{"id":65325,"date":"2026-01-29T11:09:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T18:09:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cirasync.com\/?p=65325"},"modified":"2026-01-30T16:02:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T23:02:32","slug":"microsoft-entra-connect-vs-microsoft-entra-cloud-ync","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cirasync.com\/fr\/blog-articles\/microsoft-entra-connect-vs-microsoft-entra-cloud-ync\/","title":{"rendered":"Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync: Guide for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbsection\u00a0\u00bb]\n\t\t\t[et_pb_row admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbrow\u00a0\u00bb]\n\t\t\t\t[et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4&Prime;][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbText\u00a0\u00bb]\n<p>Hybrid identity sync sounds simple until you&nbsp;pick&nbsp;the tool that runs it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/entra\/identity\/hybrid\/connect\/whatis-azure-ad-connect\">Microsoft Entra Connect Sync<\/a> gives you a full sync engine on a Windows Server, with deep control\u00a0over flows, sign-in options, and hybrid features.\u00a0Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync shifts most configuration into Entra, then uses lightweight agents to bridge on-prem AD to the cloud.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide on Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync compares architecture, feature gaps, scaling, and real-world scenarios so you can choose with confidence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-microsoft-entra-connect\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Microsoft_Entra_Connect\"><\/span><strong>What\u00a0is\u00a0Microsoft Entra Connect?<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cirasync.com\/blog-articles\/microsoft-entra-connect\/\">Microsoft Entra Connect<\/a> is Microsoft\u2019s on-premises tool for hybrid identity. You install it on a Windows Server to connect Active Directory (AD DS) with Microsoft Entra ID, then you\u00a0sync\u00a0identities and related data into the cloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/cirasync.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Microsoft-Entra-Connect-vs-Microsoft-Entra-Cloud-Sync.png\" alt=\"Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync\" class=\"wp-image-65327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cirasync.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Microsoft-Entra-Connect-vs-Microsoft-Entra-Cloud-Sync.png 920w, https:\/\/cirasync.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Microsoft-Entra-Connect-vs-Microsoft-Entra-Cloud-Sync-480x237.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 920px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It also supports common sign-in options like Password Hash Sync and Pass-through Authentication, so you can keep one identity across on-prem and cloud apps while you control the configuration from your environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-microsoft-entra-cloud-sync\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Microsoft_Entra_Cloud_Sync\"><\/span>What is Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync is Microsoft\u2019s cloud-managed sync&nbsp;option&nbsp;for hybrid identity. You&nbsp;sync&nbsp;users, groups, and contacts from on-prem AD to Microsoft Entra ID, but instead of running the full Entra Connect application, you use the Microsoft Entra cloud provisioning agent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Entra ID Connect Cloud Sync overview\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9T6lKEloq0Q?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You manage the sync configuration in Entra, and the agent handles the connection to your directory for provisioning and deprovisioning. Microsoft also allows Cloud Sync to run alongside Entra Connect Sync in some setups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&rsquo;s continue our Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-microsoft-entra-connect-vs-microsoft-entra-cloud-sync-quick-decision-snapshot\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Microsoft_Entra_Connect_vs_Microsoft_Entra_Cloud_Sync_Quick_Decision_Snapshot\"><\/span><strong>Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync: Quick Decision Snapshot<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync when you want a lighter on-prem footprint, multiple active agents for high availability, on-demand provisioning, and support for some \u201cmessy reality\u201d cases like disconnected forests after mergers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick Microsoft Entra Connect Sync when you need the classic sync engine features, advanced sync-rule control, Pass-Through Authentication, device object&nbsp;sync&nbsp;and device writeback, or topologies where Microsoft explicitly supports Connect Sync and you already rely on its operational patterns (like staging mode).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-installation-and-prerequisites\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Installation_and_Prerequisites\"><\/span><strong>Installation and Prerequisites<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cloud-sync-agent-requirements\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cloud_Sync_Agent_Requirements\"><\/span>Cloud Sync Agent Requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cloud Sync relies on the provisioning agent, and Microsoft ties that agent to specific Windows Server versions.&nbsp;Install the agent on a domain-joined server that runs Windows Server 2016, 2019, or 2022.&nbsp;Microsoft calls out Windows Server 2025 as not supported and even notes a known issue scenario around it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A few details matter in real deployments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Give the server at least 4 GB RAM and .NET 4.7.1+.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t\u00a0use Windows Server Core for the agent box.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure the agent server can reach domain controllers on TCP 389 (LDAP) and TCP 3268 (Global Catalog).