In today’s digital landscape, organizations often require a blend of on-premises and cloud-based solutions to meet their identity and access management needs. Setting up a hybrid Active Directory (AD) environment allows for seamless integration between on-premises infrastructure and cloud services like Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on configuring a hybrid AD environment using .

Understanding Hybrid Active Directory

A hybrid Active Directory environment combines the traditional on-premises AD with Azure AD, enabling unified identity management across both platforms. This setup allows users to access resources both within the corporate network and in the cloud using a single set of credentials.

Benefits of a Hybrid AD Setup:

  • Unified Identity: Single sign-on (SSO) capabilities across on-premises and cloud applications.

  • Enhanced Security: Utilization of Azure AD’s security features like Conditional Access and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

  • Scalability: Easier integration with cloud services as the organization grows.

Prerequisites

Before initiating the hybrid AD setup, ensure the following prerequisites are met:

  1. On-Premises Active Directory: A functioning AD environment running on .

  2. Azure Subscription: An active Azure subscription with Azure AD configured.

  3. Azure AD Connect: A tool to synchronize on-premises AD with Azure AD.

  4. Verified Domain: The domain used in on-premises AD should be verified in Azure AD.

  5. Network Configuration: Ensure proper network connectivity between on-premises servers and Azure services.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Hybrid Active Directory

Step 1: Install Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

  1. Launch Server Manager: Open Server Manager on your Windows Server 2022 Standard machine.

  2. Add Roles and Features: Navigate to “Manage” > “Add Roles and Features.”

  3. Select Role-Based Installation: Choose “Role-based or feature-based installation.”

  4. Select Server: Choose the server from the server pool.

  5. Install AD DS Role: Under “Server Roles,” select “Active Directory Domain Services.”

  6. Complete Installation: Follow the prompts to complete the installation. 

Step 2: Promote Server to Domain Controller

  1. Promote Server: After installing AD DS, a notification will appear in Server Manager. Click on “Promote this server to a domain controller.”

  2. Deployment Configuration: Choose “Add a new forest” and specify the root domain name.

  3. Domain Controller Options: Set the desired forest and domain functional levels. Configure the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password.

  4. DNS Options: Configure DNS settings as needed.

  5. Additional Options: Specify the NetBIOS name for the domain.

  6. Paths: Set the locations for the AD database, log files, and SYSVOL folder.

  7. Review and Install: Review the configuration and install. The server will restart upon completion.

Step 3: Verify Active Directory Installation

  1. Log In: After the server restarts, log in using the domain administrator account.

  2. Open AD Tools: Access “Active Directory Users and Computers” to verify the domain setup.

  3. Check DNS: Ensure that DNS records are correctly configured. 

Step 4: Install Azure AD Connect

  1. Download Azure AD Connect: Obtain the latest version of Azure AD Connect from Microsoft’s official website.

  2. Run Installer: Launch the installer and agree to the license terms.

  3. Installation Type: Choose “Express Settings” for a default configuration or “Custom” for advanced options.

  4. Connect to Azure AD: Sign in with your Azure AD global administrator credentials.

  5. Connect to AD DS: Provide credentials for an enterprise administrator account in your on-premises AD.

  6. Configure Synchronization: Select the desired synchronization options, such as password hash synchronization.

  7. Install: Complete the installation. Azure AD Connect will begin the initial synchronization process. 

Step 5: Verify Synchronization

  1. Open Synchronization Service: Access the “Synchronization Service Manager” to monitor synchronization status.

  2. Check Azure AD: Log in to the Azure portal and navigate to Azure Active Directory > Users to verify that on-premises users are synchronized.

Step 6: Configure Hybrid Azure AD Join (Optional)

  1. Enable Device Writeback: In Azure AD Connect, enable device writeback if you plan to manage devices from Azure AD.

  2. Configure Group Policy: Set up Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enable automatic registration of domain-joined devices with Azure AD.

  3. Verify Device Registration: Ensure that devices appear in both on-premises AD and Azure AD.

Best Practices for Hybrid Active Directory

  • Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of both on-premises AD and Azure AD configurations.

  • Monitor Synchronization: Regularly check synchronization logs to identify and resolve issues promptly.

  • Security Measures: Implement security best practices, including MFA and Conditional Access policies.

  • Documentation: Keep detailed documentation of your hybrid AD setup for troubleshooting and audits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I set up a hybrid Active Directory without Azure AD Connect?
 A1: Azure AD Connect is the primary tool provided by Microsoft for synchronizing on-premises AD with Azure AD. While other methods exist, Azure AD Connect is the recommended approach for most scenarios.

Q2: Is it necessary to have a verified domain in Azure AD?
 A2: Yes, the domain used in your on-premises AD must be verified in Azure AD to ensure proper synchronization and authentication. 

Q3: How often does Azure AD Connect synchronize data?
 A3: By default, Azure AD Connect synchronizes data every 30 minutes. This interval can be customized based on organizational needs. 

Q4: Can I use Azure AD Join instead of Hybrid Azure AD Join?
 A4: Azure AD Join is suitable for cloud-only environments. For organizations with existing on-premises infrastructure, Hybrid Azure AD Join provides a more integrated solution.

Q5: What happens if Azure AD Connect fails?
 A5: If Azure AD Connect fails, synchronization between on-premises AD and Azure AD stops. It’s crucial to monitor the tool and address any issues promptly to maintain seamless identity management.