Microsoft 365 Group Policy vs Intune 2026: Which Should You Use?

Introduction

If you work in IT administration, you've likely heard the debate: should you use Group Policy or Intune to manage Microsoft 365? In 2026, this question is more relevant than ever. Both tools serve similar purposes, but they approach device and policy management in fundamentally different ways.

The shift towards cloud-based management has accelerated significantly over the past few years. More organisations are moving away from on-premises infrastructure, which means Group Policy's limitations are becoming increasingly apparent. At the same time, Intune (Microsoft's cloud-native Mobile Device Management solution) has matured considerably, offering capabilities that Group Policy simply cannot match.

This article breaks down the critical differences between these two technologies, helping you make an informed decision for your organisation in 2026.

What is Group Policy?

Group Policy is Microsoft's traditional management framework, first introduced with Windows 2000. It's used to configure computers and users within an Active Directory domain environment. If you've worked in IT for more than a few years, you've almost certainly used Group Policy at some point.

Here's what Group Policy does well:

Manages settings on domain-joined Windows devices

Controls security policies, software installation, and user preferences

Works offline if devices have previously received policies

Requires minimal licensing beyond what you already have

Offers granular control through Group Policy Objects (GPOs)

However, Group Policy has significant limitations in 2026:

It requires Active Directory and on-premises infrastructure

Cannot manage cloud-native devices or those without domain connectivity

Doesn't support mobile devices (iOS, Android, macOS)

Updates can take time to propagate across networks

Increasingly difficult to manage hybrid environments

What is Intune?

Intune is Microsoft's cloud-native device management solution, part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It launched as part of Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) and has evolved into a comprehensive Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM) platform.

Intune excels at:

Managing devices regardless of whether they're domain-joined

Supporting Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices

Providing real-time policy deployment

Enabling remote device management from anywhere

Integrating seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD

Offering conditional access and compliance requirements

Managing both corporate and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) scenarios

The key advantage? Intune works in cloud-first, hybrid, and fully remote environments. You don't need on-premises infrastructure to manage devices effectively.

Direct Comparison: Group Policy vs Intune

Device Support

Group Policy: Windows devices only (those joined to an Active Directory domain).

Intune: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux devices. Works with cloud-native, hybrid, and on-premises devices.

Deployment Speed

Group Policy: Updates through domain replication. Can take time to reach all devices, depending on replication schedules.

Intune: Near-instantaneous cloud deployment. Policies push to devices within minutes.

Management Location

Group Policy: Managed through Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and Active Directory Users and Computers on-premises.

Intune: Managed through the Microsoft Intune admin centre, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Security Scope

Group Policy: Manages OS and application settings but doesn't provide device compliance or conditional access features natively.

Intune: Includes device compliance, conditional access integration, threat protection, and mobile application management out of the box.

Hybrid and Remote Work

Group Policy: Struggles in hybrid environments. Remote devices without VPN connectivity may not receive policy updates reliably.

Intune: Designed for hybrid and remote work. Devices receive policies over the internet regardless of location.

Salary Context: Why This Matters in 2026

As of 2026, IT professionals skilled in Intune management command higher salaries than those with Group Policy-only expertise. According to recent UK salary surveys:

IT Helpdesk roles with Intune experience: £22,000-£28,000

Microsoft 365 specialists with Intune expertise: £35,000-£48,000

Senior Cloud Infrastructure roles (Intune + Azure): £50,000-£70,000

This salary progression reflects the market demand for cloud-native skills. Organisations are investing heavily in cloud management tools, and professionals who understand Intune are increasingly valuable.

Can You Use Both Together?

Yes. Many organisations use a hybrid approach, particularly during migration periods. You might use Group Policy for legacy on-premises devices whilst deploying Intune policies for cloud-native and mobile devices.

However, this approach requires careful planning to avoid policy conflicts. Microsoft recommends moving entirely to Intune when possible, as it's the future of Microsoft device management.

Practical Tips for 2026

If You're Still Using Group Policy

Plan your migration to Intune. Microsoft is retiring Group Policy features gradually in favour of cloud management.

Invest in understanding Intune now. It's the strategic direction for all organisations using Microsoft 365.

Consider a phased approach: migrate departments or device types gradually rather than all at once.

If You're Using Intune

Leverage conditional access policies to enhance security.

Use compliance requirements to ensure devices meet your security standards.

Integrate Intune with Microsoft Defender for comprehensive endpoint protection.

Monitor device health through the Intune analytics dashboard.

For New Deployments

Choose Intune from the outset. It's simpler, more secure, and requires less infrastructure.

Use Azure AD for identity management alongside Intune for device management.

Design your policies with security and productivity in mind from day one.

The Bottom Line

In 2026, Group Policy is a legacy technology. It still works for managing on-premises Windows devices, but it's increasingly unsuitable for modern, hybrid, and remote work environments.

Intune is the future. It's cloud-native, supports multiple platforms, deploys policies instantly, and integrates seamlessly with the rest of Microsoft 365. If you're managing devices today, you should be moving towards Intune.

The decision isn't really about which tool is "better" in isolation. It's about which tool fits your environment. For most organisations in 2026, that's Intune.

Start Your Intune Journey Today

If you're ready to master modern device management and increase your market value, our Microsoft 365 Advanced course covers Intune management in depth, alongside Group Policy comparison and real-world implementation scenarios.

Join our July 2026 cohort and gain the skills that matter in 2026. Plus, you'll get access to our AI Job Search Engine, free with every course.

[Explore our Microsoft 365 courses at smoothops365.com/courses](https://smoothops365.com/courses)