\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you plan group writeback through Cloud Sync, Microsoft also expects <a href=\"https:\/\/cirasync.com\/blog-articles\/what-is-active-directory\/\">Active Directory<\/a> schema support for\u00a0<em><strong>msDS-ExternalDirectoryObjectId<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0(Windows Server 2016 schema and later).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-entra-connect-sync-prerequisites\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Entra_Connect_Sync_Prerequisites\"><\/span>Entra Connect Sync Prerequisites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Connect Sync also runs on Windows Server and requires typical \u201chybrid identity\u201d prerequisites (domain join, supported Windows Server versions, TLS 1.2, .NET requirements, and a compatible AD forest functional level).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, both tools need a real Windows Server footprint. Cloud Sync usually needs less of it, but it still needs something solid and well-managed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-you-can-sync-objects-and-references\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_You_Can_Sync_Objects_and_References\"><\/span><strong>What You Can Sync: Objects and References<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-users-groups-contacts-both-tools-cover-the-basics\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Users_Groups_Contacts_Both_Tools_Cover_the_Basics\"><\/span><strong>1. Users, Groups, Contacts: Both Tools Cover the Basics<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Connect Sync and Cloud Sync support user objects, group objects, and contact objects. That \u201cbaseline parity\u201d covers the core hybrid identity goal for a lot of organizations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-device-objects-connect-sync-carries-the-weight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Device_Objects_Connect_Sync_Carries_the_Weight\"><\/span><strong>2. Device Objects: Connect Sync Carries the Weight<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Connect Sync supports device objects. Cloud Sync does not list device object support in Microsoft\u2019s comparison table. If your environment relies on device objects flowing through sync for specific hybrid scenarios, treat that as a serious decision point.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-cross-forest-references\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Cross-forest_References\"><\/span><strong>3. Cross-forest References<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Microsoft\u2019s comparison table calls out cross-domain references support for both tools, and cross-forest references support for Cloud Sync. That matters in enterprises where groups and users reference each other across boundaries.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-password-hash-sync\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Password_Hash_Sync\"><\/span><strong>4. Password Hash Sync<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both tools support Password Hash Sync.\u00a0So\u00a0if you want cloud authentication with synced password hashes (a common setup), either tool can fit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-pass-through-authentication-connect-sync-only\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Pass-Through_Authentication_Connect_Sync_Only\"><\/span><strong>5. Pass-Through Authentication: Connect Sync Only<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Microsoft lists Pass-Through Authentication support under Connect Sync, not Cloud Sync. If you rely on PTA, keep Connect Sync in your plan or plan a sign-in redesign.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-to-sum-up\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Sum_Up\"><\/span><strong>To Sum Up<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want the classic sync engine, Pass-through Authentication, and certain hybrid features like device scenarios, Microsoft Entra Connect Sync often fits best.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want cloud-managed configuration, multiple active agents for high availability, and stronger support for some complex forest setups, Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync usually makes more sense.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use your requirements as the filter, then pilot in a small scope before you standardize across the directory.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769709350023\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What does Microsoft Entra Connect Sync do?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Microsoft Entra Connect Sync runs as the sync engine inside Microsoft Entra Connect. It\u00a0syncs\u00a0identity data between your on-premises Active Directory environment and Microsoft Entra ID, and it handles the core sync operations end to end. Microsoft also positions it as the successor to DirSync and Azure AD Sync.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769709366443\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>What does Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync do?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync syncs users, groups, and contacts from on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID, but it does it through the Microsoft Entra cloud provisioning agent instead of the full Entra Connect app.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769709446559\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>How do the\u00a0architectures\u00a0differ?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Entra Connect Sync puts the sync engine on your server, and you run the client there. Cloud Sync shifts orchestration into Microsoft Online Services, and you only run lightweight agents on-prem while you manage configuration in Microsoft Entra ID.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769709481608\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>Which one should you start with for new hybrid sync projects?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Microsoft encourages you to review Cloud Sync\u2019s features before you deploy Entra Connect Sync, and Microsoft recommends Cloud Sync when it fits your requirements. Microsoft also provides an evaluation wizard to help you decide.