> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://rolloutready.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to Switch from Google Admin Console to Microsoft Intune: A Practical Guide - URL: https://rolloutready.com/switching-google-admin-console-microsoft-intune/ - Published: 2026-10-07T22:09:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-07T22:09:00.000Z - Description: This guide explains how to switch from Google Admin console to Microsoft Intune with practical steps to ensure smooth device migration and policy management. - Author: Daniel Hayes - Tags: Device Management, IT Administration, Cloud Services, Migration, Security **Short answer:** Switching from Google Admin console to Microsoft Intune requires careful planning to avoid device downtime and policy conflicts. You must understand the fundamental differences in device enrollment, policy management, and licensing before starting the migration. This article breaks down the practical realities of migrating your device management from Google Admin Console to Microsoft Intune. You'll get a clear overview of how these platforms differ, step-by-step guidance on migrating devices and policies, common pitfalls to avoid, and tips for optimizing Intune once the switch is complete. The focus is on actionable advice to help IT administrators and decision-makers navigate this complex process efficiently and without costly errors. ## What Are Google Admin Console and Microsoft Intune, and Why Switch? **Google Admin Console** is primarily a management platform tailored for Chromebooks and Google Workspace users. It allows you to configure device policies, enforce security settings, manage apps, and oversee user accounts within the Google ecosystem. Its strength lies in seamless integration with G Suite (Google Workspace), making it ideal if your environment is Chromebook-heavy and Google-centric. **Microsoft Intune** offers broader device management capabilities across Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS devices. It integrates deeply with Microsoft 365 services, enabling you to enforce compliance policies, deploy applications, and secure devices across multiple operating systems from a single console. Organizations typically consider switching to Intune when they require support beyond Chromebooks, especially for Windows and mobile platforms, or when they want tighter integration with Microsoft 365 security and productivity tools. For example, a company expanding from Chromebook-only usage to a mixed-device environment often finds Intune better suited for unified management. | Feature | Google Admin Console | Microsoft Intune | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | Primary Device Support | Chromebooks, Android (limited) | Windows, iOS, Android, macOS | | User Management | Google Workspace users | Azure AD and Microsoft 365 users | | Security Policy Enforcement | Basic device policies for Chromebooks | Comprehensive conditional access, compliance | | App Deployment | Google Play Store apps, Chrome extensions | Win32, MS Store, iOS/Android apps | Licensing differs significantly: Google Admin Console access is included with Google Workspace subscriptions, typically priced per user per month, while Microsoft Intune requires separate licensing or is bundled with Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans. This means migration decisions must factor in cost implications and ecosystem lock-in. Switching to Intune might increase complexity but gains multi-OS support and stronger security controls. Consider a mid-size company that started with Chromebooks managed via Google Admin Console but now must support Windows laptops and iPhones. Moving to Intune lets them unify device management, enforce consistent security policies, and leverage Microsoft 365 identity services, but requires adjusting licenses and retraining admins. ## How Does Microsoft Intune Work Compared to Google Admin Console? Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based platform that manages devices and applications using a combined Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM) approach. Devices enroll through a streamlined process that ties them to Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), allowing centralized identity and access control. Policies and configurations are pushed via Microsoft Endpoint Manager, which acts as the unified console for device compliance, app deployment, and configuration profiles across Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. In contrast, Google Admin Console primarily manages Chromebooks and Google Workspace devices through direct device enrollment and policy enforcement tailored to Chrome OS. This system uses device-level policies set in the Admin Console that apply immediately after enrollment, with limited support for broader multi-OS environments. Google’s focus is on device-based permissions, while Intune emphasizes user identity and conditional access tied to Azure AD. For example, when creating a compliance policy in Intune, you navigate to Microsoft Endpoint Manager > Devices > Compliance policies > Create policy, then specify settings like minimum OS version and required encryption. This policy applies based on user sign-in and device state, enabling conditional access to corporate resources. In Google Admin Console, you set policies under Devices > Chrome management > User & browser settings, which apply directly to enrolled Chromebooks without integration to a separate directory service. The shift means you must rethink enrollment workflows: with Intune, users authenticate via Azure AD and enroll devices through the Company Portal app or native MDM setup, enabling granular app and compliance controls. This integration enhances security but demands coordination between identity, device, and app management teams. - Enroll devices via Azure AD