Fixing problems with directory synchronization for Microsoft 365

With directory synchronization, you can continue to manage users and groups on-premises and synchronize additions, deletions, and changes to the cloud. But setup is a little complicated and it can sometimes be difficult to identify the source of problems. We have resources to help you identify potential issues and fix them.

How do I know if something is wrong?

The first indication that something is wrong is when the DirSync Status tile in the Microsoft 365 admin center indicates there's a problem.

You'll also receive a mail (to the alternate email and to your admin email) from Microsoft 365 that indicates your tenant has encountered directory synchronization errors. For details see Identify directory synchronization errors in Microsoft 365.

How do I get Microsoft Entra Connect tool?

In the Microsoft 365 admin center, navigate to Users > Active users. Click the More menu (three dots) and select Directory synchronization.

Follow the instructions in the wizard to download Microsoft Entra Connect.

If you're still using Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Sync (DirSync), take a look at How to troubleshoot Azure Active Directory Sync Tool installation and Configuration Wizard error messages in Microsoft 365 for information about the system requirements to install dirsync, the permissions you need, and how to troubleshoot common errors.

To update from Azure AD Sync to Microsoft Entra Connect, see the upgrade instructions.

Resolving common causes of problems with directory synchronization in Microsoft 365

Synchronized objects aren't appearing or updating online, or I'm getting synchronization error reports from the Service.

I have an alert in the admin center, or am receiving automated emails that there hasn't been a recent synchronization event

Password hashes aren't synchronizing, or I'm seeing an alert in the admin center that there hasn't been a recent password hash synchronization

I'm seeing an alert that Object quota exceeded

  • We have a built-in object quota to help protect the service. If you have too many objects in your directory that need to sync to Microsoft 365, you have to Contact support for business products to increase your quota.

I need to know which attributes are synchronized

  • You can find a list of all the attributes that are synced between on-premises and the cloud right here.

I can't manage or remove objects that were synchronized to the cloud

I got an error message that my company has exceeded the number of objects that can be synchronized

  • You can read more about this issue here.

Other resources