Migrating Devices from Entra Hybrid Join to Entra Join: A Cloud-First Approach

Migrating Devices from Entra Hybrid Join to Entra Join: A Cloud-First Approach

Overview

This guide provides a comprehensive approach for migrating devices from Entra Hybrid Join (Azure AD Hybrid Join) to pure Entra Join, enabling a cloud-first device management strategy that eliminates on-premises dependencies while maintaining security and productivity.

Understanding the Migration

Current State: Entra Hybrid Join

• Hybrid Architecture: Devices joined to both on-premises AD and Entra ID
• On-Premises Dependencies: Requires Active Directory connectivity
• Mixed Management: Combination of GPO and Intune policies
• Authentication: Kerberos for on-premises, modern auth for cloud

Target State: Entra Join

• Cloud-Native: Devices joined only to Entra ID
• No On-Premises Dependencies: Pure cloud-based management
• Unified Management: Intune-only policy application
• Modern Authentication: Seamless Entra ID authentication

Benefits of Entra Join

Security Improvements

• Enhanced Security: Eliminate on-premises attack vectors
• Conditional Access: Granular access controls based on device state
• Modern Authentication: Multi-factor authentication and passwordless options
• Real-Time Compliance: Immediate device health verification

Operational Benefits

• Reduced Complexity: Eliminate hybrid infrastructure
• Lower Costs: Reduced on-premises infrastructure requirements
• Improved Performance: Faster authentication and policy application
• Better User Experience: Seamless single sign-on experience

Management Advantages

• Unified Management: Single pane of glass for device management
• Cloud-Native Policies: Modern device configuration options
• Real-Time Monitoring: Immediate visibility into device status
• Scalability: Easier management of growing device fleets

Migration Strategy

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning

1. Device Inventory: Catalog all hybrid-joined devices
2. Application Compatibility: Identify on-premises dependent applications
3. Network Analysis: Evaluate connectivity requirements
4. User Impact Assessment: Determine user experience changes
5. Risk Analysis: Identify potential migration risks

Phase 2: Preparation

1. Infrastructure Updates: Ensure Entra ID and Intune readiness
2. Policy Migration: Convert GPOs to Intune configuration profiles
3. Application Remediation: Address on-premises dependencies
4. User Communication: Prepare users for migration
5. Support Team Training: Educate IT support staff

Phase 3: Pilot Migration

1. Select Pilot Group: Choose representative users and devices
2. Execute Migration: Convert pilot devices to Entra Join
3. Monitor Performance: Track system performance and user experience
4. Gather Feedback: Collect user and support team feedback
5. Refine Process: Optimize migration approach based on results

Phase 4: Full Migration

1. Phased Rollout: Migrate devices in organized waves
2. Continuous Monitoring: Track migration progress and issues
3. Support Operations: Provide enhanced support during transition
4. Post-Migration Validation: Verify successful migration completion
5. Decommission Legacy: Remove hybrid join infrastructure

Technical Implementation

Prerequisites

# Verify Entra ID Connect synchronization status
Get-ADSyncConnectorRunResult

# Check Intune enrollment status
Get-IntuneManagedDevice -Filter "operatingSystem eq 'Windows'"

# Validate conditional access policies
Get-AzureADMSConditionalAccessPolicy

Migration Process

1. Device Preparation

# Update Windows 10/11 to latest version
Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot

# Install required Intune certificates
certutil -store MY

# Verify device registration status
dsregcmd /status

2. Policy Migration

# Export GPO settings
Get-GPOReport -Guid "GPO-GUID" -ReportType Xml -Path "C:\GPO-Backup\GPO-Report.xml"

# Create Intune configuration profile
# Use Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center to create equivalent profiles

3. Device Migration

# Disconnect from on-premises AD
Remove-Computer -UnjoinDomainCredential (Get-Credential) -PassThru -Restart

# Join to Entra ID only
Add-AzureADDevice -DeviceId "device-id" -DisplayName "device-name"

# Verify Entra Join status
dsregcmd /status

Configuration Profiles

1. Device Configuration

{
  "deviceConfiguration": {
    "displayName": "Windows 10/11 Baseline",
    "description": "Baseline settings for Entra Joined devices",
    "version": 1,
    "settings": [
      {
        "@odata.type": "#microsoft.graph.windows10EndpointProtectionConfiguration",
        "firewallEnabled": "enabled",
        "antivirusRequired": true,
        "defenderRequired": true
      }
    ]
  }
}

2. Compliance Policies

{
  "deviceCompliancePolicy": {
    "displayName": "Windows Compliance Policy",
    "description": "Compliance requirements for Entra Joined devices",
    "passwordRequired": true,
    "passwordBlockSimple": true,
    "passwordMinimumLength": 8,
    "osMinimumVersion": "10.0.19042.0"
  }
}

