Microsoft Azure AD Connect is a hybrid identity synchronization tool that connects on-premises Active Directory environments with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory). It allows organizations to synchronize users, groups, passwords, and other directory objects between local servers and cloud services such as Microsoft 365 and Azure. With Azure AD Connect, users can access both on-premises and cloud resources using a single set of credentials, simplifying identity management and improving user experience.

Azure AD Connect supports features such as Password Hash Synchronization, Pass-Through Authentication, and Seamless Single Sign-On (SSO), enabling secure and efficient authentication methods for hybrid environments. It is widely used in enterprise infrastructures to maintain centralized identity management while transitioning workloads to the cloud. By integrating local Active Directory with Microsoft Entra ID, organizations can improve security, streamline administration, and provide reliable access to modern cloud applications and services.

It enables organizations to:

• Synchronize user accounts
• Enable single sign-on (SSO)
• Synchronize passwords
• Integrate hybrid identity environments
• Simplify cloud authentication

Azure AD Connect is widely used in hybrid Microsoft 365 deployments.

Allows users to use the same password for both on-premises and cloud services.

Key Features of Azure AD Connect

1. Password Hash Synchronization

Allows users to use the same password for both on-premises and cloud services.

2. Pass-Through Authentication

Authenticates users directly against on-premises Active Directory without storing passwords in the cloud.

3. Federation Integration

Supports federation with Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS).

4. Seamless Single Sign-On

Users can automatically sign in to cloud applications while connected to the corporate network.

5. Hybrid Identity Management

Provides centralized identity synchronization between on-premises and Azure environments.

Azure AD Connect Prerequisites

Before downloading Azure AD Connect, ensure the following requirements are met.

Supported Operating Systems

Azure AD Connect supports:

• Windows Server 2016
• Windows Server 2019
• Windows Server 2022
• Windows Server 2025

Active Directory Requirements

You need:

• Functional Active Directory Domain Services
• Enterprise Admin credentials
• Global Admin account for Azure

Hardware Requirements

Recommended minimum requirements:

• 4 CPU cores
• 8 GB RAM
• 70 GB disk space

Network Requirements

Ensure the server can access:

• Azure services
• Microsoft 365 endpoints
• Internet connectivity

Download Azure AD Connect

File Size 144MB