What Is Entra ID Join (Cloud Join) Explained

What Is Entra ID Join (Cloud Join)?

Entra ID Join is a cloud-native device join model that connects Windows devices directly to Microsoft Entra ID. Unlike traditional domain join, it does not require on-premises Active Directory or domain controllers.

With Entra ID Join, device identity, authentication, and access control are handled entirely through the cloud identity platform. This model is designed for organizations adopting cloud-first strategies and remote work environments.

Why Entra ID Join Exists

Traditional domain join assumes that devices are connected to a corporate network and managed through on-premises infrastructure. This assumption does not align with modern IT environments where users work remotely and rely on cloud services.

Entra ID Join was introduced to remove the dependency on on-premises infrastructure and enable secure access based on identity rather than network location.

How Entra ID Join Works

Entra ID Join relies on cloud-based identity registration and authentication.

Device Registration in Entra ID

When a device is joined, it is registered directly in Microsoft Entra ID. A unique device identity is created in the cloud directory and associated with the user.

Cloud-Based Authentication

Users authenticate to the device using Entra ID credentials. Authentication is validated against cloud identity services rather than local domain controllers.

Identity-Based Access Control

Once joined, the device can be evaluated by identity and access policies. Access to applications and services is granted based on user identity, device state, and security signals.

Entra ID Join vs Hybrid Join

Entra ID Join and Hybrid Join serve different operational models.

Entra ID Join is a cloud-only approach with no dependency on on-premises Active Directory. Hybrid Join combines traditional domain join with cloud registration.

Entra ID Join is typically used in cloud-native or greenfield environments, while Hybrid Join is often chosen during transitional phases.

Entra ID Join and Device Management

Entra ID - joined devices are designed to work closely with modern management tools.

Microsoft Intune Integration

Devices joined to Entra ID can be enrolled directly into Microsoft Intune. This enables centralized management of configurations, compliance policies, applications, and security settings.

Conditional Access Integration

Entra ID Join allows Conditional Access policies to evaluate device trust and compliance before granting access to cloud resources.

Security Benefits of Entra ID Join

Entra ID Join supports modern security principles.

Zero Trust Alignment

Access decisions are based on identity, device compliance, and contextual signals rather than network trust.

Reduced Attack Surface

By removing domain controllers and legacy protocols from the device authentication path, Entra ID Join reduces exposure to certain attack vectors.

Strong Identity Controls

Entra ID Join integrates natively with multi-factor authentication and risk-based access controls.

Limitations and Considerations

Entra ID Join does not support certain legacy applications or workflows that depend on traditional Active Directory features such as Kerberos-based authentication to on-premises resources.

Organizations with legacy dependencies may need hybrid solutions or additional integration layers.

Why Entra ID Join Matters Today

As organizations move toward cloud-first and remote-first models, Entra ID Join provides a simplified and secure way to manage device identity and access.

Understanding Entra ID Join is essential for designing modern endpoint and identity architectures aligned with Zero Trust principles.