Turn off directory synchronization for Microsoft 365

You can use PowerShell to turn off directory synchronization and convert your synchronized users to cloud-only. However, it isn't recommended that you turn off directory synchronization as a troubleshooting step. If you need assistance with troubleshooting directory synchronization, see the Fixing problems with directory synchronization for Microsoft 365 article.

Contact support if you need help with this procedure.

Turn off directory synchronization

To turn off Directory synchronization:

  1. First, install the required software and connect to your Microsoft 365 subscription. For instructions, see Connect with the Microsoft Azure Active Directory module for Windows PowerShell.

  2. Use Set-MsolDirSyncEnabled to disable directory synchronization:

Set-MsolDirSyncEnabled -EnableDirSync $false

Note

If you use this command, you must wait 72 hours before you can turn directory synchronization back on.

Visit Set-MsolDirSyncEnabled for more detailed information on cmdlet usage and switches.