Discover the best practices for transitioning your Entra ID users and groups from a hybrid setup to a cloud-only configuration, ensuring a smooth migration process.
Organizations using Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD) often start with a hybrid identity setup, synchronizing on-premises Active Directory (AD) with Azure AD. As businesses evolve, the need to migrate fully to the cloud arises, prompting the conversion of users and groups from hybrid to cloud-only identities.
Table of Contents
The Hybrid to Cloud-Only Journey
Understanding Hybrid Identities Hybrid identities are linked to both on-premises AD and Azure AD, allowing for a synchronized identity management system across environments.
The Need for Conversion Decommissioning on-premises AD necessitates the conversion of hybrid identities to cloud-only to maintain uninterrupted access to resources and services.
Best Practices for Conversion
Supported Conversion Methods
- Azure AD PowerShell: Use Azure AD PowerShell cmdlets to change the sourceAnchor and immutableId attributes, effectively converting the identity to cloud-only.
- Azure AD Portal: Manually edit user properties in the Azure AD portal to remove on-premises linkages, setting the stage for cloud-only status.
Considerations for a Smooth Transition
- Data Integrity: Ensure all user data is correctly synced before conversion.
- Service Continuity: Verify that services relying on user identities will not be disrupted.
- Backup: Always have a backup of your AD before making changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What happens to existing user data during the conversion?
Answer: User data remains intact if the conversion is performed correctly. However, it’s crucial to follow supported methods to avoid data loss.
Question: Can I convert all users at once?
Answer: It’s possible to convert users in batches, but it’s recommended to start with a smaller group to monitor the impact before proceeding with all users.
Summary
Converting from hybrid to cloud-only identities in Entra ID is a critical step for organizations moving entirely to the cloud. By following supported methods and best practices, you can ensure a seamless transition without compromising user access or data integrity.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Consult with a Microsoft support professional before undertaking significant identity conversions. Always test changes in a non-production environment first.