Microsoft 365 licensing has never been static, but 2026 marks a particularly significant shift for organizations managing endpoints with Microsoft Intune. Several capabilities that were previously exclusive to the Intune Suite add-on are now being rolled into Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 licensing tiers. For IT decision-makers and administrators planning their licensing strategy, understanding what has changed — and what it means for your organization — is essential.
What Was the Intune Suite Add-On?
The Intune Suite, introduced by Microsoft in 2023, consolidated several advanced endpoint management capabilities into a single add-on license. It included features such as Microsoft Tunnel for Mobile Application Management (MAM), Remote Help for enterprise remote assistance, Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) for just-in-time local admin rights, Advanced Endpoint Analytics, and the Enterprise App Management catalog.
Prior to these licensing changes, organizations using Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 had to purchase the Intune Suite separately as an add-on at an additional per-user monthly cost. For organizations with large user bases, this represented a meaningful budget line item.
What's Now Included in E3 and E5?
As of 2026, Microsoft has moved several Intune Suite capabilities into core Microsoft 365 licensing tiers. Microsoft 365 E5 subscribers now receive broader access to advanced endpoint analytics, enhanced Conditional Access integration with Intune compliance data, and expanded Enterprise App Management capabilities without needing the add-on SKU.
Microsoft 365 E3 subscribers receive access to foundational Intune capabilities that previously required upgrading to E5 or purchasing add-ons. This includes improved device compliance signal integration with Microsoft Entra ID and access to the core enterprise app deployment catalog.
Remote Help, which enables IT teams to provide live remote assistance to end users directly through Microsoft Intune without requiring third-party tools, has also been expanded in its availability across licensing tiers.
Endpoint Privilege Management: A Critical Shift
One of the most impactful changes involves Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM). EPM allows organizations to grant users temporary local administrator rights for specific tasks without permanently elevating their privileges. This reduces the attack surface associated with over-privileged accounts while enabling users to perform necessary tasks without calling helpdesk.
EPM has moved into broader availability through standard Intune licensing, making it accessible to organizations that previously could not justify the add-on cost. For IT teams still managing environments where users run as local administrators, this represents a practical path to reducing privilege-related risk without a full infrastructure overhaul.
What This Means for Licensing and Budgeting
Organizations that already purchased the Intune Suite add-on should review their licensing agreements and work with their Microsoft partner to understand whether continued add-on licensing is necessary. In some cases, consolidating to a higher base tier may be more cost-effective than maintaining the add-on separately.
Organizations that have been holding off on advanced Intune capabilities due to add-on costs now have a lower barrier to adoption. This is particularly relevant for mid-market organizations and those in regulated industries who want advanced compliance and endpoint controls but have had difficulty justifying the additional per-user add-on spend.
Planning Your Intune Strategy for 2026
The shift in what's included in E3 and E5 does not simplify endpoint management on its own. The capabilities need to be properly configured and deployed to deliver value. Endpoint Privilege Management requires a well-thought-out policy structure. Enterprise App Management requires an up-to-date app inventory and delivery workflow. Remote Help requires integration with your helpdesk processes.
Organizations should use this licensing shift as an opportunity to conduct a capability audit: identify which Intune features you are currently using, which you have access to but have not deployed, and which new capabilities your license tier now includes that could improve your security posture or reduce IT overhead.
Conclusion
The consolidation of Intune Suite capabilities into Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 tiers reflects Microsoft's broader strategy of making enterprise-grade endpoint management more accessible. For IT teams, this creates an opportunity to expand what they do with Intune without expanding their licensing budget.
Cloud Five Consulting helps organizations maximize their Microsoft 365 and Intune investments. Whether you are assessing your current licensing, planning an Endpoint Privilege Management deployment, or building a comprehensive endpoint governance strategy, our team has the expertise to help. Contact Cloud Five Consulting today to discuss your Intune strategy and how recent licensing changes can work in your favor.