Microsoft Defender for Endpoint script onboarding with TAGs
Onboarding devices in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) can be done through various methods, each suited for different scenarios. However, when dealing with workgroup-joined devices that are not part of an AD domain or Intune, manual onboarding using a local script becomes necessary. While this approach enables us to onboard these devices, it poses a challenge when it comes to applying TAGs for device categorization.
TAGs are an essential feature in MDE that allow us to organize and manage devices based on specific criteria such as location, department, or device type. Typically, TAGs are added through the MDE portal after the devices are onboarded or with Group Policy if devices are domain joined. Manual process can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with a large number of devices.
To streamline the onboarding process and automatically apply TAGs to workgroup-joined devices, we can incorporate a simple command into the onboarding script itself. By including this command, the devices will be automatically tagged during the onboarding process, eliminating the need for manual intervention later on.
Here's an example of how to add a TAG to devices using the onboarding script:
Open the onboarding script file in a text editor
Locate the :SCRIPT_START section
Add a command to assign a TAG to the device. For instance, if we want to assign a TAG "Workgroup", we can use the following command:
REG add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Advanced Threat Protection\DeviceTagging" /v Group /t REG_SZ /f /d "Workgroup" >NUL 2>&1
Save the modified onboarding script.
By including the command to assign a TAG within the onboarding script, the devices will be automatically tagged during the onboarding process. This saves time and effort since we don't have to manually assign TAGs through the MDE portal afterward.
Remember to customize the TAG based on your organization's requirements. You can create a TAG that align with your device categorization needs, such as geographical location, department, or device role. By leveraging TAGs, you can effectively manage and organize your devices within Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
In conclusion, onboarding workgroup-joined devices in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint requires manual intervention through a local script. By incorporating a command to assign TAGs within the onboarding script, we can streamline the process and automatically categorize the devices during onboarding. This ensures efficient device management and eliminates the need for manual TAG assignment through the MDE portal.