Make your Windows devices co-managed with Intune and Hexnode

Many organizations rely on Microsoft Intune for device management as part of their Microsoft 365 plans. Intune’s deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem makes it a convenient choice, especially for organizations already using Azure AD and Windows Defender. However, IT admins often face challenges due to their complex settings and time-consuming processes. These complexities can slow down daily operations, making even routine administrative tasks more time-consuming than they should be.

An alternative approach is co-management, where IT teams use Hexnode UEM alongside Intune. Rather than requiring an immediate transition, Windows co-management allows organizations to experience a more flexible and intuitive UEM solution still using their existing Microsoft tools. Windows devices co-managed by Intune and Hexnode provide the best of both worlds, giving IT teams the flexibility to explore and compare solutions without disrupting current workflows.

Understanding the challenges with Intune

As part of Microsoft’s enterprise security and management framework, Intune deployments offer extensive control and compliance. While this level of control is beneficial for securing corporate devices, it often comes at the cost of usability. IT admins frequently encounter challenges such as:

1. Multi-step configurations

Many device management tasks in Intune require multiple steps, even for simple actions like app deployment, security enforcement, or script execution. These additional layers increase management overhead, making operations more complex than necessary.

2. Delayed execution of policies

Intune relies on device check-ins rather than immediate command execution. Policy changes only apply when devices sync with the service, with immediate application possible only when manually synced by an administrator or end user.

3. Complex automation workflows

Automation is an essential aspect of modern IT management, but in Intune, many automation processes require additional workarounds. For instance, scripting involves multiple steps, making it harder for IT teams to execute routine tasks.

These challenges often lead organizations to explore alternative solutions that offer both coherence and ease of use without unnecessary complexity.

A more flexible approach to scripting

One area where IT admins immediately notice a difference between Hexnode and Intune is scripting. Automation scripts are crucial for enforcing security policies, troubleshooting devices, and handling bulk administrative tasks. However, executing scripts in Intune requires several additional steps.

Challenges with scripting in Intune

In Intune, deploying scripts is not straightforward:

• Scripts must be packaged into .intunewin files before deployment.
• IT admins need to configure detection rules to verify whether the script has been executed successfully.
• Script execution is tied to policy refresh cycles, meaning that execution is not instant and can be delayed.

For IT teams looking for real-time automation, these additional steps can slow down daily operations and make scripting more complex.

Co-management: enhancing IT operations

Rather than requiring organizations to fully migrate from Intune, co-management set-up allow IT teams to use Hexnode alongside Intune, benefiting from both platforms’ strengths.

Benefits of co-management

• Flexibility in management workflows: IT admins can use Hexnode for faster and simpler actions while utilizing Intune’s integration with Microsoft services.
• Improved responsiveness: Hexnode enables quicker execution of commands, allowing IT teams to respond to issues in real time.
• A hands-on experience: IT teams can explore Hexnode’s features before making any long-term decisions, ensuring a smooth integration.

This approach gives IT teams greater control over their UEM strategy, allowing them to compare both platforms without committing to full migration.

Setting up co-management with Hexnode

Organizations can integrate Hexnode alongside Intune in a co-managed set-up in a few simple steps:

• Enroll selected devices into Hexnode while keeping Intune active for existing management tasks.
• Assign policies selectively, using Hexnode for scripting, remote actions, and configurations that require quicker execution.
• Monitor execution speeds by comparing script deployment, policy application, and command execution times between the two platforms.
• Gradually expand Hexnode’s role, based on IT teams’ experience.

Windows co-management offers a low-risk way to enhance IT operations while maintaining existing workflows.

Hexnode as a standalone UEM solution

Over time, IT teams using Intune co-managed with Hexnode for Windows Management may find that Hexnode provides everything they need in a UEM solution. Some key advantages of using Hexnode include:

• A user-friendly interface that reduces the learning curve.
• Real-time device management with instant execution of policies and scripts.
• Comprehensive security and compliance features that align with enterprise requirements.

For some organizations, this realization leads to the decision to transition fully to Hexnode.

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Transitioning from co-management to full enrollment

As IT teams become more familiar with Hexnode, they may decide to fully enroll their Windows co-management devices by removing the existing MDM and transitioning to Hexnode. This process involves disconnecting the current MDM profile from the device settings and re-enrolling it into Hexnode using open or authenticated enrollment. This method allows organizations to shift from Hexnode and Intune co-managed Windows to full Hexnode management with minimal effort, ensuring they can access the full range of Hexnode’s features without requiring a complex migration.

Seamless migration with Hexnode Gateway

For organizations considering a full migration, Hexnode Gateway provides a seamless way to shift from Intune to Hexnode without manual reconfiguration.

How Hexnode Gateway helps

• Bulk device enrollment without requiring manual set-up.
• Retention of existing policies and settings, ensuring a smooth transition.
• A phased migration process, allowing IT teams to move at their own pace without disruptions.

This ensures that IT admins can transition without downtime, maintaining productivity while shifting to a more efficient UEM solution.

Exploring the best fit for your organization

Device management should be both powerful and easy to use. By integrating Hexnode with Intune, IT teams can experience a more intuitive UEM solution while continuing to use their existing Microsoft tools.

For many organizations, Windows devices enrolled in Intune co-managed with Hexnode provide the best balance of flexibility and control. However, as IT teams evaluate Hexnode’s capabilities, some may find that it offers everything they need in a standalone UEM.

Whether maintaining co-management with Intune or transitioning entirely to Hexnode, organizations can optimize IT operations and improve efficiency at their own pace.