How to Manually Force Sync Azure AD Connect Using PowerShell

In this article I’ll show you how to Manually Force Sync Azure AD Connect Using PowerShell.

Step 1: Start PowerShell

Using any of these methods, or any other you may know of:

WinKey + R (Run Dialog): powershell.exe

Start Menu -> type ‘Powershell’, click it

Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\V1.0\powershell.exe

Step 2: (optional/dependent) Connect to the AD Sync Server

If you’re running PowerShell on the Server where AD Connect is running, skip this step.

In the command window run the following command, replacing [SERVERNAME] with the name of the server you need to connect to (you may not be able to do this is PSRemoting is not enabled on the remote server):

Enter-PSSession -ComputerName [SERVERNAME]

Step 3: Import the ADSync Module

Run the following command:

Import-Module ADSync

Step 4: Run the Sync Command

Run the following Command(s):

For a Delta Sync (most common, and used for most situations):

Start-ADSyncSyncCycle -PolicyType Delta

For a Full Sync (only necessary in some situations):

Start-ADSyncSyncCycle -PolicyType Initial

Step 5: (Optional/Dependent) Exit PSSession

If you used the Enter-PSSession command, you must exit the session or it will remain open even after terminating the PS Host. You can do so by simply using the command: Exit

Alternatively, you can achieve this with the GUI, see reference below.

Force Manual Azure AD Connect Sync