Microsoft MVP
- LinkedIn
- GitHub
- YouTube
- X
- Reddit
- Facebook
- Discord
- Patreon
Consulting
IPv6 Consulting
Newsletter
Topics

All posts tagged SCCM

Microsoft Intune Learning Resources for Always On VPN Administrators

Note: This post has been updated and republished to reflect the return to the Microsoft Intune product name and to include updated learning resources for Always On VPN administrators.

Microsoft Intune is the recommended solution for deploying and managing Windows Always On VPN client configuration settings. Always On VPN is designed for Mobile Device Management (MDM), with configuration settings deployed specifically to the VPNv2 Configuration Service Provider (CSP) interface.

Resources

Getting up to speed on all things MEM isn’t difficult at all. I’ve found the MEM community to be exceedingly helpful, and there are many available training resources in various formats from which to choose.

Books

The following is a list of Microsoft Endpoint Manager books Always On VPN administrators will find most helpful for learning about MEM.

Mastering Microsoft Intune by Christiaan Brinkhoff and Per Larsen

Learning Microsoft Intune by Scott Duffey

MDM: Fundamentals, Security, and the Modern Desktop by Jeremy Moskowitz

YouTube

The Intune Training channel on YouTube is an incredibly valuable resource for Always On VPN administrators learning MEM. Hosted by Steven Hosking, Adam Gross, and Ben Reader, there are countless videos covering important MEM configuration tasks.

Pluralsight

Pluralsight offers video training courses for a wide variety of IT-related topics. Recently I published the Implementing Always On VPN video training course. There are several Microsoft Endpoint Manager video training courses available as well. Pluralsight is available via subscription. You can sign up for a free trial here if you don’t have a subscription.

Conferences

The Midwest Management Summit (MMS) is the premier event for systems management professionals. Their annual conference takes place each spring in the U.S. (Minneapolis, MN). The event is the best place to learn about Microsoft Endpoint Manager and network with systems management professionals worldwide.

ViaMonstra Online Academy

I will be delivering the Mastering Certificates with Microsoft Intune training course at the ViaMonstra online training academy May 14-16, 2024. This three-day live, interactive training course provides a comprehensive deep dive into all aspects of deploying and managing digital certificates using Microsoft Intune. Microsoft Cloud PKI will also be covered. Space is limited, so register today!

Additional Resources

As a reminder, Microsoft Intune topics such as certificate deployment and Always On VPN profile deployment and management are covered in detail in both my Implementing Always On VPN book and the Implementing Always On VPN video training course on Pluralsight. 😁

Leave a comment

by Richard M. Hicks on March 21, 2024 • Permalink

Posted in Always On VPN, Authentication and MFA, Certificate-Based Authentication, Cloud PKI, Conditional Access, Intune Certificate Connector, Microsoft Intune, NDES and SCEP, PKI, Training and Events, Windows Server

Tagged Always On VPN, book, Intune, SCCM, training, VPN, Windows 10, Windows 11

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on March 21, 2024

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2024/03/21/microsoft-intune-learning-resources-for-always-on-vpn-administrators/

When Always On VPN Isn’t

Microsoft Always On VPN is a beautiful thing. VPN profiles are assigned to the user (and, optionally, their device). When users power up their device and log on, they are automatically connected to the corporate network and can access all the applications and data they need on-premises. Until recently, though, end users could disconnect the VPN. Why they would do this is beyond comprehension, but sadly, it happens all too often. When it does, it presents a problem for Always On VPN administrators because they must now rely on the user to re-enable this feature. And until they do, they often suffer productivity loss, and their devices may fall out of compliance.

Connect Automatically

When an Always On VPN profile is provisioned to a user (or a device), the VPN profile has the option to ‘Connect automatically’ enabled by default. Unfortunately, this setting is cleared if a user terminates the VPN.

This setting will remain cleared until the user rechecks the box to enable it. Until then, the VPN will no longer connect automatically.

Workarounds

Instead of relying on the grace of the end user to restore Always On functionality, administrators have a few options to correct this problem programmatically.

Intune Remediation

Administrators can use Intune Remediations to deploy a set of detection and remediation scripts I’ve published to update this setting. Now, administrators can enforce ‘Always On’ VPN connections with the assurance that if the user turns off this feature, it will be quickly re-enabled.

