Install and Configure Microsoft Entra Connect

OFFICE 365

6/19/20221 min read

Microsoft Entra Connect

Microsoft Entra Connect is a tool used to synchronize on-premises Active Directory (AD) with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and other cloud-based services in the Microsoft ecosystem. It allows organizations to connect their on-premises identities to the cloud, enabling users to access cloud services using their on-premises credentials.

Prerequisites for Microsoft Entra Connect

The minimum requirements are:

Hardware : CPU : 1.6 GHz and Memory : 70 GB Hard Drive

Server Apps : .NET Framework 4.6.2 or later and Domain-joined Windows Server 2016 or later

Permissions: Onpremise : Enterprise Administrator/Domain Administrator & M365 : Global Admin/Hybrid Identity Adminstrator

Note: Windows Server Core isn’t supported; It's recommended to install Microsoft Entra Connect on a separate domain-joined Windows Server not on the Domain Controller

Ref: Microsoft Entra Connect installation prerequisites.

Install and Configure Microsoft Entra Connect

  1. Download Microsoft Entra Connect and save the file on the server.

  2. Run the AzureADConnect.msi installer.

  3. Agree to the license terms and click Continue.

  4. Click on Customize for a custom install. It will give you all the options which you can decide for yourself.

  5. Select Required Components (Leave it Default unless you want to change it)

  6. User Sign-In (Leave it Default unless you want to change it)

  7. Connect to Microsoft Entra User Name (Global Admin/Hybrid Identity Administrator)

  8. Connect Directories (Select Forest) and Select Create new AD account. Fill in the administrator account with Enterprise Admin rights. Click OK. And Click on Add Directory.

    1. Microsoft Entra Connect will create an AD DS Connector account (MSOL_xxxxxxxxxx) in AD with all the necessary permissions.)

  9. The Active Directory is added. Click Next.

  10. Microsoft Entra Sign-in Configuration: The Active Directory is added. Click Next.

  11. Domain/OU Filtering : Select the OU you want to sync

  12. Identifying Users: Leave it as default. Click Next

  13. Filtering: Leave it as default. Click Next

  14. Optional Features: (Leave it Default unless you want to change it)

  15. Configure: Select Start the synchronization process when configuration completes. Click Install.

  16. Microsoft Entra Connect configuration completed. Click Exit.