Intune App Packaging

Deploy Windows App (RD Client) via Intune | Guide

Published 17 March 2026 · 7 min read

Windows App is Microsoft's replacement for the Remote Desktop client, released in 2024. It consolidates connections to Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365 Cloud PC, Remote Desktop Services, and direct RDP into a single app. This guide covers deploying Windows App via Intune using the MSIX-based installer, which avoids requiring the Microsoft Store.

Contents
  1. Windows App vs Remote Desktop client
  2. Download the installer
  3. Wrap with the Content Prep Tool
  4. Add the app in Intune
  5. Install and uninstall commands
  6. Detection rule
  7. Pre-configuring workspace connections

Windows App vs Remote Desktop client

Microsoft replaced the old Remote Desktop client (msrdc) with Windows App in 2024. Windows App handles all of the following from one interface:

💡
If you have existing MSRDC deployments
Windows App replaces the old Remote Desktop client (msrdc.exe). If you have existing deployments of the old client, deploy Windows App and supersede the old one. The migration preserves saved connections.

Download the installer

Microsoft provides the Windows App installer on the Microsoft Learn documentation site:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-app/get-started-connect-devices-desktops-apps

Download the Windows Installer (.msi) version for enterprise deployment. The MSI installs Windows App system-wide and supports silent deployment.

Wrap with the Content Prep Tool

IntuneWinAppUtil.exe -c "C:\AppSource\WindowsApp" -s "WindowsApp.msi" -o "C:\IntunePackages"

Add the app in Intune

Intune Admin Centre → Apps → Windows → + Add → Windows app (Win32)
  1. Upload the .intunewin file
  2. Name: Windows App
  3. Publisher: Microsoft Corporation

Install and uninstall commands

⚙️
Program settings
[]
Install commandStandard silent MSI install
msiexec /i "WindowsApp.msi" /qn /norestart
Uninstall command
msiexec /x "WindowsApp.msi" /qn /norestart
Install behaviour
System
Device restart behaviour
No specific action

Detection rule

🔍
Registry detection rule
[]
Rule type
Registry
Key pathUse a file check as a simpler alternative
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\...
Detection method
Key exists

Simpler file-based alternative:

🔍
File detection rule
[]
Rule type
File
Path
C:\Program Files\WindowsApp
File or folder name
msrdcw.exe
Detection method
File or folder exists
💡
Test your detection rule first
Before deploying to users, install the app manually on a test device and verify the detection rule matches. Run the detection script or check the file path exists before assigning to a group.

Pre-configuring workspace connections

To automatically subscribe users to your Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365 workspace on first launch, deploy a registry key via Intune:

# Deploy via Intune PowerShell script or as part of the install wrapper
$regPath = "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\RDInfraAgent"
New-Item -Path $regPath -Force
Set-ItemProperty -Path $regPath -Name "IsServicePrincipal" -Value 0 -Type DWord

# Set your AVD/W365 workspace feed URL
$feedUrl = "https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery"
New-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RdClientRadc\Feeds" -Name $feedUrl -PropertyType String -Value "" -Force

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I deploy Windows App via Intune?

Windows App (formerly Remote Desktop client) is available as an MSIX package from the Microsoft Store. Deploy it via the Microsoft Store for Business integration in Intune, or use the Win32 MSI bootstrapper available from the Microsoft download page.

Q: What is Windows App and how is it different from the old Remote Desktop client?

Windows App (released 2024) is the replacement for the Microsoft Remote Desktop client and Remote Desktop Connection. It connects to Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Remote Desktop Services, and direct RDP connections from a single interface.

Q: Can I deploy Windows App silently via Intune without the Microsoft Store?

Yes. Microsoft provides a bootstrapper EXE and MSI that installs Windows App without requiring the Microsoft Store. Download the installer from the Microsoft documentation for Windows App deployment.

Q: How do I pre-configure RDP connections in Windows App for users?

Deploy a workspace URL via a registry key or Group Policy to automatically subscribe users to your Remote Desktop Services or Azure Virtual Desktop environment on first launch.

More App Packaging Guides
→ Deploy Cisco Webex via Intune→ Deploy Microsoft Teams via Intune→ Deploy Zoom via Intune
Installer typeMSI
ReplacesOld Remote Desktop client (msrdc)
Silent installYes - /qn /norestart
Workspace pre-configVia registry key
Reboot requiredNo
// need intune set up properly?
Fixed-price Intune setup for UK businesses

I set up Intune for UK small businesses at a fixed price - app deployment, compliance policies, Conditional Access, and full documentation handed over at the end.

View Packages
#intune #app-packaging #win32