Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is a multi-tenant cloud-based directory and identity management service. Devices in Azure AD can be managed using Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools like Microsoft Intune. Businesses can plan and implement device join or hybrid join to Azure AD as part of their security and mobility strategies.
Azure AD Device Join and Hybrid Azure AD Join are two methods to establish a trusted relationship between enterprise-owned and -managed devices and Azure AD. Both offer unique capabilities and benefits. Determining which method to use largely depends on your organizational requirements and existing IT infrastructure.
A. Azure AD Device Join:
This method signifies a device registered only with Azure AD (cloud-only registration). This type is ideal for organizations that have resources in Azure AD and do not require on-premises resources.
B. Hybrid Azure AD Join:
This method signifies a device registered with Azure AD and on-premises Active Directory (dual registration). This type is typically used by organizations that have resources spanning across on-premises and cloud environments.
II. Planning Azure AD Device Join
During the planning phase for Azure AD Device Join, organizations should consider the following aspects:
- Determine the scope of deployment. This includes understanding the number of devices affected, the device platforms involved, and user roles.
- Set up Azure AD and Windows Autopilot, ensuring you have sufficient licenses for each.
- Choose the appropriate device enrollment method, which could be Microsoft Intune, Windows Autopilot, or Windows OOBE.
- Prepare the necessary network requirements. This involves setting the right DNS settings, firewall configurations, and ensuring adequate network capacity.
III. Implementing Azure AD Device Join
Implementing Azure AD Device Join involves the following steps:
- Setting up Azure AD: Ensure that your organization has a valid Azure Subscription and Azure AD setup.
- Registering Your Devices: Register your devices with Azure AD using one of two methods.
- From Settings, access Accounts > Access work or school > Connect > Join this device to Azure Active Directory.
- During Windows OOBE setup, select Set up for an organization, then sign in with a work or school account.
- Configuring MDM automatic enrollment: This allows for device management using Intune.
IV. Planning Hybrid Azure AD Join
When planning for Hybrid Azure AD Join, organizations should:
- Identify the devices needing to join using OS versioning and edition.
- Understand any prerequisites, like AD FS or PHS for federation, and Azure AD Connect for synchronization.
- Plan for any network changes necessary, including network ports and URLs.
V. Implementing Hybrid Azure AD Join
The following are the steps to implement Hybrid Azure AD Join:
- Set up federation with AD FS or Password Hash Sync with Seamless SSO.
- Install and configure Azure AD Connect across your on-premises environment.
- Set up automatic device registration.
Hybrid Azure AD Join and Azure AD Device Join can be powerful tools when managing your organization’s devices. Choosing which method to use, and how to implement it, depends on your unique business needs and technical infrastructure. Understanding the above points can help in taking the most beneficial decision pertaining to MS-101 Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security.
Practice Test
True or False: Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) supports only device join and doesn’t support hybrid join.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure AD supports both device join and hybrid join, providing different levels of integration for different needs.
What does a device join to Azure AD provide?
- A. Access to company resources
- B. Integration with on-premises AD
- C. Device writeback capabilities
- D. Both A & B
Answer: A. Access to company resources
Explanation: Device join to Azure AD provides secure and seamless access to company resources.
True or False: When implementing a hybrid join in Azure AD, the joined device must have access to the internet.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: When implementing a hybrid join, the device needs internet access to contact Azure AD to register itself.
Which of the following methods is suitable for organizations with on-premises AD infrastructure who want to maintain a single identity for users across on-premises and Azure?
- A. Device Join
- B. Hybrid Join
- C. Both A & B
Answer: B. Hybrid Join
Explanation: Hybrid Join is the best option for organizations that wish to have single identity for users across on-premises and Azure by utilizing the on-premises AD infrastructure.
Which feature does Azure AD Device writeback provide after Hybrid Join?
- A. It allows Azure AD devices to be visible in your on-premises AD
- B. It allows on-premises AD devices to be visible in your Azure AD
- C. Both A & B
- D. None of the above
Answer: A. It allows Azure AD devices to be visible in your on-premises AD
Explanation: Azure AD Device writeback is a feature, that allows devices registered in Azure AD to be ‘written back’ to on-premises AD, making them visible for management in your on-premises environment.
True or False: The Azure AD Connect tool can be used to synchronize on-premises AD devices with Azure AD.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Azure AD Connect tool is used to synchronize the on-premises AD with Azure AD, which includes user accounts, groups, and other data.
