Free Group Policy Alternative
Enforce settings across Windows, macOS, and Linux without Active Directory. 200 endpoints free forever, no domain controller required.
When Group Policy runs out of road
Group Policy is fine until the fleet stops being all-Windows and all-domain-joined. It is tied to Active Directory and manages Windows only, so the moment you add Macs, Linux boxes, or machines that never touch the domain, it has nothing to say about them. Cloud device management can cover the mix, but it has no permanent free tier, and infrastructure-as-code means writing and running everything yourself.
The gap is a settings catalog that treats Windows, Mac, and Linux the same and does not assume a domain controller behind it. This page is for the admin who already has Group Policy and needs to cover the rest of the fleet, or wants to drop the domain dependency. The table below sorts the free options by what they cost, whether they run without Active Directory, and which operating systems they actually reach.
The free options, compared
A fair look at the main free ways to enforce settings across a mixed fleet today, checked against each source page.
| Tool | Free limit | Platforms | Works without AD | The catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TridentStack Control | 200 endpoints, forever | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | $5/endpoint/mo past 200, every feature included |
| Microsoft Group Policy | Free with Windows Server AD | Windows | No, requires Active Directory | Needs an AD domain and domain controller; no macOS or Linux |
| Microsoft Intune | Trial only | Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile | Yes, cloud | No permanent free tier; a 30-day trial, paid after |
| Ansible (Core) | Free/OSS, unlimited nodes | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Agentless; no pre-built catalog or GUI, you author and run it |
| Rudder (Core) | Free/OSS, any node count | Linux, Windows (agent) | Yes | Free Core excludes the packaged patch, vulnerability, and CIS modules |
Free tiers verified against each vendor's own page.
What replaces Group Policy
Everything below is included for your first 200 endpoints, at no cost, with no domain required.
Cross-OS settings catalog
One catalog covers Windows, macOS, and Linux, so the Macs and Linux boxes Group Policy cannot reach are managed the same way.
No Active Directory required
Settings apply over the agent, so you do not need a domain, a domain controller, or domain-joined machines.
Enforcement and verification
Settings are applied and then checked, so you can confirm which endpoints are actually in the desired state.
Versioning and rollback
Every change is versioned, so you can review what changed and roll back a bad edit.
Keep Mac and Linux in one console
No second tool for the non-Windows fleet. The whole mix lives in the same place.
Unlimited admin users
Bring your whole team. Role-based access is included, with no per-seat fees on the free tier.
When you outgrow free
Past your first 200 endpoints it is $5 per endpoint per month, every feature still included, no tiers. See the pricing calculator.
More free tools from TridentStack Control
Free Patch Management Software
Patch Windows, macOS, and Linux from one console. 200 endpoints free forever.
Free Vulnerability Scanner
Continuous, agent-based CVE detection with CVSS prioritization across your fleet.
Free CIS Benchmark Tool
Scored CIS Level 1 and 2, DISA STIG, and Microsoft baselines from one console.
Free Endpoint Management Software
A web settings catalog with enforcement that works without Active Directory.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace Group Policy entirely?
For cross-platform settings enforcement, yes. TridentStack Control applies and verifies settings across Windows, macOS, and Linux without a domain. Domain-specific Active Directory features, such as Kerberos authentication or logon scripts tied to the domain, stay in Active Directory.
Does it manage Macs and Linux?
Yes. Windows, macOS, and Linux share one console and one settings catalog, which is the main reason to reach for an alternative in a mixed fleet.
Do I still need a domain controller?
No. Settings apply over the agent, so you do not need Active Directory or a domain controller to enforce them.
Is it really free forever, and do I need a credit card?
Your first 200 endpoints are free forever with every feature included, and you can start without entering payment details. It is not a trial and it does not expire.
Start managing without a domain, free
200 endpoints free forever, every feature included. No domain, no credit card, no time limit.
Competitor facts verified against each vendor page. Last verified 2026-08-17.