Configure and manage device join and registration, including writeback

By configuring these elements effectively, administrators can ensure that only trusted devices can access sensitive data and applications, both on-premises and in the cloud. Additionally, writeback features play an essential role in syncing directory information between cloud services and on-prem environments. Here’s how to configure and manage these settings, which are critical topics for the SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator exam.

Configuring Device Join and Registration

Azure AD Join

Azure AD Join allows devices to be joined directly to Azure Active Directory, enabling users to sign into Windows with an Azure AD account and access cloud-based resources.

1. To enable Azure AD Join:
   • Navigate to Azure Active Directory > Devices > Device settings.
   • Configure the “Users may join devices to Azure AD” setting based on your organizational requirements.
2. Allow devices to be Azure AD Joined:
   • Specify “All” or select specific groups.

Azure AD Registration (Azure AD Registered Devices)

Azure AD Registration allows users to maintain their existing local AD join while also registering their device to Azure AD.

1. To set up Azure AD Registration:
   • Browse to Azure Active Directory in the Azure portal.
   • Go to Mobility (MDM and MAM) and set up the connection to an endpoint management solution, like Intune.
   • Set the MDM user scope for users who can register their devices to Azure AD.

Hybrid Azure AD Join

Hybrid Azure AD Join involves devices that are already joined to on-prem Active Directory and also need to be joined to Azure AD.

1. Configuration involves:
   • Azure AD Connect tool to integrate your on-premises directory with Azure AD.
   • Configuring synchronization options to include device objects.
   • Setting up a service connection point in your on-prem Active Directory via Azure AD Connect.

Managing Device Settings

Device settings can be managed through the Azure portal or via PowerShell.

1. Device settings include:
   • Define the number of devices a user can join to Azure AD.
   • Choose whether to require Multi-Factor Authentication for device join.
   • Manage additional local administrators on Azure AD joined devices.
2. Use PowerShell to:
   • Get, set, or remove device settings.
   • Automate certain administrative tasks like bulk updating device settings.

Writeback Configuration

Writeback is an Azure AD Connect feature that allows user and group information to be “written back” to your on-premises Active Directory.

1. To configure writeback:
   • Use Azure AD Connect and enable the “Directory extension attribute sync” feature.
   • Configure optional features and select “Device writeback.”
2. Prerequisites include:
   • Proper permissions on the Active Directory for the Azure AD Connect account.
   • The on-premises AD schema must be prepared for device writeback.

Device Writeback Examples

Let’s say an organization wants to enable Conditional Access policies that require compliant devices. They’ll need to configure device writeback to ensure that the device compliance information is synced from Azure AD to the on-premises Active Directory.

1. Configure Azure AD Connect to sync device information.
2. Enable device writeback in Azure AD Connect.
3. Apply Conditional Access policies in Azure AD based on device compliance.

Comparison Table

Here’s a summary to compare the key features and considerations for Azure AD Join, Azure AD Registration, and Hybrid Azure AD Join.

In conclusion, configuring and managing device join and registration settings is critical for any organization using Microsoft technologies. Device writeback provides additional integration between cloud and on-prem systems, ensuring seamless management and compliance across an organization’s digital assets. Understanding the capabilities and configuration steps for each option is essential for passing the SC-300 exam and effectively managing identity and access within a Microsoft environment.