What actually matters in 2026
If you are still treating Administrative Templates and Settings Catalog as two equal options in Intune, you are already behind. In 2026, the decision is mostly made for you. Settings Catalog is the default for a reason.
The real question is not which one is better in theory, but when you still need Administrative Templates and how to handle what you already deployed.
Settings Catalog is the default now. Here is why
Settings Catalog is where Microsoft is investing. That is the short version, but the practical reasons matter more.
First, coverage. The catalog now includes thousands of settings across Windows, Edge, Office, Defender, and more. In most environments, you can configure everything you need without touching ADMX-backed policies.
Second, consistency. Everything is exposed in the same format. You search, select, configure. No need to understand ADMX structure, policy paths, or legacy naming.
Third, transparency. Settings Catalog shows you exactly what you configure. No hidden dependencies, no imported templates, no guessing what a policy actually writes in the registry.
Fourth, flexibility. You can mix settings from different areas in one policy. With Administrative Templates, you are effectively working inside a legacy structure that was never designed for cloud management.
In real world terms, this means:
- Faster policy creation
- Easier troubleshooting
- Less dependency on legacy knowledge
- Better alignment with modern Intune features
If you are building new policies today, there is very little reason not to start in Settings Catalog.
When Administrative Templates still make sense
This is where people either overuse or completely ignore ADMX-backed policies. The right answer is somewhere in between.
There are still valid use cases.
1. A setting is not in Settings Catalog yet
This still happens, especially with niche or newly released settings. Microsoft is improving coverage, but there can be gaps.
If the setting exists as an ADMX policy but not in the catalog, Administrative Templates is still your fallback.
2. You rely on imported custom ADMX
Some organizations import custom ADMX files for line-of-business apps or niche configurations.
Settings Catalog does not replace that. If you depend on custom templates, you will continue to use the Administrative Templates profile type.
3. You already have stable, working policies
If your Administrative Template policies are working and not causing conflicts, there is no immediate need to migrate everything.
Rewriting policies just for the sake of it rarely adds value and can introduce risk.
Where people go wrong
The biggest mistake I see is mixing the same settings across both methods without realizing it.
Settings Catalog and Administrative Templates often configure the same underlying CSP or registry keys. If you configure the same setting in both places, you can create conflicts that are hard to troubleshoot.
Typical symptoms:
- Policies showing as “conflict” in Intune
- Settings not applying consistently
- Devices flipping between states
The fix is simple but requires discipline. Pick one method per setting.
Migration considerations that actually matter
You do not need a big bang migration. In fact, you should avoid it.
Instead, treat this as a gradual cleanup.
Start with new policies
Anything new should go into Settings Catalog. No exceptions unless you hit a real limitation.
Review existing Administrative Templates
Look at what you have today and ask:
- Is this still needed?
- Is it duplicated elsewhere?
- Is it causing conflicts?
You will often find old policies that can be removed entirely.
Migrate only when it adds value
Good reasons to migrate:
- You are troubleshooting a problematic policy
- You want better visibility or control
- You are standardizing policy structure
Bad reasons:
- “Microsoft says Settings Catalog is the future”
- “We want everything to look consistent”
Consistency is nice, but stability is more important.
Test before replacing
Even if a setting looks identical in Settings Catalog, validate it.
There are subtle differences sometimes in how policies are applied or reported. Do not assume parity without testing.
A practical way to decide
When you need to configure something, use this quick decision flow:
- Can I find the setting in Settings Catalog?
- Yes → Use it
- No → Go to Administrative Templates
- Is this already configured via ADMX and working?
- Yes → Leave it unless there is a reason to change
- No → Use Settings Catalog
- Am I introducing overlap or duplication?
- Yes → Stop and clean it up first
Bottom line
In 2026, this is no longer a 50/50 choice.
Settings Catalog is the standard way to configure policies in Intune. It is easier to work with, better supported, and where Microsoft is investing.
Administrative Templates still have a place, but it is a supporting role. Use them when you need them, not by default.
If your environment reflects that mindset, you are in a good place.