Entra Cloud Sync Replacing Connect Sync: What to Expect

• Customers should begin transitioning now from Connect Sync to Cloud Sync, but larger customers won’t be required to move completely to cloud Sync for several years.
• While Cloud Sync offers certain benefits over Connect Sync, it’s not an exact replacement and will often require enhancements or workarounds.
• Smaller customers whose needs already can be met by Cloud Sync will be contacted by Microsoft beginning in July 2026.
• Coupled with Microsoft Identity Manager’s retirement, this transition adds another high-risk identity migration requirement for many organizations.

All customers ultimately must move from Entra Connect Sync to Entra Cloud Sync, based on guidance announced by Microsoft in Apr. 2026. Microsoft will start by assisting the smallest customers whose Active Directory (AD) to Entra ID synchronization needs can be easily met with Cloud Sync and will gradually move up to larger customers with more complex deployments.