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How to Disable Microsoft Entra Connect Synchronization After Losing the Server

Elise Williams Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to disable Active Directory synchronization to regain control of Microsoft 365 user administration after the synchronization server was destroyed.

How to Disable Microsoft Entra Connect Synchronization After Losing the Server

Product: Microsoft 365 / Microsoft Entra ID
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The Active Directory synchronization server is lost or unavailable, locking tenant management.
Observed behavior: Microsoft 365 user management remains controlled by directory synchronization, preventing administrators from making cloud-only modifications.

Before you start

Ensure you have global administrator privileges for your Microsoft 365 tenant and review the current synchronization state, as disabling it will permanently convert synced objects to cloud-only.

Solution 1Recommended

Seek Official Microsoft Support and Azure Community Guidance

Since the original synchronization server is unavailable, the safest approach is to request tenant-specific guidance to avoid accidental data loss.

Disabling directory synchronization is a major tenant change. It affects synced users and groups, and objects may need to be recreated or managed manually. Do not make irreversible directory changes without confirming your tenant's specific synchronization state.

Access the Admin Center

Contact Support

Navigate to the Support section, select 'Help & support', and open a new service request explaining that your Entra Connect server has been destroyed.

Consult the Community

Visit the Microsoft Tech Community and post your scenario in the Azure Community forum for additional guidance from Active Directory experts.

Seek Official Microsoft Support and Azure Community Guidance

Important Precaution: Do not attempt to force disable synchronization if you are unsure of the impact on your current user authentication and Exchange hybrid configurations.

Solution 2

Disable Directory Synchronization using PowerShell

If authorized, administrators can force disable the synchronization via PowerShell to resume cloud-based management.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for directory synchronization to fully disable?

Once the command is issued, it can take up to 72 hours for Microsoft 365 to process the change and convert all previously synced users and groups into cloud-only objects, depending on your tenant size.

What happens to my users when synchronization is disabled?

Your users and groups will not be deleted. They will remain in Microsoft 365 but will be converted to 'In Cloud' status, meaning you must manage their passwords and properties directly from the Microsoft 365 admin portal.

Can I re-enable Entra Connect synchronization later?

Yes, but you must wait until the disabling process is 100% complete. Once finished, you can provision a new server, install Azure AD Connect, and re-enable directory synchronization to link your local Active Directory back to Microsoft 365.

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