Modern GPO Alternatives: Transitioning to Intune Configuration Profiles Group Policy Objects have been the backbone of Windows management for decades. However, they were never designed for cloud-first, remote, or cross-platform endpoint management. In this video, we'll walk through a practical approach to transitioning from traditional GPOs to Intune Configuration Profiles without breaking existing workflows or creating policy conflicts. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to NinjaOne's IT video hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this. How to Migrate from GPOs to Intune Configuration Profiles Step 1: Audit Existing GPOs Start by auditing your current GPOs and identifying high-value policies. These usually have direct equivalents in Intune. Using Group Policy Analytics, you can import GPO backups and see which settings are supported, unsupported, or deprecated. This immediately tells you where Intune can replace GPO cleanly and where alternative approaches are required. Step 2: Create Equivalent Intune Configuration Profiles In the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center, you'll create profiles under Devices and select Windows 10 and later as the platform. Templates still have a role for scenarios like BitLocker, Wi-Fi, and VPN, while Custom OMA-URI profiles are reserved for advanced or unsupported settings. As you map GPOs to Intune, focus on intent rather than exact setting parity. Intune policies often expose newer CSP-based controls that don't align one-to-one with legacy GPO options. Step 3: Validate and Monitor Policy Application On a test endpoint, PowerShell can be used to confirm which policies are applied. For example, you can retrieve the MDM Resultant Set of Policy using: You should also review policy application in Event Viewer: Press Win + R, type eventvwr, and press OK. Navigate to Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > DeviceManagement-Enterprise- Diagnostics-Provider > Admin. Step 4: Handle Unsupported or Advanced Settings with OMA-URI For unsupported or legacy scenarios, custom OMA-URI profiles allow you to apply CSP-backed settings directly. Follow these steps. Create a custom profile in Intune. Apply policies using known CSP documentation. Here's how to disable Task Manager: Always reference Microsoft CSP documentation and validate changes in a controlled deployment group before a broad rollout. Step 5: Apply Intune Security Baselines Microsoft provides built-in baselines for Windows, Microsoft Defender, and Edge. These baselines are regularly updated to reflect evolving threat models, which static GPOs simply cannot do. To apply these changes, simply open Intune, navigate to Endpoint Security, and select Security Baselines. Step 6: Manage Policy Conflicts On Azure AD–joined devices, Intune policies always win. On hybrid-joined devices, conflicts can occur when GPOs and Intune manage the same setting. In these instances, the last writer typically wins. To avoid instability, never duplicate settings across GPO and Intune. Intune's per-setting reporting can help identify conflicts early before they cause unpredictable behavior. Step 7: Decommission Legacy GPOs Safely Once policies are validated and endpoints are stable, you can begin retiring legacy GPOs. Unlink GPOs gradually, monitor for configuration drift, and ensure all required settings are enforced via Intune or supported scripts. Always maintain GPO backups in case a rollback is required. Moving away from legacy GPOs affects your entire system architecture. Done correctly, it improves visibility, scalability, and security across modern Windows environments. For more information, check out our official blog post on transitioning to Intune Configuration Profiles, linked in the description below.