What Is Microsoft Entra and How Does It Work in 2025
Microsoft Entra is a single platform for identity and network access. It is made for new security needs in 2025. It combines identity governance, verification, and network access controls. This helps keep users and data safe in the cloud and on-site.
98% of security experts see better safety and work when identity and network teams join forces.
96% like having everything managed in one place.
83% say bringing things together makes Zero Trust faster.
Microsoft Entra uses automation and AI to make security stronger. It also lowers costs and makes user access easier in the AI age.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Entra is one platform. It helps companies control who can use their apps and data. It keeps things safe in the cloud and on-site.
It uses strong safety steps like Zero Trust and multi-factor sign-in. It also uses AI to stop attacks and keep user accounts safe.
The platform brings many tools together. It helps manage users, devices, and apps from one place. This saves time and makes things less confusing.
Microsoft Entra works for many industries. It is good for IT admins, developers, and end users. It makes access easy and safe.
Moving to Microsoft Entra from old systems is smart. It helps companies grow in the future. It gives cloud management and better safety.
Microsoft Entra Overview
Microsoft Entra is a group of products for identity and network access. These tools help companies control who can use their resources and how. In 2025, businesses need a platform that works in the cloud and on-site. Microsoft Entra gives one way to manage identity and access for both.
Note: Using one platform means teams do not need many tools. This helps everyone work together faster and better.
The Microsoft Entra family has a few main products. Each one helps with a different part of identity and access:
These products work together to help companies manage users, devices, and apps in one place. This makes things less confusing and keeps data safer. Microsoft Entra uses cloud technology, not old systems. It supports new ways to sign in and does many jobs automatically. The platform also links with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Defender, and Azure Security Center to watch for threats right away.
Identity and Access
Identity and access are the main parts of Microsoft Entra. Admins can manage users, groups, and devices from one spot. This makes it simple to control who can use company resources.
One system for identity in the cloud and on-site.
Better safety with multi-factor sign-in, special rules, and risk checks.
Single Sign-On lets users get into many apps quickly and safely.
Users can reset their own passwords without IT help.
Tools to automate adding users and checking who has access.
Privileged Identity Management controls and watches high-level access.
Application Proxy gives safe access to on-site apps.
Tip: Single Sign-On means users remember fewer passwords. This lowers the chance of password problems.
Microsoft Entra uses machine learning to spot strange actions. It can change security steps right away if it sees something odd. This helps stop identity attacks and keeps information safe.
Zero Trust Approach
Microsoft Entra uses the Zero Trust security model. This means no user or device is trusted right away. Every request must pass strong checks before getting in.
Strong identity checks with Microsoft Entra ID.
Device health checks to make sure only safe devices connect.
Rules that check user, device, and location.
Least privilege access, so users only get what they need.
Biometric sign-in and safe credentials like Passkeys.
Safe access for devices not managed by the company using Azure Virtual Desktop.
Always watching and updating rules with real-time data.
This model stops people from getting in without permission and limits damage if there is a problem. By splitting up networks and using smart controls, Microsoft Entra makes it hard for threats to spread. The platform also gives one place for security rules and quick threat response.
Block Quote: "Assume breach" is important. Microsoft Entra always checks and verifies to lower attack risks.
Companies get better control and can see problems fast. They can fix security issues quickly. Zero Trust also helps with rules and audits, so companies can follow laws.
Core Components
Microsoft Entra has several main parts. These parts help companies control identity and access. Each part does something special. When used together, they make security stronger and easier to manage.
Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID is the main identity service. It controls user accounts, sign-ins, and app access. It works in the cloud for both workers and guests. It has features like multi-factor sign-in and passwordless logins. These features help keep accounts safe from attacks.
Microsoft Entra ID is different from old systems. It uses cloud tech and supports new security rules like OAuth and OpenID Connect. It also works with device tools like Intune. This makes it simple to manage users and devices from anywhere.
Microsoft Entra ID can work with both cloud and local systems. It syncs with on-premises Active Directory. This lets users use one account for both cloud and local resources.
Domain Services
Domain Services gives managed domain features in the cloud. It helps old apps that need domain join, LDAP, or Kerberos. Companies can move these apps to the cloud without changing them.
Domain Services keeps user accounts and groups up to date. It uses Microsoft Entra Connect to copy data from local Active Directory. This happens by itself. Users can sign in with their normal info.
Note: You do not need to manage domain controllers. Domain Services runs in Azure and has backups for high uptime.
Companies use Domain Services for both cloud and mixed setups. It helps run old apps in Azure and lowers the need for VPNs or extra networks.
External ID
External ID manages people outside the company. This includes customers, partners, and vendors. It is a customer identity and access management tool.
External ID lets companies make custom sign-in pages. It supports self-sign up and many ways to sign in. Companies can add logos, pick languages, and set special rules. External ID also tracks user activity with analytics.