and Microsoft Endpoint Manager using the Company Portal. - Create compliance policies in Endpoint Manager under Devices > Compliance policies. - Deploy applications through Endpoint Manager > Apps with user or device assignment. - Manage conditional access policies in Azure AD to enforce compliance before resource access. - Compare Google Admin Console policies under Devices > Chrome management to understand policy scope differences. ## What Are the Key Steps to Migrate from Google Admin Console to Microsoft Intune? Begin by auditing your current Google Admin Console environment. Extract a full inventory of managed devices, user accounts, and applied policies using the Admin Console reports and export tools. This will help identify device types, OS versions, and security settings you must replicate or improve in Intune. Allocate at least one to two weeks for a thorough audit, depending on your organization size. ![What Are the Key Steps to Migrate from Google Admin Console to Microsoft Intune? – switching from Google Admin console to Mic](https://rolloutready.com/content/images/2026/10/switching-google-admin-console-microsoft-intune-2.webp) Next, plan your Microsoft Intune tenant setup. This includes integrating with Azure Active Directory by syncing users and groups via Azure AD Connect or using cloud-only identities. Verify licensing requirements based on device count and features needed, as Intune licenses vary. Allow a few days to configure your tenant, set roles, and assign admin permissions. Prepare devices for Intune enrollment. For Chrome OS devices, this often means wiping and re-enrolling them, as direct migration isn’t supported. For Windows, iOS, or Android, ensure devices meet enrollment prerequisites like OS versions and factory reset if necessary. This step may require coordinated user communication and scheduling, potentially taking several days. Migrate user groups and policies by recreating Google Admin Console policies in Intune. Focus on compliance policies, configuration profiles, and conditional access rules. Use Microsoft’s device configuration templates to approximate or enhance existing security postures. Document each policy to avoid gaps or conflicts. Deploy Intune client applications such as the Company Portal and configure compliance settings for antivirus, encryption, and patch management. Test device enrollment and policy enforcement on a pilot group before full rollout. Expect pilot testing to take about one to two weeks to identify and fix issues. - Audit devices, users, and policies via Google Admin Console reports (1-2 weeks) - Set up Intune tenant, integrate Azure AD, assign licenses (2-3 days) - Prepare and wipe devices for enrollment (3-7 days) - Recreate and migrate policies in Intune using templates - Deploy Intune apps and configure compliance settings - Conduct pilot enrollment and policy testing (1-2 weeks) For example, if you manage 500 devices, start by exporting device lists and policy configs from Google Admin Console. Then synchronize your user directory with Azure AD, ensuring all user groups map correctly. Next, schedule device wipes during off-hours to minimize disruption. Recreate Chrome OS restrictions in Intune’s device compliance policies, adjusting settings like password requirements and app control. Finally, enroll a pilot group of 50 devices to validate policy compliance and user experience before completing the full migration. ## What Are Common Challenges and How Do You Avoid Them? One major challenge is unsupported device types. Google Admin Console manages Chrome OS devices natively, but Microsoft Intune’s support for some niche or legacy hardware may be limited. For example, some specialized kiosks or older Android devices might not enroll seamlessly in Intune, forcing you to seek alternative management or phase out unsupported units. Conduct a device inventory focusing on Intune enrollment compatibility before migration begins. User resistance and training are common roadblocks. Switching to Intune often means new portals like the Company Portal app and different workflows. Without targeted training, users can resist or misuse the system, causing delays and support overload. Schedule hands-on training sessions and provide clear, role-specific guides highlighting differences from Google Admin Console. Policy conflicts during the transition risk security gaps. Overlapping or contradictory configurations between Google Admin Console and Intune can create loopholes. A concrete pitfall is enabling conditional access in Intune while old policies still allow unmanaged device access. Audit and temporarily disable conflicting policies, then migrate and validate settings incrementally to ensure continuous protection. Licensing costs can balloon unexpectedly. Microsoft’s licensing tiers and add-ons for Intune require careful assessment of your device and user count. Without this, organizations have faced surprise charges or non-compliance penalties. Review Microsoft 365 licensing details thoroughly and align your migration timeline with license procurement to avoid disruptions. Data integrity and downtime are often underestimated. For instance, removing devices from Google Admin Console before enrolling in Intune without proper backups can cause data loss or device bricking. Plan phased rollouts with pilot groups, back up configurations and user data, and maintain rollback procedures to minimize operational impact. - Audit device compatibility with Intune before migration. - Deliver targeted user training on Intune tools. - Identify and resolve policy conflicts early. - Align licensing purchases with migration stages. - Use phased rollouts and back up data to prevent downtime. ## How Do You Optimize Microsoft Intune After Migration? Post-migration, focus on activating Intune’s advanced security features. Navigate to **Endpoint security > Conditional