Azure Active Directory (AD) is a directory service that is used to store information about an organization’s users, computers, and other resources. It is a vital component of many IT environments, as it allows users to access resources and applications with a single set of credentials. However, as organizations move to the cloud, it can become increasingly challenging to keep local AD in sync with Azure AD. In this article, we will walk through the steps to sync local AD with Azure AD, so you can ensure that your users are able to access the resources they need.
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Table of Contents
- Install the Azure AD Connect tool: The first step in syncing local AD with Azure AD is to install the Azure AD Connect tool. This tool is available for free from Microsoft and can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.
- Configure the Azure AD Connect tool: Once the tool is installed, you will need to configure it to connect to your local AD and Azure AD. This will include providing the tool with the credentials of an account that has permissions to read and write to both directories.
- Define the sync rules: Once the tool is configured, you will need to define the sync rules that determine which users, groups, and other resources will be synced between the two directories. This will typically include all users and groups, but you may want to exclude certain resources if they are not needed in Azure AD.
- Run the initial sync: Once the sync rules are defined, you can run the initial sync. This may take some time, depending on the number of resources that need to be synced. However, once the initial sync is complete, your local AD and Azure AD will be in sync.
- Monitor the sync: After the initial sync is complete, it is important to monitor the sync to ensure that it is working correctly. This can be done using the Azure AD Connect tool, which will provide detailed information about the sync status and any errors that may have occurred.
Conclusion:
Syncing local AD with Azure AD is an important task that can help ensure that your users are able to access the resources they need. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can install the Azure AD Connect tool, configure it to connect to your local AD and Azure AD, define the sync rules, run the initial sync, and monitor the sync to ensure that it is working correctly.
Also Read How to Handle Tenant Properties Using AAD Portal
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How often does the sync occur?
The sync occurs every 30 minutes by default, but this can be configured to occur more frequently if needed.
Can I sync only certain users and groups?
Yes, you can configure the sync rules to include only certain users and groups.
What happens if there is a conflict between the local AD and Azure AD?
The Azure AD Connect tool will resolve any conflicts by using the most up-to-date information from both directories.
Can I undo a sync?
Yes, you can undo a sync by using the Azure AD Connect tool to roll back to a previous state.