Microsoft Azure/Entra AD Connect - Express Setting

In the realm of hybrid identity solutions, Entra AD Connect, formerly known as Azure AD Connect, stands as a transformative tool designed to seamlessly address hybrid identity objectives. Serving as a pivotal bridge between on-premises and cloud identities, this application streamlines user experiences and boosts productivity. In this article, we delve into the significance of Entra AD Connect and why organizations should consider adopting this innovative solution.

Entra AD Connect acts as a gateway to hybrid identity success, facilitating the integration of on-premises directories with Microsoft Entra ID. This integration offers a unified identity for accessing both cloud and on-premises resources. Key benefits include unified identity access, and simplifying user experiences by utilizing a single identity for on-premises applications and cloud services like Microsoft 365. Additionally, Entra AD Connect provides a streamlined deployment experience, offering a single tool for synchronization and sign-in, making identity integration management more efficient for administrators.

License Requirements: To unlock the full potential of Entra AD Connect Health, organizations must adhere to specific license requirements. The usage of this feature mandates Microsoft Entra ID P1 licenses, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive licensing strategy to fully leverage the capabilities of this powerful tool.

Hardware Requirements: 

1. Server Platform:
   - Microsoft Entra Connect must be installed on a domain-joined Windows Server 2016 or later.
   - It is recommended to use domain-joined Windows Server 2022 for optimal performance.
2. .NET Framework:
   - The minimum required .NET Framework version is 4.6.2, supporting newer versions.
   - For the best accessibility compliance, it is recommended to use .NET version 4.8 or higher.
3. Support for Windows Server 2016:
   - While Microsoft Entra Connect can be deployed on Windows Server 2016, note that it is in extended support.
   - If support is required for this configuration, a paid support program may be necessary.
4. Unsupported Platforms:
   - Microsoft Entra Connect can only be installed on Small Business Server or Windows Server Essentials versions after 2019.
   - Windows Server Essentials 2019 is supported.
5. Server Edition:
   - The server must be running Windows Server Standard or a higher version.
6. Graphical User Interface (GUI):
   - The Microsoft Entra Connect server must have a full GUI installed.
   - Installation on Windows Server Core is not supported.

AD Connect Install

Steps to Install and Configure Entra AD Connect Tool:

Click on this link to download the Entra AD Connect Tool: Link



Express Installation Setting
Once the installation is complete, you will get the below screen; you need to accept the license terms & privacy notice, then click on ‘Continue’ to proceed.

Now you will find two options: ‘Customize’ & ‘Use express setting’. Let's first explore the ‘Use express setting’ option. This option is ideal for a single-forest topology using password hash sync for authentication. It's the default choice for installing Microsoft Entra Connect, tailored for the most commonly deployed scenario. With a few  simple steps, you can extend your on-premises directory to the cloud.

Now To Connect with Azure/Entra ID, enter your AZURE AD Global Admin credentials & click on ‘Next’.

Enter your AD DS Enterprise credentials & click on ‘Next’ (Make sure The ID you’re providing,  should be Member of Enterprise Admins,)

Now under ‘Ready to configure’ page, click on ‘Install’

In this above image, you can find only one option ‘Start the synchronization process when configuration completes’. If you selected the checkbox after setting up Microsoft Entra AD Connect tool, the full sync of all users, groups, and contacts to Microsoft Entra ID begins immediately.

If you’re using Exchange Server in the same On-premises AD server, you’ll find another option ‘Exchange hybrid deployment’. It’s basically used in case  you plan to have Exchange mailboxes, both in the cloud and on-premises at the same time.

Entra AD Connect, formerly Azure AD Connect, stands as a transformative tool for hybrid identity solutions, seamlessly bridging on-premises and cloud identities to enhance user experiences and productivity. Organizations should be mindful of licensing and hardware requirements to unlock its full potential. The Express Installation Setting streamlines the process for single-forest topologies, offering a user-friendly default choice. Entra AD Connect's role as a gateway to hybrid identity success, coupled with its synchronization capabilities, positions it as a key enabler for efficient identity management in the evolving landscape of on-premises and cloud integration.