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# Switching from Microsoft Intune to Clever: A No-Nonsense IT Admin Guide
- URL: https://rolloutready.com/switching-microsoft-intune-clever/
- Published: 2026-10-07T19:54:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-07T19:54:00.000Z
- Description: This guide explains how switching from Microsoft Intune to Clever simplifies K-12 IT management by focusing on identity and rostering solutions.
- Author: Daniel Hayes
- Tags: IT Management, Education Technology, Device Management, Identity Solutions

**Short answer:** Switching from Microsoft Intune to Clever means moving from a full device management and security platform to an identity and rostering solution designed specifically for education. You’ll trade granular device control and policy enforcement for streamlined user access and data integration tailored to K-12 environments.

This guide breaks down the key differences between Microsoft Intune and Clever, explains the technical nuances you must consider, and walks you through the migration steps. You’ll learn how to plan the switch, avoid common pitfalls like overlapping policies, configure Intune during transition, and anticipate workflow changes after adopting Clever.

## What is Microsoft Intune and why do organizations use it?

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management service designed to control and secure devices across an organization. It supports Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS, providing a single pane of glass to manage devices, deploy applications, and enforce security policies remotely. Intune integrates tightly with Microsoft 365, enabling seamless management of user identities and access permissions alongside device compliance.

Organizations, including school districts managing thousands of devices, choose Intune for centralized control over diverse device fleets. For example, a district IT admin can configure device profiles, push required apps like Microsoft Teams, and enforce security settings such as BitLocker encryption or password policies across all student and staff devices from the Azure portal under **Devices > Configuration profiles**. This reduces manual setup and helps maintain compliance with security standards.

Historically, Intune was part of Microsoft's Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite but now operates as a standalone endpoint management solution. Its core appeal lies in unified device and app management combined with security compliance features, making it suitable for organizations needing granular control over their endpoints.

| Feature                     | Windows | iOS | Android | macOS |
| --------------------------- | ------- | --- | ------- | ----- |
| Device enrollment           | Yes     | Yes | Yes     | Yes   |
| Application deployment      | Yes     | Yes | Yes     | Yes   |
| Security policy enforcement | Yes     | Yes | Yes     | Yes   |
| Remote wipe                 | Yes     | Yes | Yes     | Yes   |

## What is Clever and how does it differ from Microsoft Intune?

Clever is an education-focused identity and rostering platform designed to streamline access to educational applications and data for K-12 schools. Unlike Microsoft Intune, which emphasizes device management and security across multiple platforms, Clever centers on managing user identities, syncing student information system (SIS) data, and enabling single sign-on (SSO) to educational apps. This fundamental difference defines the scope and workflows each system supports.

Clever integrates directly with SIS databases such as PowerSchool or Infinite Campus, automatically importing student, teacher, and class roster data. This rostering capability allows schools to provision users and assign access to apps based on roles and classes without handling individual device configurations. In contrast, Intune’s enrollment process requires manual or automated device registration, configuration profiles, and policy enforcement on each endpoint.

For example, a school using Clever might have an automated nightly sync that updates user roles and app assignments based on changes in the SIS, ensuring timely and accurate access without device-level intervention. An Intune setup, however, demands enrollment of each device—such as Windows laptops or iPads—through the Intune Company Portal app or Apple DEP, followed by pushing policies and apps directly to those devices. This difference means Clever is more about managing who has access to what through identity and rostering, while Intune manages the devices themselves.

Many schools prefer Clever when their priority is simplifying user provisioning and app access without the complexity of device management. However, this trade-off means Clever does not provide endpoint security controls or detailed device configuration, which Intune specializes in.

## How does Microsoft Intune work?

You access Microsoft Intune through the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center, found at **endpoint.microsoft.com**. This portal centralizes device and app management across platforms. To use Intune, you must have the correct licenses—either standalone Intune licenses or included bundles within Microsoft 365 subscriptions like E3 or E5\. Licensing determines how many devices or users you can manage.