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769709500732\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>Can Cloud Sync handle disconnected forests after mergers or acquisitions?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Yes, Cloud Sync supports\u00a0syncing to\u00a0a single tenant from multiple disconnected Active Directory forests, and Microsoft calls out merger and acquisition scenarios as common drivers. Entra Connect Sync supports multiple forests too, but Cloud Sync specifically targets the \u201cdisconnected forests\u201d reality.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column]\n\t\t\t[\/et_pb_row]\n\t\t[\/et_pb_section]","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hybrid identity sync sounds simple until you&nbsp;pick&nbsp;the tool that runs it.&nbsp; Microsoft Entra Connect Sync gives you a full sync engine on a Windows Server, with deep control\u00a0over flows, sign-in options, and hybrid features.\u00a0Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync shifts most configuration into Entra, then uses lightweight agents to bridge on-prem AD to the cloud.\u00a0 This guide [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":46654,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"page-cirablog2.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Hybrid identity sync sounds simple until you&nbsp;pick&nbsp;the tool that runs it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/entra\/identity\/hybrid\/connect\/whatis-azure-ad-connect\">Microsoft Entra Connect Sync<\/a> gives you a full sync engine on a Windows Server, with deep control\u00a0over flows, sign-in options, and hybrid features.\u00a0Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync shifts most configuration into Entra, then uses lightweight agents to bridge on-prem AD to the cloud.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This guide on Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync compares architecture, feature gaps, scaling, and real-world scenarios so you can choose with confidence.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-microsoft-entra-connect\"><strong>What\u00a0is\u00a0Microsoft Entra Connect?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cirasync.com\/blog-articles\/microsoft-entra-connect\/\">Microsoft Entra Connect<\/a> is Microsoft\u2019s on-premises tool for hybrid identity. You install it on a Windows Server to connect Active Directory (AD DS) with Microsoft Entra ID, then you\u00a0sync\u00a0identities and related data into the cloud.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":65327,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cirasync.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Microsoft-Entra-Connect-vs-Microsoft-Entra-Cloud-Sync.png\" alt=\"Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync\" class=\"wp-image-65327\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It also supports common sign-in options like Password Hash Sync and Pass-through Authentication, so you can keep one identity across on-prem and cloud apps while you control the configuration from your environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-microsoft-entra-cloud-sync\">What is Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync?<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync is Microsoft\u2019s cloud-managed sync&nbsp;option&nbsp;for hybrid identity. You&nbsp;sync&nbsp;users, groups, and contacts from on-prem AD to Microsoft Entra ID, but instead of running the full Entra Connect application, you use the Microsoft Entra cloud provisioning agent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {\"url\":\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/9T6lKEloq0Q\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"responsive\":true,\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9T6lKEloq0Q\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:embed -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You manage the sync configuration in Entra, and the agent handles the connection to your directory for provisioning and deprovisioning. Microsoft also allows Cloud Sync to run alongside Entra Connect Sync in some setups.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let's continue our Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync comparison.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-microsoft-entra-connect-vs-microsoft-entra-cloud-sync-quick-decision-snapshot\"><strong>Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync: Quick Decision Snapshot<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pick Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync when you want a lighter on-prem footprint, multiple active agents for high availability, on-demand provisioning, and support for some \u201cmessy reality\u201d cases like disconnected forests after mergers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pick Microsoft Entra Connect Sync when you need the classic sync engine features, advanced sync-rule control, Pass-Through Authentication, device object&nbsp;sync&nbsp;and device writeback, or topologies where Microsoft explicitly supports Connect Sync and you already rely on its operational patterns (like staging mode).&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-installation-and-prerequisites\"><strong>Installation and Prerequisites<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cloud-sync-agent-requirements\">Cloud Sync Agent Requirements<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cloud Sync relies on the provisioning agent, and Microsoft ties that agent to specific Windows Server versions.&nbsp;Install the agent on a domain-joined server that runs Windows Server 2016, 2019, or 2022.&nbsp;Microsoft calls out Windows Server 2025 as not supported and even notes a known issue scenario around it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A few details matter in real deployments:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Give the server at least 4 GB RAM and .NET 4.7.1+.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Don\u2019t\u00a0use Windows Server Core for the agent box.