How to Sync Active Directory Division Attribute to Microsoft 365
Question details
The user needs to synchronize the Active Directory division attribute to Microsoft Entra ID to use it for Microsoft 365 dynamic group assignments.
- Product
- Azure AD Connect
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Configuring directory extension attributes in Azure AD Connect to enable Microsoft 365 dynamic groups based on the division attribute.
- Observed behavior
- The division attribute is not synchronized to Microsoft Entra ID by default and must be manually configured in Azure AD Connect.
Ensure you have access to the server hosting Azure AD Connect and possess Global Administrator credentials for your Microsoft 365 tenant.
Modify Azure AD Connect Directory Extension Settings
Update the Azure AD Connect synchronization options to include the division attribute for Entra ID synchronization.
Because the division attribute is not part of the default sync schema, you must manually add it using the Azure AD Connect wizard.
Launch the Azure AD Connect configuration wizard on your synchronization server.
Select 'Customize synchronization options' from the main menu and click Next.
Enter your Microsoft Entra ID Global Administrator credentials to proceed securely.
Navigate to the Directory Extensions section, locate the 'division' attribute in the Available Attributes list, and move it to the Selected Attributes list.
Complete the wizard configuration to trigger an initial sync and update the Entra ID schema.
Verify Synchronized Attributes Using PowerShell
Inspect the synchronized extension attributes in Microsoft 365 using Azure AD PowerShell.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the division attribute not synchronized to Microsoft 365 by default?
To optimize synchronization performance and reduce payload size, Azure AD Connect only synchronizes a core set of common attributes by default. Custom or less common attributes like 'division' must be manually added as directory extensions.
Can I use the synchronized division attribute for dynamic groups?
Yes. Once the division attribute is successfully synchronized to Entra ID as an extension attribute, you can create dynamic membership rules in Microsoft 365 based on its value.
How do I check if the division attribute successfully synced?
You can verify the synchronization by using the Synchronization Service Manager to inspect a user's metaverse data, or by using Azure AD PowerShell to list the user's extension properties.
