Others

Microsoft Entra vs. Intune: Key Differences Explained

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is seeking clarification on the functional differences between Microsoft Entra and Microsoft Intune within the Microsoft enterprise ecosystem.

Product: Microsoft Entra and Microsoft Intune
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Comparing Microsoft administrative tools to understand which service manages user access and which handles device compliance.
Observed behavior: The goal is to distinguish Microsoft Entra as the identity and access management solution from Microsoft Intune as the endpoint and application management service.

Before you start

Before evaluating these services, determine whether your organization needs to focus on user identity authentication, endpoint device compliance, or a unified ecosystem combining both.

Solution 1Recommended

Understand Microsoft Entra for Identity Management

Microsoft Entra focuses on managing user identities, authentication, and resource authorization across your organization.

Microsoft Entra is a family of identity and access products that includes Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory). Its primary role is to ensure the right users have secure access to the right resources.

Manage Identities

Use the Microsoft Entra admin center to oversee user identities, credentials, and single sign-on (SSO) settings.

Control Access

Configure Conditional Access policies within Entra to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) and authorize secure access to cloud applications.

Solution 2

Understand Microsoft Intune for Device Management

Microsoft Intune is dedicated to managing endpoint devices, app configurations, and security compliance.

Solution 3

Resolve Device ID Queries in Official Forums

Utilize official Microsoft forums for advanced troubleshooting related to specific device IDs or integration issues between Entra and Intune.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Discover a Lightweight and Free Office Suite for Your Teams

While managing your organization's device infrastructure with Entra and Intune, consider equipping your end-users with WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free, and robust alternative to Microsoft Office for everyday business productivity.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the appropriate client for your managed operating systems.
2. Deploy to Endpoints: Package the WPS Office installer and deploy it to your organization's devices using Microsoft Intune or other endpoint management tools.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Office file formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight application footprint, making it ideal for streamlined deployment via Microsoft Intune.Familiar user interface requiring zero learning curve for seamless employee migration.Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Microsoft Entra ID the same as Azure Active Directory?

Yes, Microsoft Entra ID is the new name for what was previously known as Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). It continues to handle all identity, authentication, and resource authorization tasks.

Do I need both Entra and Intune for my organization?

In many secure enterprise scenarios, they are used together. Entra handles who is logging in (identity verification), while Intune ensures the device they are using is secure and compliant before granting access to company data.

Can Microsoft Intune manage mobile devices like iOS and Android?

Yes, Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive endpoint management solution that fully supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices, allowing for centralized cross-platform mobile device management (MDM).

Office Quick Solutions