Detect-AutoTriggerDisabledProfile.ps1

Remediate-AutoTriggerDisabledProfile.ps1

Configuration Manager

You can find a standalone version of this script here if you use Configuration Manager or another systems management solution to manage your endpoints.

Clear-AutoTriggerDisabledProfile.ps1

AovpnTools

In addition, you will find the Clear-AutoTriggerDisabledProfile function is included in my AOVPNTools PowerShell module, which can be installed from the PowerShell gallery.

Install-Module -Name AOVPNTools -Force

Disable Disconnect Button

To avoid this pain in the future, Always On VPN administrators can prevent users from disconnecting the VPN using the UI by leveraging the DisableDisconnectButton option in ProfileXML. This setting is supported for both user and device tunnels on Windows 11 and later devices.

Additional Information

Always On VPN: Secure Remote Access for Windows

AOVPNTools PowerShell Module

AOVPNTools PowerShell Module on GitHub

Always On VPN and Intune Remediations

23 Comments

by Richard M. Hicks on January 15, 2024 • Permalink

Posted in Always On VPN, Microsoft Intune, PowerShell

Tagged Always On VPN, Compliance, disconnect, Intune, PowerShell, Remote Access, SCCM, VPN, Windows 10, Windows 11

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on January 15, 2024

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2024/01/15/when-always-on-vpn-isnt/

Always On VPN Masterclass at ViaMonstra Online Academy – September 2023

I’m pleased to announce that my popular Always On VPN Deep Dive Workshop training event is coming to the ViaMonstra Online Academy! Many of you have requested a virtual, live, online training event for Microsoft Always On VPN, so here’s your opportunity to learn all about this secure remote access technology without having to leave the comfort of your home or office.

Live and Online

This live, online 4-day virtual training event will take place September 18-20, 2023. The cost for the training is $3,195.00 and will include ten training modules and numerous hands-on labs. Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to learn more about designing, implementing, managing, and support Always On VPN. Space is limited, so register today!

Additional Information

Always On VPN Masterclass at ViaMonstra Online Academy

Always On VPN Free Mini-Course at ViaMonstra Online Academy

Leave a comment

by Richard M. Hicks on June 29, 2023 • Permalink

Posted in Always On VPN, Microsoft Intune, Training and Events, Windows Server

Tagged Always On VPN, Intune, Remote Access, SCCM, training, ViaMonstra, VPN, Windows 10, Windows 11

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on June 29, 2023

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2023/06/29/always-on-vpn-masterclass-at-viamonstra-online-academy-september-2023/

Always On VPN at MMSMOA 2023

I’m excited to share that I’ve been invited to present at the popular Midwest Management Summit at Mall of America (MMSMOA) this year! The event takes place Monday, May 2, through Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Sessions

I will be delivering two talks at the event this year. One on Microsoft Always On VPN and Intune, the other on deploying certificate using Intune.

Always On VPN and Intune: Notes from the Field – Tuesday, May 2 at 10:00 AM CDT

This session will cover all aspects of deploying and managing Always On VPN client configuration settings using Microsoft Intune.

Intune Certificate Management – Wednesday, May 3 at 10:00 AM CDT

This session will provide detailed configuration guidance and best practice recommendations for issuing on-premises enterprise PKI certificate using Microsoft Intune.

Attending MMS?

Will you be attending MMSMOA? Let’s connect! Drop in on my sessions, of course, but let’s plan to hang out! I will have copies of my book to give away too, so don’t miss out. Send me a note here or on Twitter, or just find me at the conference. Looking forward to seeing all of you soon!

Leave a comment

by Richard M. Hicks on April 11, 2023 • Permalink

Posted in Always On VPN, Cryptography, Intune Certificate Connector, Microsoft Intune, NDES and SCEP, PKI, PowerShell, Training and Events, Windows Server

Tagged Always On VPN, certificates, conference, Intune, PKI, Remote Access, SCCM, training

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on April 11, 2023

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2023/04/11/always-on-vpn-at-mmsmoa-2023/

Always On VPN CSP Updates

Always On VPN DNS Registration Update Available

Administrators can deploy Always On VPN client configuration settings in several ways. The simplest method is to use the native Microsoft Intune UI and the VPN device configuration profile template. Optionally, administrators can create an XML file that can be deployed with Intune using the Custom template. In addition, the XML file can be deployed using PowerShell, either interactively or with System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Administrators can also deploy the XML file using PowerShell via Active Directory group policy startup script or another software provisioning platform.

