Device management is the administration of computers, smartphones, tablets, and other connected endpoints throughout their operational lifecycle. It enables organizations to configure devices, enforce security policies, distribute software, monitor their status, and remotely respond to issues such as loss, unauthorized access, or non-compliance. Management platforms maintain a central view of devices while applying controls appropriate to each device and user.
For example, an IT team can use device management to automatically configure employee laptops, require encryption, install approved applications, apply security updates, and remotely lock a misplaced phone. Modern approaches often combine mobile device management (MDM), endpoint management, identity controls, and security monitoring. Related concepts include device enrollment, device authentication, endpoint security, unified endpoint management, and zero trust.