Some main uses for External ID are:
Managing lots of customer accounts
Letting users sign up and reset passwords themselves
Adding multi-factor sign-in for better safety
Making sign-in steps fit different groups
Working with many outside identity providers
External ID replaces old tools like Azure AD B2C. It gives better safety, rule-following, and more ways to manage outside users.
Workload ID
Workload ID is for apps, services, and tools that are not people. These are called non-human identities. Workload ID helps control what these apps can do and keeps them safe.
Workload ID uses smart rules. It checks things like IP address and risky actions. If it finds something odd, it can block access or tell an admin. The system uses AI to find threats and can stop risky apps.
Key features of Workload ID include:
Regular checks to make sure apps have the right access
Automatic removal of unused or risky app accounts
Strong password rules with frequent updates
Workload ID helps lower risks from forgotten or overpowered app accounts. It makes sure only trusted apps get to important data.
Integration
Integration links Microsoft Entra with other apps and services. Companies can use ready-made apps or add their own. The platform supports rules like SAML 2.0, OpenID Connect, and OAuth. This makes it easy to connect with tools like Salesforce, AWS, and ServiceNow.
Integration features include:
Single Sign-On for many third-party apps
Automatic user setup with the SCIM rule
App setup and control through a simple portal
Safe sharing of inside apps using application proxy
Developers can also make their own connections. They can use new sign-in rules and control permissions from one spot.
Tip: Integration helps companies control all their apps and users in one place. This saves time and makes things safer.
How Core Components Work Together
The main parts of Microsoft Entra make one strong system for identity and access. They work together in these ways:
Permissions Management gives and removes access based on rules.
The platform brings together access rules for different clouds and systems.
It works with Microsoft Defender for Cloud for better safety.
It supports outside identity providers for easy control across many services.
Tools for checking and reporting help track user actions and spot risks.
These features make one strong system for controlling who can get to what, both in the cloud and on-site.
Features and Benefits
Security
Microsoft Entra has strong security features. It uses AI and machine learning to find identity risks fast. The platform connects to Microsoft’s threat intelligence to block bad actors. It can spot stolen passwords and block them. Entra can notice strange logins, like someone logging in from two far places at once. It uses risk-based rules to control access.
Blocks bad IP addresses and botnets
Notices strange login tries, like impossible travel
Uses risk-based access rules, like MFA or password resets
Gives special access based on user actions, device health, and location
Automates security steps, like forcing password resets
Watches user activity all the time to stop bad access
Protects passwords and locks accounts if needed
Microsoft Entra’s cloud design gives smart security for both hybrid and cloud-first setups.
Access Management
Microsoft Entra makes access management easier for all companies. It automates adding new users, so they get the right apps and roles right away. The platform supports approval steps and checks identity for important resources.
Syncs across clouds for rules and new users
Adds new users with the right access from the start
Has approval steps and checks identity
Reviews access often to keep permissions correct
Manages everything in one place for hybrid and multicloud
Lets users sign in once for all apps
Works with zero trust security
Access Reviews help companies keep user access current and lower risk.
Compliance
Microsoft Entra helps companies follow strict rules. It uses Azure’s base, which has over 90 certifications for health, government, and finance.
NIST 800-53
HIPAA
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
CMMC, HITRUST, PCI-DSS, and DORA
Step-by-step guides for following rules
Microsoft Entra ID matches key identity standards to help with laws.
Admin Center
The Microsoft Entra Admin Center is a main control spot. Admins can manage users, groups, devices, apps, and security settings from one place.
The Admin Center works for small teams and big companies. It makes identity management easy and safe.
Use Cases
IT Admins
Microsoft Entra gives IT admins strong tools to manage access. They can make users use multifactor authentication for important roles. Admins block risky sign-ins and old ways to log in. They set rules based on device health, user location, or app type. Real-time risk checks help spot threats fast. The admin center makes it easy to manage Conditional Access.
Admins group resources by place or department. They use admin units to manage users, groups, and devices. This setup lets them give permissions only where needed. Dynamic rules keep groups up to date. Admins use least privilege, so users get only what they need for a short time. They limit global admins and use groups for roles. Privileged Identity Management helps turn on roles when needed and keeps things safe.
IT admins use Microsoft Entra to control access, lower risk, and keep the company safe.
Developers
Developers use Microsoft Entra to build safe apps. They register their apps in Microsoft Entra ID to create trust. Apps ask Entra ID for tokens to check who users are and allow access. Microsoft Entra supports OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and SAML. Developers use Microsoft Authentication Libraries to handle sign-ins and tokens. Microsoft Graph APIs give access to user and group data.
Developers automate user setup with the SCIM rule. They can add apps to the Microsoft Entra gallery and verify them for more trust. The platform supports single sign-on, social logins, and device checks. These features help developers make apps that are safe and easy to use.