Custom XML

While using the native Intune VPN device configuration template to deploy and manage Always On VPN client configuration settings is easy and convenient, it lacks support for many crucial configuration settings. Deploying Always On VPN client settings using the Custom template is helpful to overcome these limitations as it enables additional configuration settings not exposed in the Intune VPN template.

VPNv2CSP

The VPNv2 Configuration Service Provider (CSP) is the interface used by Intune to deploy Always On VPN client configuration settings to the endpoint. The WMI-to-CSP bridge enables settings deployment using PowerShell. In either scenario, administrators must create an XML file that includes the settings used for the Always On VPN profile. A reference for all supported settings in the VPNv2 CSP can be found here.

New Settings

Microsoft recently introduced some new settings in the VPNv2 CSP. Beginning with Windows 11 22H2, administrators can disable the disconnect button and prevent access to the advanced settings menu for device and user tunnels in the Windows UI by adding the following entries in the XML configuration file.

<DisableDisconnectButton>true</DisableDisconnectButton>

<DisableAdvancedOptionsEditButton>true
</DisableAdvancedOptionsEditButton>

Additional Updates

Microsoft also added options to define encryption settings, disable IKEv2 fragmentation support, update IPv4 and IPv6 interface metrics, adjust IKEv2 network outage time, and disable the use of RAS credentials in XML for device and user tunnels. These new options eliminate the need to use Intune Proactive Remediation to adjust these VPN client configuration settings post-deployment.

Unfortunately, these settings are not supported in any current release of Windows 10 or 11 today. However, they are available in the latest Windows Insider build (development channel) if you want to test them. I’ve provided example settings below. These settings will be supported in a public release of Windows in the future.

<DataEncryption>Max</DataEncryption>
<DisableIKEv2Fragmentation>true</DisableIKEv2Fragmentation>
<IPv4InterfaceMetric>3</IPv4InterfaceMetric>
<IPv6InterfaceMetric>3</IPv6InterfaceMetric>
<NetworkOutageTime>0</NetworkOutageTime>
<UseRasCredentials>false</UseRasCredentials>

Note: At the time of this writing, the VPNv2 CSP indicates these settings apply to Windows 11 21H2 and later. That is incorrect. Microsoft is aware of the issue and will hopefully correct it soon.

Intune Support

At some point, Microsoft may add these features to the Intune VPN device configuration template. However, XML with the Custom template is the only way to enable these new settings today.

Additional Information

Always On VPN VPNv2 CSP Reference

Deploying Always On VPN with Intune using Custom ProfileXML

Always On VPN and Intune Proactive Remediation

Microsoft Intune Learning Resources for Always On VPN Administrators

Example Always On VPN User Tunnel ProfileXML

Example Always On VPN Device Tunnel ProfileXML

17 Comments

by Richard M. Hicks on March 6, 2023 • Permalink

Posted in Always On VPN, Microsoft Intune, PowerShell, Security Updates, Windows Server

Tagged Active Directory, Always On VPN, certificate template, CSP, Intune, PowerShell, Proactive Remediation, ProfileXML, Remote Access, SCCM, VPN, Windows 11

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on March 6, 2023

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2023/03/06/always-on-vpn-csp-updates/

Always On VPN Masterclass at ViaMonstra Online Academy

Live and Online

This live, online 4-day virtual training event will take place April 10-13, 2023. The cost for the training is $3,195.00 and will include ten training modules and numerous hands-on labs. Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to learn more about designing, implementing, managing, and support Always On VPN. Space is limited, so register today!

Additional Information

Always On VPN Masterclass at ViaMonstra Online Academy

Always On VPN Free Mini-Course at ViaMonstra Online Academy

4 Comments

by Richard M. Hicks on February 9, 2023 • Permalink

Posted in Always On VPN, Microsoft Intune, Training and Events, Windows Server

Tagged Always On VPN, Intune, Remote Access, SCCM, training, ViaMonstra, VPN, Windows 10, Windows 11

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on February 9, 2023

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2023/02/09/always-on-vpn-masterclass-at-viamonstra-online-academy/

Always On VPN DPC with Intune

In the past, I’ve written about Always On VPN Dynamic Profile Configurator (DPC), a software solution administrators can use to provision and manage Always On VPN client configuration settings using Active Directory and group policy. In addition to streamlining the deployment and management of Always On VPN client settings, DPC has many advanced features and capabilities to ensure optimal security, performance, and connection reliability.