Application Compatibility

On-Premises Dependencies

• Legacy Applications: Identify applications requiring on-premises AD
• Authentication Methods: Update applications to use modern auth
• File Shares: Migrate to SharePoint or Azure Files
• Print Services: Implement cloud-based printing solutions

Application Migration Strategies

1. Modernization: Update applications to support cloud authentication
2. Replacement: Replace legacy applications with cloud alternatives
3. Virtualization: Use Azure Virtual Desktop for legacy applications
4. Hybrid Access: Implement secure gateway solutions

Testing and Validation

# Test application compatibility
Test-ApplicationCompatibility -ApplicationPath "C:\LegacyApp\app.exe"

# Validate authentication flow
Test-AuthenticationFlow -Application "LegacyApp" -User "test-user"

# Check network connectivity
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName "on-prem-server" -Port 445

User Experience Considerations

Authentication Changes

• Single Sign-On: Seamless Entra ID authentication
• Passwordless Options: Support for Windows Hello and FIDO2
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Enhanced security for sensitive operations
• Conditional Access: Context-based access requirements

Device Experience

• Faster Login: Improved authentication performance
• Consistent Experience: Uniform experience across locations
• Self-Service: Enhanced user self-service capabilities
• Mobile Support: Better mobile device integration

Training and Communication

• User Training: Educate users on new authentication methods
• Communication Plan: Regular updates on migration progress
• Support Documentation: Comprehensive user guides
• Feedback Mechanism: Process for user feedback and issues

Security Considerations

Enhanced Security Features

• Conditional Access: Granular access controls
• Device Compliance: Health-based access decisions
• Real-Time Monitoring: Immediate threat detection
• Automated Response: Policy-driven security actions

Security Configuration

# Configure conditional access for Entra Joined devices
New-AzureADMSConditionalAccessPolicy -DisplayName "Entra Joined Devices" -State "Enabled" -Conditions @{
    "applications" = @{
        "includeApplications" = @("All")
    };
    "users" = @{
        "includeUsers" = @("All")
    };
    "devices" = @{
        "includeDevices" = @("All")
        "excludeDevices" = @("Compliant")
    }
}

Monitoring and Alerting

# Set up device compliance monitoring
Set-AzDiagnosticSetting -ResourceId "device-id" -WorkspaceId "workspace-id" -Enabled $true

# Create compliance alerts
New-AzScheduledQueryRule -WorkspaceName "security-workspace" -Name "Device-Compliance-Alert" -Query "DeviceComplianceInfo | where ComplianceState == 'Noncompliant'"

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Migration Problems

• Device Registration: Issues with Entra ID registration
• Policy Application: Intune policies not applying correctly
• Authentication Failures: Users unable to authenticate
• Network Connectivity: Problems accessing cloud resources

Resolution Steps

1. Check Device Status: Verify device registration and compliance
2. Review Policies: Ensure correct configuration profiles
3. Validate Authentication: Test user authentication flow
4. Network Diagnostics: Check connectivity to cloud services

Common Error Codes

• 0x800704DD: Network connectivity issues
• 0x8007052E: Authentication failures
• 0x8007064A: Policy synchronization problems
• 0x80070035: Network path not found

Performance Optimization

Network Optimization

• Bandwidth Management: Optimize cloud service connectivity
• Cache Configuration: Implement local caching for frequently accessed resources
• Load Balancing: Distribute traffic across multiple endpoints
• Quality of Service: Prioritize critical business traffic

Device Performance

• Resource Management: Optimize device resource usage
• Background Processes: Minimize unnecessary background activities
• Startup Optimization: Improve device boot times
• Application Performance: Optimize application launch times

Post-Migration Activities

Validation and Testing

• Functionality Testing: Verify all applications work correctly
• Performance Testing: Ensure acceptable system performance
• Security Testing: Validate security controls are effective
• User Acceptance: Confirm user satisfaction with new experience

Decommissioning Hybrid Infrastructure

# Remove hybrid join configuration
Remove-AzureADDevice -ObjectId "device-object-id"

# Decommission on-premises AD connectors
Disable-ADSyncConnector -ConnectorName "AD-Connector"

# Clean up GPO references
Remove-GPO -Guid "GPO-GUID"

Ongoing Management

• Continuous Monitoring: Track device health and performance
• Policy Optimization: Regularly review and update policies
• User Support: Provide ongoing user assistance
• Security Maintenance: Keep security controls current

Conclusion

Migrating from Entra Hybrid Join to Entra Join represents a significant step toward cloud-first device management. This migration provides enhanced security, improved operational efficiency, and better user experiences while reducing infrastructure complexity and costs.

The key to successful migration lies in careful planning, thorough testing, and systematic execution. By following the phased approach outlined in this guide, organizations can achieve a smooth transition to pure cloud device management while minimizing disruption to users and business operations.

The benefits of Entra Join—including enhanced security, reduced infrastructure overhead, and improved user experience—make this migration a strategic investment in modern IT infrastructure that positions organizations for future growth and innovation.