As we are progressing toward a more online approach, this blog provides a detailed overview of deploying Java on macOS using Microsoft Intune, which indeed is a crucial connection between the hardware and the web apps. Intune is a cloud-based Mobile device management and Application management software to centrally manage devices, their security and compliance, also manage and automate software deployment across all devices. In today’s modern workplace, Intune is a part of the Microsoft 365 suite and a popular platform, and is easy to handle once a user gets some experience.

Importance of Java

Do you know that without Java, you can’t run many enterprise web-based applications, such as ERP, Banking software, and HR portals? Installing Java on users’ devices ensures compatibility with applications that rely on Java Runtime Environment (JRE) or (JDK). If Java is not installed on the device, this web app will fail to run or have a few limited functionalities. That’s why making sure proper Java Installation management is Important for maintaining operational and software compatibility on all devices.

Intune can help to deploy Java apps centrally. It’s an intelligent move, particularly for the IT support team.

We will make sure the following Prerequisites are met to deploy Java via Microsoft Intune.

Prerequisites

  • An active Microsoft 365 tenant with Microsoft Intune configured
  • Java .pkg installer, signed and ready for deployment
  • Devices enrolled into Intune (preferably supervised macOS devices)
  • Appropriate permission to create and assign shell scripts or custom app deployments in Intune
  • Rosetta 2 installation script (.sh format)

About Rosetta 2 on MacOS

Apple is using its own (M1/M2) processors on macOS devices, then the question is. What will happen to Intel-based apps? Well, the Answer is Rosetta 2 is Apple’s translation layer that will help you run Intel-based applications seamlessly on Mac devices. It seamlessly translates code at installation or runtime, ensuring compatibility and performance.

How to Deploy Java on macOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s automate Java deployment with Microsoft Intune

1. Download Java Installer

Download the latest Java installer package (usually .pkg format) from the official Oracle website. Check macOS Version compatibility.

2. Add PKG app package file to Intune

  • Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center
  • Go to Devices > Apps > macOS > select +Add
  • Select the App Type as macOS app (PKG)
  • Upload your signed Java .pkg file
  • Configure OS Requirements
  • Configure Detection Rules for PKG App

3. Assign and Create PKG App in Intune

We will assign the Java PKG app to device groups or user groups in Intune. On the Assignments tab, select and add the groups to whom you want to target this application. If you are deploying the PKG app for the first time, we recommend creating a pilot device group from different departments to test all the application functionality. Once you find the deployments successful, you can then expand them to a production group.

4. Deploy Rosetta 2 Install shell script

  • For M1/M2/M3 Macs, Rosetta 2 is required for Intel-based .pkg installers
  • Create a shell script in Intune that installs Rosetta 2 silently

5. Monitor macOS PKG App and script Deployment in Intune

Once you deploy the Java Package across all the macOS devices, Intune administrators can monitor the deployment using the below mention steps:

  • Sign in to the Intune admin center.
  • Navigate to Apps > macOS > macOS Apps
  • From the list of apps, select the Java app to monitor

There are two options that you see under Monitor: Device install status and User install status. If you have deployed the app to devices, select the Device Install Status to find the status of deployment. If you have assigned the app to user groups, select the user install status option to find the deployment status.

6. Sync Intune Policies on MacOS Devices

After deploying the Java PKG apps on macOS devices using Intune, it’s time to sync the devices with Intune. You can either wait for the Intune policy refresh cycle to occur on macOS devices or manually trigger the sync.

By default, the macOS device checks with Intune for the latest policies every 8 hours. If the macOS devices are offline, they will receive the most recent policies from Intune once they reconnect.

Troubleshooting PKG App installation failures

On some macOS devices, the Java apps may fail to install. There could be several reasons why Java app deployment fails on certain macOS devices. In case you encounter issues with deployment, you must refer to the IntuneMDMDaemon.log and IntuneMDMAgent.log files. Take a look at this excellent guide for gathering Intune logs on macOS devices, and check for Deployment of the Rosetta 2 Install shell script status.

Benefits of Intune for macOS App Management

  • Centralized deployment and app version control
  • Centralized Apps update management

Java deployment via Intune automates the installation process and reduces manual intervention by the end-user IT support team. It’s a cost-effective solution.

Conclusion

You learned how to automate the deployment of Java via Intune. With the growth of managed IT services and increasing adoption of Microsoft 365 implementation, deploying necessary software like Java on macOS with Intune has become a core Expertise for IT teams. It’s a simplified app deployment across devices.

Ready to streamline Java deployment on macOS with Intune?

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FAQs

Yes, Java can be deployed on macOS using Microsoft Intune by uploading the Java PKG installer as a macOS app. Intune allows IT administrators to centrally deploy, monitor, and manage Java installations across enrolled macOS devices without manual user intervention.

It depends on the Java installer. If you are deploying an Intel-based Java PKG, Apple Silicon Macs require Rosetta 2 for compatibility. Rosetta 2 can be installed silently using an Intune shell script before deploying Java to ensure successful installation.

To deploy Java on macOS using Intune, you need:

  • An active Microsoft 365 tenant with Intune enabled
  • A signed Java PKG installer
  • macOS devices enrolled in Intune
  • Permissions to create macOS apps and shell scripts
  • A Rosetta 2 installation script for Apple Silicon devices (if required)

You can monitor Java deployment in the Intune admin center by navigating to Apps > macOS > macOS Apps and selecting the Java app. Intune provides both device install status and user install status, allowing administrators to track successful installs and troubleshoot failures.

If Java installation fails, review the IntuneMDMDaemon.log and IntuneMDMAgent.log files on the affected macOS device. Common issues include missing Rosetta 2, incorrect PKG signing, or macOS version incompatibility. Ensuring the Rosetta 2 script runs successfully often resolves installation issues on Apple Silicon Macs.