The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Choose Basic Mobility and Security if you only need straightforward protection for devices accessing Microsoft 365 and your eligible subscription already includes it. Choose Microsoft Intune if you need deeper compliance and configuration controls, compliance-based Conditional Access, macOS management, or a broader device-management program. Basic Mobility and Security is a limited subset of Intune, not a like-for-like alternative.
How Basic Mobility and Security differs from Intune
Microsoft describes Basic Mobility and Security as a free, cloud-based solution for managing devices that access Microsoft 365 resources. It provides basic policies for supported devices. Intune covers a wider range of management needs, including more extensive compliance and configuration capabilities.
| Area | Basic Mobility and Security | Microsoft Intune |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | Limited, according to Microsoft’s comparison in Overview of Basic Mobility and Security. | Provides compliance capabilities, according to the same comparison. |
| Conditional Access based on compliance | Limited, according to Microsoft’s comparison. | Provides this capability, according to Microsoft’s comparison. |
| Device configuration | Limited, according to Microsoft’s comparison. | Provides broader configuration capabilities, according to Microsoft’s comparison. |
| Platforms listed | iOS/iPadOS, Android, Samsung Knox, and Windows PCs. | iOS/iPadOS, Android, Samsung Knox, Windows PCs, and macOS. |
The platform list describes coverage in Microsoft’s comparison; it does not mean that every platform has identical controls in both services. Check the capabilities required for each device type before choosing.
Which option fits your organization?
Choose Basic Mobility and Security for limited, straightforward needs
It can suit a small environment that needs basic protection for Microsoft 365 access and simple device settings, has no requirement for advanced compliance reporting or extensive configuration, and already has an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription. It is not the better fit merely because it is included: the controls must match the organization’s security and management requirements.
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Choose Intune for broader control and governance
Intune is the stronger fit when you need richer compliance policies, Conditional Access based on device compliance, broader configuration, application and endpoint-management capabilities, macOS support, or a planned device-management program. These needs may also make it easier to apply consistent policies as the environment grows.
Consider device ownership and privacy
The choice is not only about how many settings an administrator can control. Microsoft distinguishes mobile device management (MDM), in which the organization manages the device, from mobile application management (MAM), in which policies protect company resources while the user retains control of the device. MAM is relevant to bring-your-own-device (BYOD) arrangements where the organization wants to protect work information without treating a personal device as fully organization-managed.
Decide what the organization needs to control and what users should retain. Then verify that the selected service and plan support the required approach for the platforms in use; the comparison of platform coverage alone does not establish which ownership or privacy controls are available for every scenario.
Check licensing before deciding
Basic Mobility and Security is included with eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Eligibility depends on the subscription, so confirm the organization’s specific entitlement rather than assuming every Microsoft 365 plan includes it.
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Intune is available as Plan 1, Plan 2, Intune Suite, and through Microsoft 365 bundles. Match the plan or bundle to the capabilities required and determine whether licensing will be assigned per user or per device. Microsoft Learn’s Microsoft Intune licensing guidance says that an Intune license is required for any user or device that benefits directly or indirectly from Intune, including access through a Microsoft API. Confirm current licensing terms and coverage for the intended deployment before assigning policies.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Move from Basic Mobility and Security to Intune safely
Microsoft’s migration guidance treats the move as a policy and licensing transition, not just a license change. Prepare the Intune policies first, then migrate in stages so users do not reach the Intune management transition without applicable policies.
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- Inventory the current setup. Record Basic Mobility and Security policies, their assigned groups, and enrolled devices.
- Confirm licensing. Ensure there are enough appropriate Intune licenses for every user or device that will be managed.
- Build the Intune policy set. Recreate or map the existing policies in Intune before assigning licenses, and check that the new policies meet the intended requirements.
- Assign licenses in stages. Roll out to a limited group first and monitor the transition at the next device refresh cycle. Microsoft’s Move from Basic Mobility and Security to Intune – Migration Guide says devices automatically switch to Intune management at that refresh cycle and the new policies begin affecting them.
- Verify policy assignment for each newly licensed user. Microsoft warns that users who receive an Intune license but are not assigned Intune policies can lose existing settings and email configuration. Do not treat license assignment alone as a completed migration.
- Remove obsolete Basic Mobility and Security policies. Clean them up after migration so they are not assigned later.
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