Optimizations

Many settings required to fine-tune and optimize Always On VPN connections are not exposed in the Intune UI or XML. They must be configured by manipulating configuration files, setting registry keys, and running PowerShell commands. Much of this can be automated using Intune Proactive Remediation, but it is far from ideal. Administrators must configure Always On VPN using one method, then deploy optimizations using another. In addition, Proactive Remediation suffers from timing issues where some settings are not applied immediately, resulting in degraded or inoperable VPN connections until changes take effect.

Always On VPN DPC

Always On VPN DPC allows administrators to configure many advanced settings quickly and conveniently using the familiar Group Policy Management console (gpmc.msc). DPC dramatically reduces the administrative burden associated with Always On VPN client management. In addition, DPC enables many of these options by default, ensuring optimal security and reliable operation. Also, DPC immediately implements all configuration settings, eliminating the need to reboot to apply configuration changes.

Intune and ADMX

Historically, Always On VPN DPC could only be used when managing endpoints exclusively with Active Directory group policy. However, DPC can now be used with Microsoft Endpoint Manager/Intune thanks to a new feature that allows administrators to import custom ADMX and ADML administrative templates to Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM).

Note: This feature is in public preview at the time of this writing.

DPC and Intune

The combination of DPC and Intune brings with it many advantages. Using DPC with Microsoft Endpoint Manager/Intune offers administrators simplified deployment and many advanced features provided by Always On VPN DPC. In addition, customers who have deployed DPC on-premises can now migrate seamlessly to Microsoft Endpoint Manager/Intune management without giving up DPC’s valuable features.

Learn More

Enter your contact details in the form below for more information regarding Always On VPN DPC. Also, visit https://aovpndpc.com/ to register for a free Always On VPN DPC trial.

Additional Information

Always On VPN with Active Directory Group Policy

Introduction to Always On VPN DPC

Always On VPN DPC Advanced Features

Always On VPN DPC Video Demonstrations

What’s New in Always On VPN DPC v3.0

Always On VPN DPC Free Trial

2 Comments

by Richard M. Hicks on October 10, 2022 • Permalink

Posted in Always On VPN, Always On VPN DPC, Entra ID, Microsoft Intune, PowerShell, Windows Server

Tagged Active Directory, Always On VPN, DPC, group policy, Intune, performance, Proactive Remediation, SCCM, Windows 10, Windows 11

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on October 10, 2022

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2022/10/10/always-on-vpn-dpc-with-intune/

Always On VPN at Workplace Ninja Summit 2022

The Workplace Ninja Summit takes place from 12-14 September 2022 in Lucerne, Switzerland. The conference focuses on endpoint management and security with platforms such as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Microsoft Endpoint Manager/Intune.

Conference Sessions

If you are participating in the conference, be sure to attend one of my sessions! I’m delivering the following three talks during the event.

Windows Always On VPN and Autopilot: Better Together

In this talk, I’ll cover in detail the critical aspects of implementing Always On VPN to support Autopilot provision with Intune.

Deploying On-premises Certificates with Intune

This session will explore the options for deploying enterprise PKI certificates using Intune. I’ll be sharing lots of security and implementation best practices.

Deploying Always On VPN with Intune: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

This talk will dive into the options for deploying Always On VPN using Intune. I’ll be covering many tips, tricks, and best practices and shining a light on many limitations and shortcomings of using Intune for Always On VPN.

Join Me!

Unfortunately, the conference is sold out, so if you haven’t made arrangements to attend you’ll have to wait until next year. If you are attending, please be sure to say hello!

Leave a comment

by Richard M. Hicks on September 2, 2022 • Permalink

Posted in Always On VPN, Entra ID, Intune Certificate Connector, Microsoft Intune, NDES and SCEP, PKI, Training and Events, Windows Server

Tagged Always On VPN, conference, Intune, SCCM, training, VPN, Windows Server, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on September 2, 2022

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2022/09/02/always-on-vpn-at-workplace-ninja-summit-2022/

Endpoint Manager and Intune Learning Resources for Always On VPN Administrators

Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM), formerly Intune, is the recommended solution for deploying and managing Windows Always On VPN client configuration settings. Always On VPN is designed for Mobile Device Management (MDM), with configuration settings deployed specifically to the VPNv2 Configuration Service Provider (CSP) interface.