![How does Microsoft Intune work? – switching from Microsoft Intune to Clever](https://rolloutready.com/content/images/2026/10/switching-microsoft-intune-clever-2.webp)

Setting up Intune begins with device enrollment. For example, enrolling a Windows 10 device involves navigating to *Settings > Accounts > Access work or school > Connect* and entering your organization’s credentials. Once enrolled, Intune applies compliance policies such as password requirements or encryption settings through the portal's *Devices > Compliance policies* section.

App deployment follows device enrollment. You assign apps via *Apps > Windows > Add*, selecting either Win32, Microsoft Store, or line-of-business apps. These apps then automatically install on enrolled devices based on assignment groups. Intune’s workflows rely on consistent device check-ins and policy compliance reports visible under *Devices > Monitor*.

When switching away from Intune, disable device enrollment by removing users or groups from policy assignments and then revoke device management under *Devices > All devices*. This prevents further policy pushes and app installs. You can fully turn off Intune by removing licenses or suspending subscriptions, but first ensure all devices are unenrolled to avoid orphaned management profiles.

In essence, Intune manages devices by enforcing policies and deploying apps through a cloud portal, requiring active enrollment and licensing. You leave behind granular device control and automated compliance monitoring when moving away.

- Access the portal at endpoint.microsoft.com
- Confirm licensing (standalone or Microsoft 365 bundle)
- Enroll devices via OS settings or Company Portal app
- Create and assign compliance policies
- Deploy apps through the Apps blade
- Disable enrollment and unenroll devices during transition

## Why switch from Microsoft Intune to Clever?

Microsoft Intune’s complexity and broad endpoint management focus often exceed the specific needs of K-12 schools. Many educational organizations find Intune’s lack of direct Student Information System (SIS) integration a major hurdle, requiring manual roster updates or third-party tools to sync user data. This leads to administrative overhead and potential errors.

Clever addresses these challenges by providing streamlined rostering and single sign-on (SSO) tailored for schools. It automatically syncs student and teacher data from SIS systems like PowerSchool or Infinite Campus, drastically reducing manual input. This integration improves accuracy and saves administrators significant time compared to managing user accounts via Intune’s Endpoint Manager.

Cost differences also drive the switch. Intune licensing is based on device or user counts with additional fees for advanced security and compliance features. Clever’s pricing aligns with school enrollment and focuses on identity and app access, often yielding savings for schools not needing full device management. This can free budget for other educational technology investments.

For example, a mid-sized school district using Intune reported spending hours weekly managing device profiles and syncing roster changes manually. After switching to Clever, rostering updates became automatic, and teachers accessed apps through a single portal without repeated logins. While Intune still manages device policies, Clever took over identity and app provisioning, cutting administrative time by half.

Clever complements or replaces parts of Intune’s functionality, focusing on education-specific identity and access management while allowing Intune to handle device-level controls if needed. This separation simplifies workflows and improves the user experience for students and staff.

## How to plan and execute the switch from Microsoft Intune to Clever

Start by auditing your current Intune environment. Use the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center to export device inventories, active policies, and deployed applications. Document each policy’s purpose and note which devices rely on them. This audit clarifies what can be retired, what needs replication in Clever, and what data won’t transfer—like device compliance states or specific app deployments.

Next, communicate the upcoming changes clearly. Notify IT teams, teachers, and students with a straightforward message outlining timelines, expected changes in login processes, and support contacts. For example, send an email titled "Upcoming Switch to Clever: What You Need to Know" with bulleted steps and a FAQ link.

Set up your Clever account by linking it to your Student Information System (SIS) through Clever’s dashboard under Integrations > SIS Integration. Verify rostering syncs correctly before proceeding. Migrate user data accordingly, but understand that device management details from Intune won’t carry over; Clever handles identity and app access only.

Once verified, disable Intune enrollment and deactivate policies via the Endpoint Manager portal to prevent conflicts. Inform users to remove Intune profiles from devices if applicable. Follow with targeted training sessions on how to access apps and resources through Clever’s portal or single sign-on tools.

Finally, monitor the transition closely. Use Clever’s dashboard to track roster updates and app usage. Set up a helpdesk channel specifically for migration issues. Address access problems swiftly to minimize downtime and frustration.

