Management solution that streamlines asset management and ensures devices remain secure and compliant. Scalefusion acts as an automated patch management tool. It simplifies the process by allowing you to remotely manage and apply patches to Windows systems enabled with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). With Scalefusion’s Workflows, you can reduce repetitive tasks, lowering cognitive IT load and ensuring timely patch rollouts. The Windows Patch Management feature allows you to set specific schedules for deploying OS updates and third-party application patches, whether on specific days, times, or at regular intervals. Through its Windows Agent-based Update & Patch Management, Scalefusion automates the assessment, deployment, and updating of third-party applications, providing a proactive approach to security and compliance across managed Windows devices.

8. Remote Monitoring and Management

Scalefusion UEM doubles up as a Remote Monitoring and Management software. This is beneficial for organizations with a large Windows device inventory. As an RMM software, Scalefusion streamlines remote management and helps you proactively monitor and manage employee devices and client endpoints to ensure their best health.

9. Ability to Configure Windows Defender

With Scalefusion MDM, you can easily configure and push Windows Defender policies across all your managed Windows devices, ensuring they are protected from malware and other cyber threats. You can set policies for real-time monitoring, automatic signature updates, and advanced features like cloud protection, allowing you to manage device security seamlessly without manual intervention. This helps to maintain up-to-date protection across your fleet, ensuring your devices are always secured against the latest threats. By using Scalefusion’s integration with Windows Defender, you gain the ability to enforce consistent security policies across your organization, regardless of the location of your workforce. Whether your team is remote, hybrid, or on-site, you can ensure that all devices adhere to the same security standards, giving you peace of mind and simplifying compliance with security regulations. This centralized approach not only enhances security but also improves operational efficiency.

10. Detailed Device Reports and Automated Workflows

Comprehensive reporting and workflow automation are key to effective Windows laptop and desktop management. With Scalefusion’s Reports feature, you can generate detailed reports that provide insights into device health, security incidents, application usage, and compliance status. These reports help identify issues early and ensure devices stay secure and compliant. Windows MDM also offers robust workflow automation, allowing administrators to set up automated actions triggered by specific events. For example, devices exhibiting suspicious behavior can be automatically quarantined, while alerts can be sent for compliance violations, such as outdated software. This ensures timely responses to potential issues. By automating routine tasks, IT admins can focus on more strategic objectives while improving security and operational efficiency. Workflow automation helps mitigate risks by addressing incidents quickly and ensuring devices remain compliant without constant manual oversight.

11. Strong Network Security

With Scalefusion’s Network Security feature, you can ensure that your managed devices only connect to authorized and secure networks. By configuring Wi-Fi and VPN settings, you can enforce secure connections that protect corporate data and resources. For Wi-Fi, you can control user access to Wi-Fi settings within specific apps, as well as enable or disable manual connections to networks. Distributing Wi-Fi profiles allows you to define which networks devices can connect to, ensuring that only secure, approved networks are used for accessing corporate resources. For VPN, you can configure VPN profiles with predefined settings such as server addresses, protocols, and authentication methods. You can also select which apps will operate over the VPN, ensuring that data transfers are securely encrypted. This configuration provides comprehensive security for all connections to corporate networks, safeguarding your organization’s infrastructure.

12. Enhanced Remote Support

Scalefusion’s Remote IT Support offers powerful tools for efficient device management. With Remote Cast and Control, you can view and interact with device screens in real-time, troubleshoot, push or delete files, and capture screenshots or screen recordings—all remotely. This ensures quick resolutions without needing user involvement. The VoIP Calling feature allows you to communicate directly with end users during troubleshooting. It enhances support by letting you guide users through steps, gather issue details, and provide immediate feedback, speeding up issue resolution and improving support quality. Additionally, Remote Commands let you send instructions to devices, such as launching services or installing apps, allowing proactive maintenance. Scalefusion integrates with ITSM tools like Jira and Freshservice, creating support tickets with relevant device information, reducing administrative effort, and speeding up issue resolution.

Step Into The Next Era of Modern Windows Management with Scalefusion UEM

The shift from traditional to modern device management is essential for organizations adopting hybrid, mobile, and cloud-driven work environments. Traditional methods, built for static office networks, are not efficient enough to address the complexities of managing a diverse range of devices, ensuring robust security, and maintaining operational efficiency across remote and hybrid workforces. Modern Device Management solutions, like Scalefusion UEM, offer the agility, scalability, and security needed to manage Windows-based devices effectively in a dynamic digital landscape. By leveraging cloud-based solutions, zero-touch provisioning, automation, and advanced security features, organizations can streamline device management, reduce manual intervention, and enhance both user productivity and security. Scalefusion’s comprehensive Windows management capabilities empower IT admins to maintain full visibility and control over devices, ensuring that they are secure, compliant, and optimized for performance.