How do you force synchronization between your local on-premises Active Directory and Azure (Entra ID)?
There are two options.
Simple One-Click Synchronization
EasyEntra is a FREE, modernized, and extremely powerful replacement for Active Directory Users & Computers. One of its standout features is one-click Azure AD Connect synchronization:
No more firing up PowerShell or waiting for scheduled syncs. With EasyEntra, you can trigger a delta sync instantly with a single click, saving time and reducing user downtime.
On top of that, EasyEntra offers:
✅ A clean, ADUC-style interface.
✅ Search results as you type, including easy LDAP querying, and CSV export.
✅ Advanced attributes available on search results.
✅ Zero infrastructure changes – install and go in under a minute.
✅ Same authentication as AD Users & Computers + in-app authentication for Entra joined systems.
EasyEntra is FREE FOREVER for pure AD management and hybrid or cloud-only management of tenants with less than 25 licensed users.
Turbo-charge your first-line support: Download the 30-day trial here.
Without EasyEntra, you’ll need to use PowerShell.
How to Sync Azure AD Connect From PowerShell
Run the PowerShell command Start-ADSyncSyncCycle to trigger the synchronization.
- For delta synchronization use the parameter -PolicyType Delta (used in most situations)
- For full synchronization, use the parameter -PolicyType Initial (rarely used)
The following command performs a delta synchronization:
Start-ADSyncSyncCycle -PolicyType DeltaThe output will look similar to this:
If you’re seeing the following error, you’re probably not logged in to your Azure AD Connect server.
Start-ADSyncSyncCycle : The term 'Start-ADSyncSyncCycle' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try again. Import-Module : The specified module 'ADSync' was not loaded because no valid module file was found in any module directory.
To see how you can perform the Azure AD Connect (Microsoft Entra Connect) synchronization remotely, continue reading.
How to Perform Remote Synchronization of AD and Azure
You don’t need to log in to your Azure AD Connect server to force synchronization between AD and Azure.
Use the following steps to force a remote synchronization of AD and Azure:
- Use the Enter-PSSession command to connect to your Azure AD Connect server
- Perform a delta synchronization using the Start-ADSyncSyncCycle command
- Exit the PSSession to kill the connection to your Azure AD Connect server
Use the following code to perform a remote delta synchronization:
Enter-PSSession DC-01
Start-ADSyncSyncCycle -PolicyType Delta
Exit-PSSessionThe output will look like this:
(assuming DC-01 is your Azure AD Connect server)
Improved Microsoft 365 Synchronization and Management
Making sure that Azure is quickly updated when making changes in your local AD can be frustrating.
As detailed here, the default synchronization schedule is every 30 minutes and is not configurable.
Keep in mind that Azure AD Connect (Microsoft Entra Connect) synchronizes from a specific domain controller. This means DC replication latency is also part of the equation.
Ideally, for speedy replication, make sure you make changes on the DC from which Azure AD Connect (Microsoft Entra Connect) is synchronizing.
Why Struggle With Start-ADSyncSyncCycle?
If you’re still using Active Directory Users & Computers (ADUC) for day-to-day management, it’s time for an upgrade. EasyEntra is a free, modernized replacement that includes everything you ever wished ADUC could do.
Here’s how EasyEntra supercharges searching and filtering:
Instant search results as you type
No more waiting or hitting “Enter.” EasyEntra returns live search results instantly, even in large enterprise environments.
Full support for LDAP queries
Power users can leverage complex LDAP filters, and EasyEntra evaluates them in real time as you type – perfect for testing queries quickly.
Relaxed typed queries for everyday use
No need to memorize complex LDAP syntax for common tasks. Simply type queries like:disabled=trueto find disabled accountslockedout=trueto locate locked-out userslastlogon<2025-01-01to filter by operating system
It’s intuitive and flexible, ideal for both junior IT staff and seasoned administrators.
On top of this, EasyEntra (FREE version) allows you to easily customize the properties included in the search result and export all data to a .csv file. No more involvement of senior IT just to get a quick insight into AD:
And the best part? EasyEntra is completely free – forever – for pure AD management and for hybrid and cloud-only environments with up to 25 licensed users.
EasyEntra installs in under a minute, requires no servers or service accounts, and works side by side with your existing tools.
Turbo-charge your first-line support now by downloading the 30-day trial.
“One of the best products I’ve used.” – CIO, Mirick Law, United States
“We really love working with EasyEntra.” – Head of IT, IKN GmbH, Germany
“It feels almost like a revolution.” – IT Manager, Arjeplog Kommun, Sweden
EasyEntra mimics the layout of AD Users & Computers to ensure easy adoption within your helpdesk. But it does so much more:
- Management of cloud group membership.
- Management of Microsoft 365 licenses.
- Management of all Exchange Online mailbox settings.
- Management of cloud-only objects.
- Easy automation of user onboarding/offboarding in an easy-to-follow script-less procedure.
- Single-click synchronization of Azure AD Connect.
- Copy/paste group membership and mailbox permissions.
- Uses standard OAuth2 authentication with full support for MFA, PIM, and FIDO2 access keys.
- 10-second installation and 20-second configuration.
- Installs on Windows 10/11 or Windows Server 2019 or later.
- No server/service/service account is needed.
- No trust in third-party cloud applications is needed.
- Extensive documentation for easy Helpdesk handover.
With EasyEntra, you can literally cut 50-75% of the cost of Microsoft 365 management in a few minutes.
Sounds too good to be true? Download the 30-day trial and experience EasyEntra firsthand.
How to Manage AD and EXO Mailboxes In One Box
Many admins are frustrated that you need multiple web consoles, PowerShell, and an on-premises Exchange Server in order to manage Microsoft 365.
With EasyEntra, all daily Microsoft 365 mailbox operations will become available directly in standard AD user properties. Even the configuration of calendar permissions, which is normally only available via complex PowerShell scripting:
If you’re looking to make your first-line helpdesk work efficiently and confidently, EasyEntra has got you covered.
✅ Reduced training of new Junior IT staff.
✅ No more escalation of (what should be) simple tickets to Senior IT.
✅ Automated onboarding and offboarding of users without complex, ever-changing PowerShell scripts.
Watch how a complex offboarding process is executed in seconds from a friendly UI:
Still not convinced EasyEntra is worth giving a spin? This is what our clients have to say:
“One of the best products I’ve used.” – CIO, Mirick Law, United States
“We really love working with EasyEntra.” – Head of IT, IKN GmbH, Germany
“It feels almost like a revolution.” – IT Manager, Arjeplog Kommun, Sweden
Improve the efficiency of your helpdesk today: Download the 30-day trial.