- Audit Intune environment (1-2 days)
- Communicate changes (1 day)
- Set up Clever and integrate SIS (1-3 days)
- Migrate user data, clarify non-transfers (1 day)
- Disable Intune policies and enrollment (1 day)
- Train users on Clever workflows (1-2 days)
- Monitor and troubleshoot post-migration (1 week+)

## Common mistakes to avoid when switching from Intune to Clever

Underestimating the difference in platform purpose is a frequent error. Intune manages devices and enforces security via policies in Azure AD and Endpoint Manager, while Clever handles identity, rostering, and app access linked to SIS data. One district’s migration stalled because their IT team tried applying Intune-style device restrictions in Clever, which lacks those controls, causing confusion and delays.

Failing to fully map SIS data to Clever before migration leads to rostering errors. If student and staff data fields don’t align precisely with Clever’s requirements, user provisioning breaks. For example, a school district experienced login failures after skipping the detailed SIS data validation step, forcing a rollback and weeks of troubleshooting.

Not properly disabling Intune policies results in device conflicts. Devices remain enrolled under Intune's compliance rules while Clever attempts to manage identity, triggering access denials and app errors. One district overlooked removing device configuration profiles from Endpoint Manager, causing widespread access issues until Intune was fully decommissioned.

Overlooking training needs for IT staff and end users causes operational hiccups. Clever’s portal and workflows differ significantly from Intune’s Endpoint Manager, so insufficient training led to support tickets and frustrated users during rollout. A mid-sized district that prioritized training saw smoother adoption and fewer helpdesk calls.

Ignoring app compatibility and licensing differences is another trap. Clever focuses on rostering and single sign-on, not device-level app deployment like Intune. One district failed to confirm whether key educational apps supported Clever’s SSO, delaying classroom use and requiring parallel management setups.

- Understand platform roles—don’t expect Intune device management features in Clever
- Complete SIS data mapping and validation before migration
- Fully disable Intune policies and remove device enrollments
- Provide comprehensive training for IT and end users on Clever workflows
- Verify app compatibility and licensing differences early

## How to configure Microsoft Intune during the transition period

To maintain device security while preparing to switch to Clever, you must carefully adjust Intune settings rather than disabling it outright. Abruptly removing Intune can leave devices unmanaged and vulnerable. Instead, temporarily relax certain policies to allow Clever's identity and rostering controls to operate alongside Intune's device management.

Start by navigating to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center. Under **Devices > Compliance policies**, identify policies that may block new app authentications or roster updates and set their enforcement to *Warning* or temporarily disable them. This prevents users from experiencing access denials while Clever takes over identity verification. Next, in **Devices > Configuration profiles**, create a phased rollout group excluding critical devices, then progressively adjust configuration profiles to reduce Intune's control.

For example, if Intune enforces a strict PIN requirement, relax this setting to avoid login issues when Clever manages user authentication. Use the **Device enrollment** section to pause new enrollments without affecting enrolled devices. Throughout, monitor device compliance dashboards for anomalies.

If you encounter issues, consult the *Microsoft Intune Help Center* and *Microsoft Learn* resources for targeted troubleshooting guides.

- Adjust compliance policies to warning or disable enforcement temporarily
- Create phased rollout groups to modify configuration profiles gradually
- Pause new device enrollments to prevent unmanaged devices
- Monitor compliance and device health dashboards regularly
- Use official Microsoft support and learning resources for troubleshooting

## What to expect after switching to Clever

Once you switch to Clever, expect a shift from device-centric management to identity and rostering-focused workflows. Unlike Intune’s granular device policy controls, Clever centralizes user access through single sign-on (SSO) tied to your Student Information System (SIS). This change improves the login experience for students and staff, allowing instant access to multiple educational apps without repeated credential entry.

![What to expect after switching to Clever – switching from Microsoft Intune to Clever](https://rolloutready.com/content/images/2026/10/switching-microsoft-intune-clever-3.webp)

For example, instead of managing device compliance settings in Intune’s Endpoint Manager, you’ll rely on Clever’s dashboard to sync user rosters automatically from your SIS and assign app permissions accordingly. This reduces manual updates and cuts down on helpdesk tickets related to access issues. User satisfaction surveys indicate smoother daily logins and fewer password reset requests after adopting Clever.

