Comparison · Last reviewed 2026-08-01
PDQ Deploy vs Microsoft Intune: Standalone Tool vs Microsoft 365 Ecosystem
PDQ Deploy is a standalone Windows deployment tool. Intune is cloud UEM built into the Microsoft 365 and Entra ID ecosystem. Here's what that difference means in practice.
Feature sets change frequently for both products. This comparison reflects each vendor's generally published positioning — verify current specifics directly with each vendor before making a purchasing decision.
Executive summary
The deciding factor here is usually how invested you already are in Microsoft's cloud ecosystem. Intune is Microsoft's cloud-based unified endpoint management platform, tightly integrated with Entra ID and the broader Microsoft 365 stack — it covers mobile device and app management alongside Windows management, generally licensed as part of Microsoft 365 or Enterprise Mobility + Security suites. PDQ Deploy is a standalone, on-prem tool with no ecosystem dependency: you package what you want and push it, without needing Entra ID enrollment or Microsoft 365 licensing in place.
Side-by-side
| Criteria | PDQ Deploy | Microsoft Intune |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment model | On-prem console, agentless push (SMB) | Cloud-based, agent-based, part of Microsoft 365 / Entra ID ecosystem |
| Device scope | Windows desktops/laptops | Windows plus mobile device and app management |
| Ecosystem dependency | None | Tied to Entra ID / Microsoft 365 licensing |
| Network requirement | On-network or VPN for classic Deploy | Cloud-managed — no VPN required |
| Patch management | Via package deployment workflow | Built-in update management for Windows, integrated with Microsoft's update channels |
Choose PDQ Deploy if…
- You don't want dependency on Microsoft 365 or Entra ID licensing.
- You want direct, low-level control over installer packages.
- You're managing a traditional, on-network, domain-joined Windows fleet.
Choose Microsoft Intune if…
- You're already licensed for Microsoft 365 or Enterprise Mobility + Security.
- You need mobile device and app management alongside desktop management.
- You want cloud-native management with no on-prem infrastructure.
Migration considerations
Moving from PDQ Deploy to Intune means repackaging applications into Intune's supported app formats (such as Win32 app packages), enrolling devices into Entra ID or hybrid Azure AD join, and — if you're not doing a full cutover — planning a co-management strategy alongside any existing on-prem tooling. This is a meaningfully larger project than a typical deployment-tool swap.
FAQ
Do I need a Microsoft 365 subscription to use Intune?
Intune is generally licensed as part of Microsoft 365 or Enterprise Mobility + Security bundles, though standalone licensing options have existed. Confirm current licensing requirements directly with Microsoft, since packaging changes.
Can Intune manage on-prem, non-Entra-joined devices?
Intune is built primarily around Entra ID-joined or hybrid-joined devices. If your fleet is purely on-prem Active Directory without any Entra integration, verify current hybrid support specifics with Microsoft before assuming parity with an on-prem tool like PDQ Deploy.