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Make sure the agent server can reach domain controllers on TCP 389 (LDAP) and TCP 3268 (Global Catalog).\u00a0<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you plan group writeback through Cloud Sync, Microsoft also expects <a href=\"https:\/\/cirasync.com\/blog-articles\/what-is-active-directory\/\">Active Directory<\/a> schema support for\u00a0<em><strong>msDS-ExternalDirectoryObjectId<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0(Windows Server 2016 schema and later).\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-entra-connect-sync-prerequisites\">Entra Connect Sync Prerequisites<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Connect Sync also runs on Windows Server and requires typical \u201chybrid identity\u201d prerequisites (domain join, supported Windows Server versions, TLS 1.2, .NET requirements, and a compatible AD forest functional level).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In other words, both tools need a real Windows Server footprint. Cloud Sync usually needs less of it, but it still needs something solid and well-managed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-you-can-sync-objects-and-references\"><strong>What You Can Sync: Objects and References<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-users-groups-contacts-both-tools-cover-the-basics\"><strong>1. Users, Groups, Contacts: Both Tools Cover the Basics<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Both Connect Sync and Cloud Sync support user objects, group objects, and contact objects. That \u201cbaseline parity\u201d covers the core hybrid identity goal for a lot of organizations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-device-objects-connect-sync-carries-the-weight\"><strong>2. Device Objects: Connect Sync Carries the Weight<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Connect Sync supports device objects. Cloud Sync does not list device object support in Microsoft\u2019s comparison table. If your environment relies on device objects flowing through sync for specific hybrid scenarios, treat that as a serious decision point.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-cross-forest-references\"><strong>3. Cross-forest References<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Microsoft\u2019s comparison table calls out cross-domain references support for both tools, and cross-forest references support for Cloud Sync. That matters in enterprises where groups and users reference each other across boundaries.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-password-hash-sync\"><strong>4. Password Hash Sync<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Both tools support Password Hash Sync.\u00a0So\u00a0if you want cloud authentication with synced password hashes (a common setup), either tool can fit.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-pass-through-authentication-connect-sync-only\"><strong>5. Pass-Through Authentication: Connect Sync Only<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Microsoft lists Pass-Through Authentication support under Connect Sync, not Cloud Sync. If you rely on PTA, keep Connect Sync in your plan or plan a sign-in redesign.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-to-sum-up\"><strong>To Sum Up<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you want the classic sync engine, Pass-through Authentication, and certain hybrid features like device scenarios, Microsoft Entra Connect Sync often fits best.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you want cloud-managed configuration, multiple active agents for high availability, and stronger support for some complex forest setups, Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync usually makes more sense.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Use your requirements as the filter, then pilot in a small scope before you standardize across the directory.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:yoast\/faq-block {\"questions\":[{\"id\":\"faq-question-1769709350023\",\"question\":[{\"type\":\"strong\",\"props\":{\"children\":[\"What does Microsoft Entra Connect Sync do?\"]}},\"\u00a0\"],\"answer\":[{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},\"Microsoft Entra Connect Sync runs as the sync engine inside Microsoft Entra Connect. It\u00a0syncs\u00a0identity data between your on-premises Active Directory environment and Microsoft Entra ID, and it handles the core sync operations end to end. Microsoft also positions it as the successor to DirSync and Azure AD Sync.\u00a0\"],\"jsonQuestion\":\"u003cstrongu003eWhat does Microsoft Entra Connect Sync do?u003c\/strongu003e\u00a0\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"u003cbr\/u003eMicrosoft Entra Connect Sync runs as the sync engine inside Microsoft Entra Connect. It\u00a0syncs\u00a0identity data between your on-premises Active Directory environment and Microsoft Entra ID, and it handles the core sync operations end to end. Microsoft also positions it as the successor to DirSync and Azure AD Sync.\u00a0\"},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1769709366443\",\"question\":[{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},{\"type\":\"strong\",\"props\":{\"children\":[\"What does Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync do?\"]}},\"\u00a0\"],\"answer\":[{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},\"Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync syncs users, groups, and contacts from on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID, but it does it through the Microsoft Entra cloud provisioning agent instead of the full Entra Connect app.\u00a0\"],\"jsonQuestion\":\"u003cbr\/u003eu003cstrongu003eWhat does Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync do?u003c\/strongu003e\u00a0\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"u003cbr\/u003eMicrosoft Entra Cloud Sync syncs users, groups, and contacts from on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID, but it does it through the Microsoft Entra cloud provisioning agent instead of the full Entra Connect app.