What is entra id

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Quick Answer: Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) is Microsoft's cloud-based identity and access management service that authenticates users and devices, manages digital identities, and controls access to applications and resources in hybrid and cloud environments.

Key Facts

Overview

Entra ID is Microsoft's cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) platform. Previously known as Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), it was rebranded as Entra ID in 2023 to reflect its broader identity management capabilities. It serves as a central hub for managing user identities, device identities, and access control across cloud and on-premises environments.

Key Features

Entra ID provides several essential capabilities:

Cloud vs. On-Premises vs. Hybrid

Cloud-only deployments use only Entra ID for identity management. On-premises scenarios use traditional Active Directory. Hybrid scenarios combine both, synchronizing identities between Entra ID and on-premises Active Directory. This flexibility allows organizations to transition to cloud infrastructure at their own pace.

Security Features

Entra ID includes advanced security capabilities to protect identities and access. Conditional access policies allow administrators to define rules based on risk levels, user location, device compliance, and other factors. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra security layer by requiring additional verification beyond passwords. Identity protection features detect and respond to suspicious activities and compromised identities.

Enterprise Applications

Organizations use Entra ID to manage access to hundreds of SaaS applications, including Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Slack, and many others. It streamlines user onboarding, access management, and offboarding processes. The platform is essential for large enterprises managing thousands of users and devices across distributed networks.

Related Questions

What is the difference between Entra ID and Active Directory?

Active Directory (AD) is on-premises software for managing identities in local networks. Entra ID is cloud-based and provides similar functionality globally across cloud and hybrid environments.

How do you set up Entra ID?

Setup involves creating a Microsoft 365 subscription or Azure account, configuring user and group management, setting up SSO integrations, and implementing security policies like MFA and conditional access.

What are the main benefits of using Entra ID?

Benefits include simplified user management across cloud and on-premises systems, enhanced security through MFA, seamless single sign-on, reduced administrative overhead, and support for hybrid work environments.

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Sources

  1. Microsoft Entra ID Documentation CC-BY-4.0
  2. Wikipedia - Microsoft Entra CC-BY-SA-4.0