Access** in the Azure portal and configure policies that require compliant devices for email and app access. Use **Endpoint analytics** to track startup performance and app health, identifying devices that need attention. This improves security while reducing user friction. ![How Do You Optimize Microsoft Intune After Migration? – switching from Google Admin console to Microsoft Intune](https://rolloutready.com/content/images/2026/10/switching-google-admin-console-microsoft-intune-3.webp) Automate routine tasks by creating PowerShell scripts executed through Intune’s **Device configuration > Scripts** section. For example, automate patch deployments or log clearance to maintain device hygiene without manual intervention. Automation reduces errors and frees up IT resources. Integrate Intune with Microsoft 365 apps by setting up Single Sign-On (SSO) and enabling **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint** through the Endpoint Manager console. This consolidates security alerts and simplifies user access across services, enhancing productivity and threat response. Establish continuous monitoring by configuring custom dashboards in **Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center > Reports**. Schedule weekly reports on compliance status and app deployment success to spot trends early. Regular reporting ensures you catch issues before they impact users. Plan for scalability by regularly reviewing Intune’s **Service health** and updating policies to include new device types or OS versions. Test changes in a pilot group before broad rollout to avoid disruption. This keeps your environment resilient as your device fleet evolves. - Enable Conditional Access policies targeting critical apps - Deploy automation scripts for updates and maintenance - Integrate Intune with Microsoft 365 security tools - Set up scheduled compliance and deployment reports - Review and test policy updates for future device support ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I manage Chromebooks with Microsoft Intune after switching from Google Admin Console? You can manage some Chromebook settings with Microsoft Intune, but the capabilities are limited compared to Google Admin Console. Intune supports Android Enterprise management on Chromebooks that run Android apps, but it doesn't provide full Chrome OS device management. For comprehensive Chromebook control, Google Admin Console remains the primary tool. ### Will my existing user groups and policies transfer automatically to Intune? No, user groups and policies do not transfer automatically. You need to recreate groups in Azure Active Directory and manually configure device compliance and configuration policies in Intune. Plan this step carefully to avoid gaps in device management coverage during migration. ### How long does a typical migration from Google Admin Console to Microsoft Intune take? The migration duration varies depending on your environment size and complexity. Small organizations might complete the process in a few days, while larger enterprises should expect several weeks. Time spent depends largely on policy recreation, device re-enrollment, and user training. ### What are the licensing differences I should be aware of when switching to Intune? Microsoft Intune licensing is typically bundled in Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans or available as a standalone subscription. Unlike Google Admin Console, which is included with Google Workspace editions, Intune often requires separate license purchases per user or device. Review Microsoft’s licensing guides to match your organization's size and device count accurately. ## What this guide does not cover This guide does not cover migrating from Google Admin Console to Intune in highly specialized environments such as exclusively Chromebook fleets or non-Windows-centric organizations where Intune’s capabilities may be limited. If your environment relies heavily on Chrome OS management features unique to Google Admin Console, or your device estate includes substantial non-Windows platforms with specialized management needs, you should consider a tailored migration plan created with vendor support or a specialized consultant. ## Quick checklist - Assess device types and platforms to confirm Intune compatibility - Inventory existing policies, apps, and configurations in Google Admin Console - Plan phased enrollment to avoid mass disruptions - Configure Intune device compliance policies matching critical Google Admin Console settings - Set up user groups and roles in Intune aligned with your organizational structure - Test deployments on a pilot group before full rollout - Communicate clearly with end users about changes and new enrollment steps - Monitor device status and logs closely during initial migration weeks - Optimize Intune settings post-migration based on actual device behavior and feedback The most useful next step is to create a detailed migration plan focused on your device mix and organizational needs. Map your current Google Admin Console policies side-by-side with equivalent Intune settings, and identify gaps early. Engage your support teams and pilot users to validate configurations before broad deployment. This deliberate approach minimizes downtime and avoids costly rework. **See also:** [Switching from Google Admin Console to Jamf School: A Clear-Cut Guide](https://rolloutready.com/p/8e8c91ff-9ebe-4963-9694-015d178a4132/) · [Switching from Google Admin Console to ClassLink: A Practical Guide](https://rolloutready.com/p/43c1c336-f8d6-4334-9ac4-91cd4715e140/) · [Moving from Clever to Microsoft Intune: Your Complete Migration Checklist](https://rolloutready.com/p/19205e40-880b-4b71-8005-c6459e8aff5c/) · [Moving from Apple School Manager to Microsoft Intune: Your Complete Checklist](https://rolloutready.com/p/e1587aee-6a37-4820-a887-39a4c340e336/)