Direct answer
Choose the action based on ownership, data handling and the desired outcome. Intune Retire and Wipe have different effects; verify current Windows-specific behavior before any irreversible device action.
Confirm the decision and device
Match the device identifier, owner and management record, and establish whether it is company-owned or personal. Agree what must be preserved, how business records and backups are retained, and who can approve the action.
Compare the actions
Microsoft describes Retire as removing managed organization data and settings while preserving personal content, whereas Wipe resets the device. Details vary by platform and management configuration, so review the current Windows documentation and related options for the specific device.
Reference: Microsoft: Device action Retire.
Plan and verify execution
A remote action may depend on the device reconnecting. Record the approved target and request, communicate with the owner and check action status and device outcome through the approved process. Do not treat a queued command as completed; handle a lost or offline device separately.
Example: a departing contractor
Before removing a contractor's personally owned laptop, confirm what managed data exists, whether a legal hold applies and which action the organization authorizes. Explain the expected effect and check the current Windows-specific documentation. If the device is offline, keep the request and access-containment work open until the outcome can be verified.
Assessment limits
The exact data removed depends on platform, management and action settings. Retire is not evidence that every copy of company data has been erased, and a wipe can permanently remove data.
Frequently asked questions
Does Retire perform a full factory reset?
Microsoft describes Retire as distinct from a full Wipe; check platform-specific behavior for the device.
Does submitting a wipe mean it has completed?
No. Verify the action status and device outcome, especially if the device was offline.
Can a wipe remove personal data?
Yes. Confirm ownership, backups and authorization before a destructive action.
Primary sources and further reading
These guides combine published security guidance with practical assessment planning. Adapt checks to the owner's policy, environment, and authorized scope.
This guide was prepared with AI assistance using the linked sources and illustrative examples. Check current vendor guidance and your environment before making changes.