However, expect limitations on device-level security. Clever does not offer remote wipe, app deployment, or policy enforcement like Intune. Devices must be managed separately or rely on built-in OS controls. This trade-off means your IT team should maintain baseline device security through other tools or vendor solutions.

Leverage Clever’s integrations with popular learning management systems and third-party apps to streamline workflows. Regularly review your SIS sync schedules and app assignments under the Clever Admin Console to maintain accuracy. Workflow diagrams comparing Intune’s device management path and Clever’s identity-first flow help visualize these operational differences and identify new points for IT efficiency.

- Transition from device policies to user and roster management via Clever Admin Console
- Expect improved user login and reduced password support calls thanks to SSO
- Plan alternative device security measures since Clever lacks remote management
- Use SIS sync settings and app assignment tools to automate access control
- Refer to workflow diagrams contrasting Intune and Clever for team training

## Frequently asked questions

### How to get to microsoft intune?

Access Microsoft Intune through the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center at **https://endpoint.microsoft.com**. Sign in with your organization’s Azure AD credentials. The portal provides device management, app deployment, and policy configuration tools all in one place.

### How to buy microsoft intune?

Microsoft Intune is available as a standalone subscription or bundled within Microsoft 365 Education or Enterprise plans. Purchase it via the Microsoft 365 admin center or through a Microsoft reseller. Licenses are assigned through Azure Active Directory once purchased.

### How to disable microsoft intune?

To disable Intune management on devices, remove the device enrollment from the Intune portal under *Devices > All devices*. For complete service disablement, cancel the Intune subscription in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Note that disabling Intune stops device management and policy enforcement immediately.

### How to set up microsoft intune?

Start by signing into the Endpoint Manager admin center and configuring device enrollment methods under *Devices > Enroll devices*. Define compliance policies and configuration profiles next. Finally, add users and assign licenses to enable enrollment and policy application.

### How to turn on intune?

Turning on Intune means activating your subscription and configuring device enrollment. After purchasing licenses, assign them to users in Azure AD. Then set up enrollment methods like Automatic Enrollment in *Devices > Enroll devices > Automatic Enrollment* to start managing devices.

## What this advice does not cover

This guide does not cover switching from Intune to other device management platforms or detailed Student Information System (SIS) integration setups beyond Clever’s standard offerings. If your organization requires comprehensive device management features like advanced compliance policies, app deployment controls, or security baselines that Clever does not support, this switch may not meet your needs. Organizations with complex multi-platform environments or strict regulatory requirements should consider maintaining Intune or exploring specialized management tools.

## Quick checklist

- Audit current Intune device policies and note which must be retained or replaced.
- Confirm Clever’s rostering integrations match your SIS and student data workflows.
- Establish a transition timeline minimizing overlap between Intune and Clever configurations.
- Communicate changes clearly to teachers, staff, and IT support teams.
- Set up Clever’s Single Sign-On (SSO) and test access with a pilot group before full rollout.
- Disable device management policies in Intune once Clever is fully operational.
- Monitor user access and app provisioning closely during and after migration.

Start by mapping your current device and identity management requirements against what Clever offers. This alignment will clarify whether the switch fits your operational reality and identify any gaps you need to address before migrating. Prioritize a phased rollout with thorough testing to avoid disruptions and ensure a smooth transition.

**See also:** [Switching from Microsoft Intune to ClassLink: A Practical IT Admin Guide](https://rolloutready.com/p/2cdba489-3dd2-41ad-9b57-b8e851ea4d1b/) · [Moving from Clever to Microsoft Intune: Your Complete Migration Checklist](https://rolloutready.com/p/19205e40-880b-4b71-8005-c6459e8aff5c/) · [How to Build a Clever Implementation Timeline That Works](https://rolloutready.com/p/15b88a23-e82a-489a-8550-899f3e5dd637/) · [Switching from Jamf School to Clever: A Practical IT Admin Guide](https://rolloutready.com/p/45241d7c-c582-4a60-8f37-fccd93dc5bf7/)