End Users
End users get many benefits from Microsoft Entra. Single Sign-On lets them log in once to use many apps. This means fewer passwords to remember. They can reset their own passwords without IT help. This saves time and keeps work going. Users get easy access to Microsoft 365, Teams, and other tools. Role-based access gives them the right tools for their job.
Multi-factor authentication and risk checks protect user accounts. Users manage their own accounts and requests through self-service portals. High service uptime means users can work without stops.
Microsoft Entra makes work easier and safer for every user.
Industry Examples
Big consulting firms use Microsoft Entra to manage workers and partners. They set up tools for marketing agencies and consultants. Some firms give special access for business partners who need strict limits.
Retailers use Microsoft Entra for workers and outside helpers. They also support loyalty programs and online shopping for customers. Some retailers run more than one Entra setup for different brands or places.
These examples show Microsoft Entra works for many industries. It helps companies manage access for workers, partners, and customers.
Legacy Comparison
Active Directory
Many companies have used Active Directory for a long time. This system helps control users and devices on local networks. It needs real servers and uses things like LDAP and Kerberos. Microsoft Entra ID is a newer way to do this. It works in the cloud and fits new security needs.
Microsoft Entra ID can grow with your company and keeps things safer. It works well for people who work from home or use the cloud. Old Active Directory is best for local networks and older programs.
Cloud Approach
Microsoft Entra uses the cloud first. You do not need to buy or keep servers. Companies use a web portal to manage everything. This makes it easy for people to work from anywhere and use phones or tablets.
The cloud model helps companies change fast. It works with new apps and lets people work on the go.
Migration
Switching from old Active Directory to Microsoft Entra takes a few steps. Companies should plan and test before making the full change.
Look at your current setup and decide what you want.
Pick if you want to use both systems or just the cloud.
Move users and groups and check for mistakes.
Change apps to use Microsoft Entra ID for logging in.
Set up security rules like Conditional Access and MFA.
Try it with a small group to find problems.
Finish the switch and turn off the old system.
Watch and change settings to keep things safe.
Tip: Good planning and testing make moving easier. Companies can move slowly or all at once, based on what works best.
This helps companies use a new, safe, and easy-to-grow identity system. Microsoft Entra works for both cloud and mixed setups, so it is a smart pick for the future.
Getting Started
Setup Steps
Organizations should plan how they want to use Microsoft Entra. They can pick self-service setup, Windows Autopilot, or Bulk Enrollment. The best choice depends on user skills and where devices are. It also depends on if users or IT will set up the devices. In the Microsoft Entra admin center, device settings let you control who can join devices. You can also set local admin rights and use multifactor authentication. It is important to check your current identity system. This makes sure it works with managed or federated setups and that users sync right.
A normal setup has these steps:
Plan by picking admin teams for each system. Tell users about changes.
Try a pilot with a small group first. This helps find problems before everyone uses it.
Make sure the network lets Microsoft Entra connect. Check that security filters do not block it.
Pick how to connect devices. Choose registered, joined, or hybrid joined based on who owns them and what the company needs.
Check and set up the identity system. Make sure it supports the right rules and syncing.
Pick and set up how to add devices. Use Windows Out of Box Experience, Windows Autopilot, or Bulk Enrollment.
Set device rules in the admin center. This includes who can join, local admin rights, and multifactor authentication.
Add a Mobile Device Management provider. Set who can use it and add MDM URLs.
You can turn on Enterprise State Roaming. This lets user settings sync across devices.
Set Conditional Access rules. These rules help keep devices and users safe.
Tip: Doing a pilot first helps find problems early. This makes the full setup easier.
Resources
Microsoft gives many resources to help people learn about Microsoft Entra. These cover identity management, setup, security, and following rules. The table below shows main topics and examples:
These resources help IT teams, developers, and business leaders learn about Microsoft Entra. They also help everyone keep up with the best ways to use it.
Microsoft Entra is an important tool for identity and access in 2025. It gives companies more features, strong Zero Trust safety, and uses automation. Here are some main ideas:
The platform works with many clouds, has better licenses, and keeps tokens safe.
Experts say it makes security, rule-following, and user work better.
Automatic rules and special access steps lower risks and help with checks.
Experts say to turn on cloud sign-in, try self-service password reset, and give users only the access they need. Companies should look at Microsoft Entra to keep their security strong and make access easier in the future.
FAQ
What is Microsoft Entra used for?
Microsoft Entra lets companies decide who can use their apps and data. It checks users, devices, and apps before giving access. This helps keep company information safe.
What makes Microsoft Entra different from old Active Directory?
Microsoft Entra works in the cloud, not just in offices. It does not need any servers at work. It uses new security tools and helps people work from anywhere.
What does Zero Trust mean in Microsoft Entra?
Zero Trust means Microsoft Entra checks every user and device each time. No one gets in without being checked. This helps stop many attacks.
What types of users can Microsoft Entra manage?
Microsoft Entra can manage workers, guests, partners, and customers. It also controls apps and services that are not people.