Assess first, then enable co-management so Configuration Manager and Intune manage devices together. Move workloads one at a time, modernize provisioning with Windows Autopilot, translate Group Policy carefully and decommission only after every workload has moved and been validated.
Why organizations migrate
Configuration Manager (SCCM) remains supported, so this is a strategic decision rather than a deadline. Teams usually move to reduce on-premises infrastructure, manage remote and hybrid devices without a VPN, and standardize on cloud-based tools. The end of Windows 10 support in October 2025 has also pushed many organizations to review how they deploy and manage Windows.
Step 1: Assess your environment
- Inventory devices, operating systems and ownership (corporate or personal).
- List applications, packages, task sequences and how each is deployed.
- Review Group Policy Objects and which are still needed.
- Check device join state: Entra ID joined, hybrid joined or on-premises only.
- Identify dependencies such as line-of-business apps, scripts and reporting.
Step 2: Prepare the foundation
- Confirm Microsoft Intune and Entra ID licensing.
- Set up hybrid join or Entra join where required.
- Define device groups, naming and enrolment rules.
- Agree a pilot group and a rollback plan.
Step 3: Enable co-management
Co-management lets Configuration Manager and Intune manage the same devices, so you can move capabilities gradually. It is the safest route for most organizations because nothing has to change all at once.
Step 4: Shift workloads in stages
- Compliance policies
- Resource access policies
- Windows Update policies
- Endpoint protection
- Device configuration
- Office Click-to-Run and client apps
Move one workload to a pilot group, validate, then widen. Keep notes on what changed so you can roll back quickly.
Step 5: Modernize provisioning with Autopilot
Task-sequence imaging has no direct one-to-one equivalent in Intune. Windows Autopilot lets new devices configure themselves from the cloud, which reduces build and shipping effort. Plan for driver, BitLocker and app requirements up front.
Step 6: Translate Group Policy and apps
- Use Group Policy analytics in Intune to see which settings have cloud equivalents.
- Rebuild needed settings with the settings catalog or configuration profiles.
- Repackage applications as Win32 apps, Microsoft Store apps or Microsoft 365 apps.
- Retire anything nobody uses instead of migrating it.
Common pitfalls
| Pitfall | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Policy gaps between GPO and Intune | Run Group Policy analytics early and test each setting |
| Legacy line-of-business apps | Test packaging in the pilot before wider rollout |
| Remote offices relying on distribution points | Plan content delivery with Delivery Optimization and cloud sources |
| Reporting expectations | Rebuild key reports with Intune and Log Analytics before cutover |
| Moving everything at once | Migrate by workload and by pilot ring |
Step 7: Validate and decommission
Only retire Configuration Manager once every workload has moved, reports and compliance are validated and a support runbook exists. Keep a documented rollback window. If you would like a hands-on partner, see our SCCM to Intune migration service, or our broader Microsoft 365 management and managed IT services.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an SCCM to Intune migration take?
It depends on the size of the estate, the number of applications and policies and how much you modernize. A phased approach over several months is common for mid-sized organizations.
Can we run both at the same time?
Yes. Co-management is designed for this and is the standard way to migrate gradually.
Do we need Autopilot?
Not strictly, but it replaces much of what task sequences do for new devices and is a key benefit of the move.
What happens to our Group Policy settings?
Many have Intune equivalents, but some do not. Use Group Policy analytics to identify the gaps and decide whether to rebuild, replace or retire each setting.
Written by the Zrafted team. We are a Toronto-based Shopify Partner agency building ecommerce, AI automation and IT solutions for businesses worldwide.