Compare device registration, Microsoft Entra join, and hybrid join

  • 10 minutes

Choose the right device relationship with Microsoft Entra ID by understanding the differences between device registration, Microsoft Entra join, and Microsoft Entra hybrid join. Each approach provides different authentication capabilities, management scope, and scenarios where it fits best.

Device registration (workplace join)

Device registration creates a lightweight relationship between a device and Entra ID. It's typically used for personally owned devices and apps that need a device signal for conditional access or single sign-on but it doesn't require an organizational account to sign-in. It's usually the first step on the way to another device management scenario but can be used on its own for identifying personally owned devices that are used to access your environment.

Windows, Android, and iOS devices can be registered with Entra ID to provide additional capabilities in user-centric scenarios and for SSO scenarios to applications managed in your environment.

It's also called workplace join as it's the primary way to enroll Android and iOS devices for additional management through Intune.

  • Pros: Simple to set up; supports SSO and conditional access for unmanaged or BYOD devices.
  • Cons: Doesn't provide full device management or primary sign-in support through an organizational account.

Microsoft Entra join

Entra join makes Entra ID the primary identity store for a device. Users sign in with their Entra credentials and the device can receive policies and apps from Intune. This scenario is commonly used for corporate-owned Windows devices in situations where you aren't using Active Directory or don't have or want to use Computer accounts in Active Directory.

It allows for Bulk enrollment and provisioning through Autopilot using the out-of-box experience (OOBE) of Windows. You can manage sign in methods and secure the platform using the full range of features Entra ID and Intune provide.

  • Pros: Strong integration with Intune, single sign-on, conditional access, and support for Windows Hello for Business.
  • Cons: Requires planning for device provisioning and ownership model.

Entra hybrid join

Hybrid join keeps a device domain-joined to on-premises Active Directory while also registering it with Entra ID. Hybrid join provides both on-premises and cloud identity capabilities.

Organizations that need on-premises domain services and cloud management should consider using Hybrid Join because it allows traditional group policies and on-premises resource access while enabling cloud features such as conditional access and Intune management.

  • Pros: Offers the same functionality as Entra join while adding on-premises management capabilities.
  • Cons: Requires Microsoft Entra Connect and additional configuration; adds operational complexity.

When to use each approach

Each of the three approaches brings unique benefits to the management of your environment but adds complexity along with the capabilities it provides.

  • Use Entra join for corporate Windows devices that should use Entra ID for primary sign-in and be managed by Intune.
  • Use Entra hybrid join when devices must remain joined to on-premises AD for legacy apps or policies, but you still want cloud-based controls.
  • Use Device registration for BYOD and scenarios where you only need a device signal for conditional access, not full device management.

Key considerations for design

  • Authentication flow: Entra joined devices support richer authentication options like Windows Hello for Business.
  • Management: Intune provides full device management only after enrollment; joining a device identity alone doesn't equal device management.
  • User experience: Entra join delivers the smoothest sign-in experience for cloud-first devices.
  • Device type: Android and iOS devices aren't supported using Entra join or Entra hybrid join.

Summary

Match the join type to your operational needs: choose Entra join for cloud-first corporate devices, hybrid join when on-premises domain access is required, and device registration for BYOD scenarios that need only a device signal or run on iOS/Android.