Unable to Convert MSI/EXE to IntuneWin Format Using Azure Automation Runbooks

The Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool (IntuneWinAppUtil.exe) is not designed to run in the Azure Automation sandbox due to its inability to execute .exe files. As such, there is no supported method to run the prep tool directly within Azure Automation.

For automating the conversion of .msi or .exe files to .intunewin format in a cloud-native way, consider the following approaches:

1. Use Azure Virtual Machines (VMs): You can set up an Azure VM where you can install the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool and run the conversion process. You can automate this using Azure Automation by triggering scripts on the VM.
2. Azure Functions: If you can package the conversion logic into a function that can run in Azure Functions, you might be able to execute the conversion there, provided you can manage the execution environment accordingly.
3. Custom API or Service: Create a custom API or service that handles the conversion process. This service can be hosted in Azure and can be called from your Azure Automation Runbooks.
4. Use of Containers: If feasible, consider using Docker containers that can run the necessary tools and scripts to perform the conversion, which can then be orchestrated through Azure services.

These methods will allow you to automate the packaging and deployment process without manual intervention while adhering to the limitations of Azure Automation.

References:

• Prepare Win32 App Content for Upload
• Win32 app management in Microsoft Intune