Did you opt out of a VMware AirWatch console upgrade, but wish you had access to the profile settings? Do you want Windows Insider devices to take advantage of pre-released configuration service providers (CSPs)?
If so, then say hello to the AirWatch enterprise mobility management (EMM) Windows 10 custom settings profile.
[Related: VMware AirWatch Windows 10 Unified Endpoint Management]
Windows 10 Custom Profile Solution Overview
Use the custom settings profile to deliver the newest functionality to managed devices. Configuring the profile is easy:
First, navigate to the appropriate platform’s profile settings in the AirWatch console.
Then, select the custom settings payload, and upload SyncML (XML) code into the text box.
Finally, save and publish the profile, delivering the settings to devices.
To configure a custom settings profile, you need the correct chunk of SyncML code. There are many ways to get SyncML. Before you get started, review the methods below and select the one that works best for you.[one_half]
Method 1: Copy SyncML Samples
- Best For: Anyone who doesn’t want to reinvent the wheel.
- Level of Effort: 1/10
- Value: Foolproof results. Validated samples.
- Caveats: Some samples only apply to certain devices or specific editions. Limited number of samples.
Method 2: Copy the SyncML of a Newer AirWatch Console’s Profile
- Best For: Anyone who opted out of a console upgrade that still wants the latest profile settings.
- Level of Effort: 4/10[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
[/one_half_last]
- Value: Use the newest settings. Skip the production environment upgrade.
- Caveats: Limited to the AirWatch console’s supported feature set.
Method 3: Create SyncML from Scratch
- Best For: Anyone who wants to use pre-released CSPs for Windows Insider devices.
- Level of Effort: 7/10
- Value: Deliver pre-released CSPs to Windows Insider devices.
- Caveats: Limited to Windows Insider devices.
[box type=”shadow”]
Formatting 101: Create a Complete Block of SyncML
A complete block of SyncML code consists of the following attributes:
- Runs from
<[characteristic]>to<[characteristic]> - Uses Add, Delete, Replace, or Exec as a characteristic.
- Does not contain text before or after the characteristics.
- May or may not remove all whitespace and linearize the code block to condense its size.
For Example:
<Replace><CmdID>2</CmdID><Item><Target> <LocURI>./Device/Vendor/MSFT/AssignedAccess/KioskModeApp</LocURI></Target> <Meta><Format xmlns="syncml:metinf">chr</Format></Meta><Data> {"Account":"standard","AUMID":"AirWatchLLC.AirWatchBrowser_htcwkw4rx2gx4!App"}</Data></Item></Replace>
Update or Delete Settings
Manually apply tags to update or delete settings using a Windows 10 custom settings profile.
- To update settings, use the replace tag:
<Replace> to </Replace> - To remove settings, use the delete tag:
<Delete> to </Delete>
For Example: Remove Kiosk Assigned Access Setting
<Delete><CmdID>2</CmdID><Item><Target> <LocURI>./Device/Vendor/MSFT/AssignedAccess/KioskModeApp</LocURI></Target></Item></Delete>
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Configure a Windows 10 Custom Settings Profile
1. Copy or create a complete block of SyncML code.[learn_more caption=”Copy SyncML Samples”]
- Go to VMware Code Sample Exchange.
- Find the correct sample.
- Copy the text.[/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Copy the Profile Settings from the Latest AirWatch Console”]
- Log into a version of the AirWatch console that supports the desired profile functionality.
- Configure and Save this payload to create a profile.
- Find the new profile in the list view: 1) Click its radio button. 2) Click the </>XML option. 3) Copy the SyncML that appears.
- Paste the SyncML into a text editor, and edit it: 1) Remove lines of text so that all the code falls between the tags:
<[ Add, Delete, Replace, or Exec ]>to<[ Add, Delete, Replace, or Exec ]> 2)Optionally, remove the whitespace, and linearize the SyncML. - Copy the formatted code.[/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Create New SyncML”]
- Go to the Configuration Service Provider (CSP) Reference.
- Access the newest Windows Insider features.
- Follow the site’s available guidelines to create the code sample.
- Copy the text.[/learn_more]
2. Navigate to Devices > Profiles > List View > Add > Add Profile > Windows > Windows Desktop.
3. Refer to the LocURI to determine the profile’s context.
- User Profile: Select if the LocURI begins with
./User/. - Device Profile: Select if the LocURI begins with
./Device/.
4. Configure General settings to determine how the profile deploys and who receives it.
5. Select the Custom Settings payload.
6. Click Configure, and paste the complete block of SyncML code in the text box.
7. Select Save & Publish.
