Entra Connect vs. Entra Cloud Sync: Coexistence Explained
Microsoft Entra
Apr 25, 2025 8:15 AM

Entra Connect vs. Entra Cloud Sync: Coexistence Explained

by HubSite 365 about Merill Fernando

Product Manager @ Microsoft 👉 Sign up to Entra.News my weekly newsletter on all things Microsoft Entra | Creator of cmd.ms & idPowerToys.com

AdministratorMicrosoft EntraM365 AdminLearning Selection

Entra Connect Sync and Entra Cloud Sync co-functionality, seamless integration, enhanced security, productivity boost.

Key insights

  • Entra Connect Sync and Entra Cloud Sync are two different Microsoft tools for synchronizing user data between on-premises environments and the cloud.
  • You can run both Entra Connect Sync and Entra Cloud Sync at the same time, but only if they manage different groups of users or objects.
  • If both tools try to sync the same user or object, it can cause conflicts and unexpected issues in your directory.
  • Entra Connect Sync is better for large organizations with complex needs, while Entra Cloud Sync works well for simpler setups or when you want a lightweight solution.
  • You should plan your synchronization strategy carefully to avoid overlapping management of users between these two tools.
  • The video recommends checking Microsoft's official documentation before setting up both synchronization methods together in your environment.

Keywords

Entra Connect Sync Entra Cloud Sync side by side run coexistence Entra synchronization comparison Microsoft Entra sync options