In the context of hybrid Azure AD join, what does SSO stand for?
- A. Simple Sign-On
- B. Single Sign-On
- C. Secure Sign-On
Answer: B. Single Sign-On
Explanation: SSO in Hybrid Azure AD join stands for Single Sign-On, where users sign in once and can access company resources without having to sign in again.
True or False: Azure AD Device Join requires a device running Windows
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure AD Device Join indeed requires a device running Windows 10, as it leverages the functionalities of this operating system.
What is the key benefit of implementing a hybrid join to Azure AD?
- A. It eliminates the need for on-premises Active Directory
- B. It creates a single user identity across on-premises and Azure AD
- C. It ensures all devices are running the latest version of Windows
Answer: B. It creates a single user identity across on-premises and Azure AD
Explanation: The key benefit of hybrid join is that it enables single sign-on capabilities and creates unified identity across on-premises Active Directory infrastructure and Azure AD.
True or False: Azure AD hybrid join supports both managed and federated domains.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure AD hybrid join does support both types of domains – managed and federated, adding flexibility to identity management strategies.
Which type of join method allows you to manage Windows 10 devices using Mobile Device Management (MDM) capabilities in Intune?
- A. Device Join
- B. Hybrid Join
- C. Both A & B
Answer: A. Device Join
Explanation: Device Join allows you to manage Windows 10 devices using MDM capabilities with Azure AD and Intune.
Interview Questions
What is Azure AD Hybrid Join?
Azure AD Hybrid Join is a process that allows devices that are physically connected to a corporate network to be registered with Azure Active Directory. It allows users to access services within Azure, making it easier to manage and secure.
What is the key difference between Azure AD Join and Azure AD Hybrid Join?
Azure AD Join is used when all your resources are in the cloud, while Azure AD Hybrid Join is used when you have a combination of on-premises and cloud resources.
What is required to implement device join to Azure AD?
To implement device join to Azure AD, you need an Azure AD subscription, devices running Windows 10, and an internet connection. The devices should also have access rights to the Azure AD.
What is the purpose of implementing a device join to Azure AD?
Implementing a device join to Azure AD primarily enables single sign-on access to services and applications, improved compliance and security through conditional access, and device management using Mobile Device Management solutions such as Intune.
Can I join a device to Azure AD if I only have a Microsoft 365 subscription?
Yes, if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can join a device to Azure AD. The Microsoft 365 subscription includes Azure AD.
How does the Azure AD Hybrid Join process work?
The Azure AD Hybrid Join process works by connecting a device to the corporate network, validating it with the on-premises Active Directory, registering it with Azure AD, and then issuing a certificate for the device.
Is it possible to have both Azure AD Join and Azure AD Hybrid Join for the same device?
No, a device can either be Azure AD joined or be Azure AD Hybrid joined, but not both.
Which devices are supported for Azure AD Hybrid Join?
Azure AD Hybrid Join supports Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and later devices.
How are users benefited from Device Join to Azure AD?
Users get Single Sign-On (SSO) access to on-premise and cloud-based resources. It also allows access to the enterprise app store and provides a better experience with desktop virtualization solutions.
How will IT teams benefit from implementing Device Join or Hybrid Join to Azure AD?
IT teams can leverage conditional access policies based on the device’s health and compliance. Also, it reduces the IT administrative overhead by providing better control and governance over devices.
What prerequisites are required for implementing Azure AD Hybrid Join?
The prerequisites for implementing Azure AD Hybrid Join include an on-premises Active Directory, Azure AD connect, and Windows 10 devices.
Can mobile devices use Azure AD Hybrid Join?
No, Azure AD Hybrid Join is designed for domain-joined Windows devices and is not suited for mobile devices.
How does Device Join to Azure AD help in achieving device compliance?
Device Join to Azure AD can help achieve device compliance by combining it with Intune Device Compliance policies. This allows IT professionals to set rules and configurations that the device must adhere to before it can access organization resources.
Do we require an internet connection for Azure AD Hybrid Join?
Yes, an internet connection is required for the device to register itself with Azure AD during the Azure AD Hybrid Join process.
Can I use Azure AD Join with a personal Microsoft account?
No, Azure AD Join is intended for organizational use and requires an Azure AD tenant, which is not available with a personal Microsoft account.