The Provisioning Agent is an alternative method to Azure AD Connect for cloud synchronization, and it replaces the need for installing and configuring Azure AD Connect. Therefore, if you are using the provisioning agent, you do not need to install Azure AD Connect. The provisioning agent allows you to directly synchronize on-premises Active Directory objects to Azure AD without the traditional Azure AD Connect infrastructure. It is designed for scenarios where you want to quickly sync on-premises identities to Azure AD without the need for extensive configuration.
My Test Environment Setup at a glance:
I am using Hyper-V in Windows 10 Pro edition.
I have created a Virtual Machine and deployed Windows Server 2022 Evaluation version.
I have setup a local server in Server Manager with local domain, active directory, virtual switch, AD DS, and DNS.
To set up cloud synchronization using the provisioning agent follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Azure environment
Log in to the Azure portal (portal.azure.com) using your Azure AD administrator account.
Create a new Azure AD tenant or use an existing one.
Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to configure the provisioning agent.
You can assign yourself as a Global Administrator.
Step 2: Download and install the provisioning agent
In the Azure portal, navigate to Azure Active Directory.
Select "Azure AD Connect" from the left-hand menu.
On the Azure AD Connect page, click on "Manage" >"Download an Agent" under the "Cloud Sync" section.
On the "Azure AD Provisioning Agent" side bar, click "Accept term & Download" to download the provisioning agent installation package.
Once the download is complete, run the installation package and follow the prompts to install the provisioning agent.
During the installation, you will be prompted to provide your Azure AD tenant name and administrator credentials.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the provisioning agent.
Step 3: Configure synchronization options
After the installation completes, the provisioning agent configuration wizard opens automatically.
On the Extension screen select the appropriate extension to enable. In this case I choose "Azure AD Connect Cloud Sync".
On the "Connect Azure AD" screen, enter your Azure AD Administrator credentials and click "Next."
On the "Connect Active Directory Screen" add your on-premises AD domain.
Review the configuration summary and click "Next" to start the configuration process.
Wait for the configuration to complete.
Step 4: Verify and monitor synchronization
Open the Azure portal and navigate to Azure Active Directory.
Select "Azure AD Connect" from the left-hand menu.
On the Azure AD Connect page, click on "Provisioning summary" to view the synchronization status and monitor the provisioning agent.
Step 5: Test the synchronization
Create or modify an object (e.g., user, group) in the on-premises Active Directory.
Wait for the synchronization to occur, which typically happens within a few minutes.
Check if the changes are replicated to Azure AD.
Verify that the object appears in the Azure AD portal.
By following these steps, you can set up Windows Server 2022 with the provisioning agent for cloud synchronization without the need for Azure AD Connect.
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