How to Integrate Azure AD PIM with On-Premises Active Directory
Question details
The user needs to understand how to synchronize and manage privileges between on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM).
- Product
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing administrative roles in a hybrid identity environment using Azure AD PIM and on-premises AD.
- Observed behavior
- Seeking the recommended deployment architecture for handling cloud resource roles and localized on-premises privileges effectively.
Ensure you have Global Administrator or Privileged Role Administrator rights in your Microsoft Entra ID tenant and that Microsoft Entra Connect is properly installed on your network.
Deploy Microsoft Entra Connect and a Local PAM Solution
Synchronize your identities using Microsoft Entra Connect, manage cloud privileges with Microsoft Entra PIM, and rely on a local PAM solution for strictly on-premises roles.
Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) provides time-based and approval-based role activation for cloud resources. In hybrid environments, it works in tandem with synchronization tools to secure identities, but it does not natively grant local AD elevation.
Deploy and configure Microsoft Entra Connect on your on-premises server to sync your necessary Active Directory user accounts and security groups to Microsoft Entra ID.
Log into the Microsoft Entra admin center, search for Privileged Identity Management, and set up eligible assignments for supported cloud directory roles and Azure resources.
Since Azure AD PIM only handles cloud-based roles, implement a separate on-premises Privileged Access Management (PAM) system (such as Microsoft Identity Manager) for privileges that must remain exclusively within your local Active Directory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Azure AD PIM directly elevate permissions in on-premises Active Directory?
No, Azure AD PIM is designed to manage cloud directory roles and Azure resources. You need a dedicated on-premises Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution to handle permissions entirely within the local Active Directory.
What is the role of Microsoft Entra Connect in PIM integration?
Microsoft Entra Connect acts as the bridge that synchronizes your on-premises Active Directory user accounts and groups into Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), allowing those synchronized identities to be eligible for role management by PIM in the cloud.
Do I need specific licenses to use Microsoft Entra PIM?
Yes, utilizing Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management requires a Microsoft Entra ID P2 license or a Microsoft 365 E5 license for both the administrators configuring the roles and the users who are eligible for them.
