Mapping Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to Microsoft Intune is important for businesses transitioning to modern management for Windows devices. This article will break down the process, highlighting common scenarios, potential challenges, and the steps needed to import, assess, and configure GPO settings in Intune.

Whether you’re a system administrator, managing configurations with the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) or overseeing device and data security for your business, this guide will be helpful.

Why Map GPOs in Intune?

Many businesses have been using GPOs to manage device configurations, and often these policies accumulate over time, leading to complex setups with legacy settings. When migrating to Intune, organizations face two main paths:

  • Using Baselines: businesses might opt for stand security baselines
  • Importing Existing GPOs: Some businesses want to migrate specific configurations intact. This path can involve importing GPOs for mapping and analysis, especially when custom settings are essential.

How to Map GPOs in Intune

Step 1: Export GPOs from Active Directory

  1. Request the GPO Export: Obtain an XML export of existing GPOs. Ensure it is in XML format, as Intune cannot import HTML or other file formats.
  2. Size Consideration: The XML file size should not exceed 4 MB. If the GPO is too large, divide the export by separate policies or policy groups.

Step 2: Import the GPO into Intune’s Group Policy Analytics

  1. Navigate to Group Policy Analytics: In the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center, go to Devices > Group Policy Analytics.
  2. Upload the XML:
    • Click Import and select the XML file.
    • Ensure the file meets Intune’s size requirements. If the file is too large, you’ll need to break it down.

Step 3: Analyze the Imported GPO

  1. Review Compatibility:After the import, check the compatibility of each policy setting. Intune will categorize settings into:
    • Supported: These are directly compatible with Intune.
    • Unsupported: Some legacy policies may not be available in Intune.

2. Evaluate Each Policy:

    • If critical policies are unsupported, consider alternatives. For example, PowerShell scripts or third-party tools can sometimes replicate needed functionality.
    • Some settings may appear unsupported simply due to wording differences. In such cases, try to locate them manually in Intune’s Settings Catalog for potential equivalents.

Step 4: Migrate Supported Policies to Intune

  1. Begin the Migration:
    • For supported policies, select Migrate. This process converts the settings to an Intune-compatible configuration profile.
  2. Assign and Scope:
    • Complete the Assignments and Scope Tags based on your organizational setup.

Step 5: Deploy and Monitor

  1. Deploy the Policy:
    • After migration, assign the policy to the appropriate device groups within Intune.
  2. Monitor for Errors: Occasionally, errors may occur during migration due to duplicate settings or conflicts. If duplicates exist, remove the redundant values and redeploy.
  3. Adjust as Needed: Revisit policies if clients encounter restrictions. Overly restrictive baselines may need relaxation, so balance security with user experience.

Common Challenges and Considerations

  1. Complex or Legacy GPOs: Some GPOs have accumulated legacy configurations, making it easier to use a baseline rather than attempting to translate each policy. This approach often accelerates deployment.
  2. Unsupported Policies: A limited number of legacy settings may lack direct support in Intune. You should evaluate if these are critical, and explore alternatives if needed.

Conclusion

Migrating GPOs to Intune provides a valuable opportunity to modernize device management and streamline security settings. Whether using security baselines or importing specific configurations, the process can improve data security and simplify management for system administrators. For most, starting with standard baselines and adding essential custom configurations is efficient and effective. For businesses requiring intact legacy configurations, Intune’s Group Policy Analytics serves as a bridge to transition securely and effectively.

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Tom Bernardini

Tom is our Modern Work & Security Engineer in the US, based out of South Florida. Having worked most of his 15 years in the IT industry in the medical sector, he was first introduced to the MDM/MAM while working at BlackBerry. Along with his experience working for an MSP, Tom has a strong focus on clients’ business needs, both large and small