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How to Join an Existing Windows Profile to Microsoft Entra ID
Question details
The user wants to migrate devices to Microsoft Entra ID while retaining the local user profiles, files, and custom settings rather than starting with a completely new profile.
- Product
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- A company is joining existing Windows devices to Microsoft Entra ID and needs a way to seamlessly migrate local user data to the new Entra ID profiles.
- Observed behavior
- Windows does not automatically convert or merge a local profile into a Microsoft Entra ID profile during the join process, resulting in the creation of a blank profile for the new work account.
Ensure you have full administrative privileges on the local device and comprehensively back up the user's C:\Users\[Username] folder to an external drive or cloud storage before beginning the migration process.
Join Device to Entra ID and Migrate Profile Data
Since Windows cannot natively convert the profile during the join process, you must connect the device to Entra ID, create the new profile by signing in, and then migrate the data.
A direct conversion from a local or on-premise domain profile to an Entra ID profile is not supported out-of-the-box by Windows. The standard process involves joining the device, triggering the creation of the new Entra profile, and transferring the data manually or via a third-party migration tool.
For bulk enterprise migrations, using a dedicated profile-migration tool (such as ForensiT User Profile Wizard) is highly recommended over manual file copying, as it preserves registry settings, application configurations, and folder permissions.
On the Windows device, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school. Click 'Connect', select 'Join this device to Microsoft Entra ID', and enter the user's corporate credentials.
Restart the computer and sign in using the new Microsoft Entra ID work account. This step forces Windows to generate the new profile directories and registry keys.
Sign back in with a local Administrator account. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users. Copy the Desktop, Documents, Downloads, and Favorites folders from the old local profile folder and paste them into the newly created Entra ID profile folder.
Alternatively, run a specialized profile-migration utility while logged in as an Administrator. Select the old local profile and assign it to the newly created Entra ID user account following the software's on-screen prompts.
Log out of the Administrator account and sign back in with the Microsoft Entra ID account. Verify that the files, desktop shortcuts, and application settings have been successfully restored.
Equip Your Migrated Devices with WPS Office
While upgrading your enterprise environment and joining devices to Microsoft Entra ID, ensure your team stays productive without exorbitant software costs. WPS Office is a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office that is perfect for newly migrated Windows workstations.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install on Migrated Devices: Run the setup file on your newly Entra ID-joined machines. The lightweight installation takes only minutes.
- 3. Open and Edit Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files with perfect formatting preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I directly convert a local Windows profile to an Entra ID profile?
No, Windows does not natively convert a local profile to an Entra ID profile during the join process. You must first join the device, sign in to create the new profile environment, and then migrate the data manually or via a tool.
Does joining Microsoft Entra ID delete my existing local files?
No. Joining a device to Microsoft Entra ID simply creates a new user profile upon login. Your old local user profile and all its files will remain securely on the C: drive under the Users folder.
What tools can I use to automate Windows profile migration?
Many IT administrators rely on third-party utilities like ForensiT User Profile Wizard (Profwiz) or PCmover Enterprise. These tools can automate the mapping of an old local or domain profile to a new Microsoft Entra ID account, preserving registry settings and permissions.
Where should I ask for advanced Microsoft Entra ID deployment help?
For complex enterprise deployment, bulk migration scripts, and environment-specific guidance, it is highly recommended to post your questions in the Microsoft Entra ID community on Microsoft Q&A.
