Microsoft Entra ID vs. Azure AD: What's Changed and Why It Matters

Microsoft renamed Azure Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID in 2022. This change left many Azure admins wondering what it meant for their systems and security practices. Let's break down what changed, what stayed the same, and why this matters for your cloud identity management.

What Changed

• Name change: Azure Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID

• Same core functionality: Existing apps continue to work

• Same APIs: No code updates needed

• Same admin portal: UI remains nearly identical

• Same pricing: No new costs for existing features

Your Azure AD setup continues to work without modifications. The change is more about branding and future direction than immediate technical impacts.

Why Microsoft Made This Change

The rename reflects Microsoft's expanded vision for identity:

• Unified branding: All identity products now fall under the "Microsoft Entra" family

• Broader scope: Extends beyond Azure to multi-cloud identity

• New focus: Identity management for all environments, not just Azure

This shift positions Microsoft's identity services for heterogeneous environments rather than just Azure-centric deployments.

The Full Microsoft Entra Family

Microsoft Entra now includes:

• Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) - Core identity service

• Microsoft Entra ID Governance (includes what was Azure AD Privileged Identity Management)

• Microsoft Entra External ID (formerly Azure AD B2B and B2C)

• Microsoft Entra Permissions Management (formerly CloudKnox)

• Microsoft Entra Verified ID (decentralized identity solution)

• Microsoft Entra Internet Access (formerly ZTNAs)

This family approach shows Microsoft's goal to offer complete identity solutions across multiple environments.

What This Means For Organizations

Documentation and Training

• Most official docs now use "Microsoft Entra ID"

• Old Azure AD links redirect to new Entra pages

• Training materials need updates

• Team knowledge needs refreshing

Many organizations still use both terms interchangeably during this transition period.

Communication

• Internal docs might need updates to prevent confusion

• Help desk staff need to know both terms

• Stakeholders need to understand functionality remains unchanged

A simple internal announcement can help teams adjust to the new terminology.

Long-term Planning

• Watch for new Entra features not available in Azure AD

• Consider the broader Entra family for identity needs

• Plan for cross-cloud identity management if applicable

The rebrand opens opportunities to explore additional identity capabilities that weren't part of the original Azure AD offering.

Practical Tips For IT Pros

• Update bookmarks: Portal URLs have changed

• Revise documentation: Update screenshots and terminology

• Check license names: Some now say "Entra" instead of "Azure AD"

• Review admin roles: Names changed but permissions remain the same

• Update resume: Show both terms ("Azure AD/Microsoft Entra ID")

These small adjustments help maintain clarity during the transition period.

What Organizations Need To Do Now

• Nothing urgent: Systems will work fine

• Update documentation: Change Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID when convenient

• Inform teams: Share the name change and broader family

• Explore new options: Consider other Entra products that might add value

The transition can happen gradually as part of regular documentation maintenance.

Microsoft continues to expand the Entra family with:

• More multi-cloud identity features

• Better integration between Entra products

• Gradual UI updates to unify the experience

• New capabilities focused on Zero Trust