Configuring Windows Client Delivery Optimization with Intune: A Detailed Guide
What Is Delivery Optimization?
Delivery Optimization is a Windows feature that helps devices download updates and Microsoft Store apps faster and more efficiently. It allows computers to get content not only from Microsoft’s servers, but also from other PCs—either within your local network or, if you set it up, from peers on the internet. This reduces repeated downloads of the same files and saves bandwidth, especially in organizations with many devices.
Delivery Optimization Configuration Options in Intune
When you use Intune to configure Delivery Optimization for your devices, you can fine-tune several key settings:
Download Mode:
This setting decides where devices pull their updates and apps from.
- Simple (0): Downloads only from Microsoft.
- LAN (1): Uses peer-to-peer sharing within the local network.
- Group (2): Shares files with a defined group of devices (based on Group ID).
- Internet (3): Downloads and shares files with internet peers as well as within your organization.
Group ID:
If you use “Group” mode, this ID sets which devices can share files with each other by grouping them logically.
Cache Server Hostname:
If you have a Microsoft Connected Cache server set up, you can specify its address here to make clients pull updates directly from your network cache, reducing outside bandwidth further.
Minimum Peer Cache Size:
You can make each device reserve a certain amount of disk space for cached updates—this ensures they always have something available to share with others, helping speed up future downloads.
Restrict Peer Selection:
Use this to limit which other devices your PCs can discover and share files with, such as blocking peer discovery outside your main network or domains.
How to Set Up Delivery Optimization in Intune
1. Create the Device Configuration Profile
- Go to the Intune Admin Center.
- Choose Devices → Configuration profiles → Create profile.
- Pick Windows 10 and later as the platform.
- Use the Settings catalog profile type for the most options.
2. Add Delivery Optimization Settings
- In the profile wizard, search for “Delivery Optimization.”
- Add your required settings—like Download Mode and Group ID.
- You can also set up a cache server or adjust peer options as needed.
3. Assign the Profile
- Pick which Azure AD device groups the policy should target—these can be departments, locations, or even test groups.
- Assign the profile to those groups.
4. Monitor the Deployment
- Check the status in the Intune Admin Center.
- Look for successful policy application and resolve any errors.
- Make sure devices are getting their updates as expected, and that your bandwidth “spikes” are leveling off.
Best Practices for Delivery Optimization
- Start Small: Deploy your configuration to a small test group before rolling out organization-wide.
- Choose the Right Download Mode: Use LAN or Group mode to maximize local delivery and minimize WAN usage for sites with many devices.
- Leverage Connected Cache: If you have many remote sites, a Connected Cache server onsite helps devices pull updates locally, saving even more WAN bandwidth.
- Monitor Usage: Regularly check compliance and network impact. Adjust groupings and cache sizes as needs change.
- Document Changes: Keep notes on the logic behind your settings so future admins and helpdesk staff know why you made each choice.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If devices aren’t sharing content, check minimum cache settings and network discovery.
- If you see high external bandwidth use, review Download Mode and restrict peer selection if needed.
- If users on VPN aren’t benefiting from peer delivery, confirm that subnet and peer discovery are possible over your VPN configuration.
Further Reading and Resources
When set up correctly, Windows Delivery Optimization with Intune keeps update traffic quick and efficient. It helps organizations with many devices manage bandwidth, while ensuring everyone gets the updates and security patches they need, right when they need them. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments are key as your users move offices, change networks, or as your organization grows.
