Intune vs SCCM comes down to where and how you manage devices. Microsoft Intune is a cloud-native endpoint management service that manages Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices over the internet. SCCM, now called Microsoft Configuration Manager, is an on-premises platform built for domain-joined Windows devices on corporate networks. Most organizations today either co-manage with both or move workloads to Intune as they adopt remote work and cloud identity.
Key Takeaways
- Intune is cloud-based and ideal for remote, hybrid and multi-platform fleets.
- Configuration Manager remains strong for complex on-premises software distribution, OS imaging and server management.
- Co-management lets you shift workloads (compliance, updates, apps) to Intune one at a time.
- Windows Autopilot plus Intune replaces traditional imaging for many organizations.
- The right answer depends on infrastructure, device mix and how many users work off-network.
What Is Microsoft Intune?
Intune is part of Microsoft Intune Suite and Microsoft 365 plans such as Business Premium, E3 and E5. It handles device enrollment, compliance policies, configuration profiles, app deployment, Windows Update rings, and app protection for mobile devices. Because it is cloud-delivered, devices receive policy wherever they connect, without VPN.
What Is SCCM (Microsoft Configuration Manager)?
Configuration Manager is installed on your own servers. It offers deep control over software packaging, task-sequence-based OS deployment, granular reporting through SQL Server, and management of servers. It relies on network infrastructure such as distribution points, and on-premises Active Directory.
Intune vs SCCM: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Capability | Microsoft Intune | Configuration Manager (SCCM) |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment model | Cloud service (SaaS) | On-premises servers |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, Linux (limited) | Primarily Windows clients and servers |
| Remote devices | Native, no VPN required | Needs VPN or Cloud Management Gateway |
| OS deployment | Windows Autopilot (provisioning) | Task sequences and imaging |
| Infrastructure | None to maintain | Servers, SQL, distribution points |
| Conditional Access integration | Native compliance signal for Entra ID | Via co-management |
| Server management | Not designed for servers | Yes |
| Reporting | Built-in reports, Log Analytics | Deep SQL-based reporting |
What Is Co-Management?
Co-management connects Configuration Manager to Intune so a Windows device is managed by both. You then move workloads one by one: compliance policies, Windows Update policies, resource access, endpoint protection, device configuration, Office Click-to-Run apps and client apps. This allows a gradual, low-risk path to cloud management rather than a big-bang switch.
When Intune Alone Is the Better Choice
- Most users work remotely or in hybrid mode.
- You use Microsoft Entra ID (cloud) joined devices or are moving away from on-premises Active Directory.
- You manage a mix of Windows, Mac and mobile devices.
- You want to retire on-premises servers and reduce infrastructure costs.
- You are deploying new hardware with Windows Autopilot.
When to Keep Configuration Manager
- You run complex legacy application packages or heavily customized imaging.
- You manage large server estates on-premises.
- You have devices in disconnected or highly restricted networks.
A Practical Migration Path to Intune
- Assess current SCCM collections, applications, policies and reports.
- Enable hybrid Entra ID join or plan Entra ID join for new devices.
- Turn on co-management and move compliance and update workloads first.
- Rebuild configuration as Intune profiles or Settings Catalog policies.
- Package apps as Win32 apps for Intune.
- Use Windows Autopilot for new and refreshed devices.
- Retire SCCM components once workloads are fully moved.
This approach pairs well with a Windows 11 upgrade program, since refreshed devices can go straight into Autopilot.
How Skytech Enterprise Helps
We deliver Intune device deployment projects and ongoing Intune endpoint management for organizations in the USA and UAE, from co-management design to Autopilot rollout. Contact us to assess your current setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SCCM being replaced by Intune?
Microsoft continues to support Configuration Manager, but its investment focus is cloud management through Intune. Many organizations use co-management as a bridge to Intune.
Can Intune deploy software like SCCM?
Yes. Intune deploys Win32 apps, Microsoft Store apps, Microsoft 365 Apps and line-of-business apps. Very complex packaging and dependencies may still be easier in Configuration Manager.
Do I need SCCM to use Windows Autopilot?
No. Windows Autopilot works with Intune alone and is the standard way to provision new Windows devices from the cloud.
Which Microsoft 365 plans include Intune?
Intune is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, E3 and E5 plans, and can also be licensed separately. Advanced capabilities are available through Intune Suite add-ons.
Can Intune manage servers?
Intune is not designed for Windows Server management. Servers are typically managed with Configuration Manager, Azure Arc or other server tools.
How long does a move from SCCM to Intune take?
Workload-by-workload co-management transitions often run over a few months, depending on application complexity and device count.