\u00a0\"},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1769709446559\",\"question\":[{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},{\"type\":\"strong\",\"props\":{\"children\":[\"How do the\u00a0architectures\u00a0differ?\"]}},\"\u00a0\"],\"answer\":[{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},\"Entra Connect Sync puts the sync engine on your server, and you run the client there. Cloud Sync shifts orchestration into Microsoft Online Services, and you only run lightweight agents on-prem while you manage configuration in Microsoft Entra ID.\u00a0\"],\"jsonQuestion\":\"u003cbr\/u003eu003cstrongu003eHow do the\u00a0architectures\u00a0differ?u003c\/strongu003e\u00a0\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"u003cbr\/u003eEntra Connect Sync puts the sync engine on your server, and you run the client there. Cloud Sync shifts orchestration into Microsoft Online Services, and you only run lightweight agents on-prem while you manage configuration in Microsoft Entra ID.\u00a0\"},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1769709481608\",\"question\":[{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},{\"type\":\"strong\",\"props\":{\"children\":[\"Which one should you start with for new hybrid sync projects?\"]}},\"\u00a0\"],\"answer\":[{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},\"Microsoft encourages you to review Cloud Sync\u2019s features before you deploy Entra Connect Sync, and Microsoft recommends Cloud Sync when it fits your requirements. Microsoft also provides an evaluation wizard to help you decide.\u00a0\"],\"jsonQuestion\":\"u003cbr\/u003eu003cstrongu003eWhich one should you start with for new hybrid sync projects?u003c\/strongu003e\u00a0\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"u003cbr\/u003eMicrosoft encourages you to review Cloud Sync\u2019s features before you deploy Entra Connect Sync, and Microsoft recommends Cloud Sync when it fits your requirements. Microsoft also provides an evaluation wizard to help you decide.\u00a0\"},{\"id\":\"faq-question-1769709500732\",\"question\":[{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},{\"type\":\"strong\",\"props\":{\"children\":[\"Can Cloud Sync handle disconnected forests after mergers or acquisitions?\"]}},\"\u00a0\"],\"answer\":[{\"type\":\"br\",\"props\":{\"children\":[]}},\"Yes, Cloud Sync supports\u00a0syncing to\u00a0a single tenant from multiple disconnected Active Directory forests, and Microsoft calls out merger and acquisition scenarios as common drivers. Entra Connect Sync supports multiple forests too, but Cloud Sync specifically targets the \u201cdisconnected forests\u201d reality.\"],\"jsonQuestion\":\"u003cbr\/u003eu003cstrongu003eCan Cloud Sync handle disconnected forests after mergers or acquisitions?u003c\/strongu003e\u00a0\",\"jsonAnswer\":\"u003cbr\/u003eYes, Cloud Sync supports\u00a0syncing to\u00a0a single tenant from multiple disconnected Active Directory forests, and Microsoft calls out merger and acquisition scenarios as common drivers. Entra Connect Sync supports multiple forests too, but Cloud Sync specifically targets the \u201cdisconnected forests\u201d reality.\"}]} -->\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769709350023\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What does Microsoft Entra Connect Sync do?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Microsoft Entra Connect Sync runs as the sync engine inside Microsoft Entra Connect. It\u00a0syncs\u00a0identity data between your on-premises Active Directory environment and Microsoft Entra ID, and it handles the core sync operations end to end. Microsoft also positions it as the successor to DirSync and Azure AD Sync.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769709366443\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>What does Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync do?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync syncs users, groups, and contacts from on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID, but it does it through the Microsoft Entra cloud provisioning agent instead of the full Entra Connect app.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769709446559\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>How do the\u00a0architectures\u00a0differ?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Entra Connect Sync puts the sync engine on your server, and you run the client there. Cloud Sync shifts orchestration into Microsoft Online Services, and you only run lightweight agents on-prem while you manage configuration in Microsoft Entra ID.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769709481608\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>Which one should you start with for new hybrid sync projects?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Microsoft encourages you to review Cloud Sync\u2019s features before you deploy Entra Connect Sync, and Microsoft recommends Cloud Sync when it fits your requirements. Microsoft also provides an evaluation wizard to help you decide.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769709500732\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><br\/><strong>Can Cloud Sync handle disconnected forests after mergers or acquisitions?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br\/>Yes, Cloud Sync supports\u00a0syncing to\u00a0a single tenant from multiple disconnected Active Directory forests, and Microsoft calls out merger and acquisition scenarios as common drivers. Entra Connect Sync supports multiple forests too, but Cloud Sync specifically targets the \u201cdisconnected forests\u201d reality.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:yoast\/faq-block -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","_nextfly_llmd_date_locked":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1478],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[13546],"class_list":["post-65325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-articles"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync: Guide for Beginners<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This guide on Microsoft Entra Connect vs Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync will teach you the key differences between both.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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