How to Join and Register Devices to Microsoft Entra ID
Connecting your devices to Microsoft Entra ID gives users secure access and IT full control. This guide covers joining and registering devices, and walks you through each step.
What You Need Before You Start
- Windows Edition: Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (Home isn’t supported)
- Internet Access: Device must be online to reach Entra ID services
- Correct Time: System clock must sync correctly to avoid sign-in errors
- User Permissions: In Entra Admin Center under Devices → Device settings, ensure “Users may join devices to Microsoft Entra ID” is turned on
- Entra ID Account: User must sign in with a work or school account in your Entra tenant
- Optional: Automatic Intune enrollment and Conditional Access policies can run right after join
1. How to Join a Windows Device to Entra ID
- Right-click the Start icon and open Settings.
- Go to Accounts > Access work or school.
- Click Connect, then select Join this device to Microsoft Entra ID.
- Enter your organizational username and password when prompted.
- Review the confirmation dialog and click Join.
- Click Done, then Restart your PC.
- Sign in with your Entra ID account to complete the join.
What You Get:
- Sign in with Entra ID credentials, including passwordless options like Windows Hello or FIDO2
- Single sign-on to Microsoft 365, SaaS, and on-prem apps
- Automatic Intune enrollment for MDM, compliance checks, and app deployment
- Conditional Access control based on device health, location, or risk
- Self-service resets of PIN or password from the lock screen
- Windows Autopilot support for zero-touch provisioning
2. How to Register Devices Across Platforms
Entra ID Registration lets personal and mobile devices access corporate resources without full device join. It’s great for BYOD.
Supported Devices
- Windows 10/11 (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education)
- macOS 10.15+ via Company Portal
- iOS/iPadOS 15+ via Company Portal or Authenticator
- Android 8.0+ via Company Portal or Authenticator
- Linux (Ubuntu 20.04/22.04/24.04, RHEL 8/9) with Intune agent
- Virtual Machines running supported OS
General Registration Steps (Example: Android)
- Install Company Portal from Google Play.
- Sign in with your Entra ID account.
- Follow on-screen prompts: Begin → Continue → Next.
- Grant permissions and activate the device admin.
- Tap Done when setup finishes.
What You Get:
- Conditional Access checks before granting access
- Seamless SSO to Microsoft 365 and integrated apps
- Prerequisite for Intune MDM enrollment and policy enforcement
- Passwordless sign-in options (Windows Hello, Authenticator)
- Segmented BYOD management so IT only controls corporate data
Tips for a Smooth Deployment
- Plan Device Join: Choose Entra Join for corporate-owned PCs, Registration for BYOD, and Hybrid Join if you still use on-prem Active Directory.
- Enable Auto MDM Enrollment: Assign devices to an Intune group so they enroll right after joining or registering.
- Set Conditional Access: Require device compliance before granting access to sensitive data.
- Use Windows Autopilot: Ship devices directly to users with zero touch setup.
- Keep Time Synced: Use an NTP service so device clocks stay accurate.
- Verify Permissions: Make sure your users can join or register devices in the Entra Admin Center.
Connecting devices to Microsoft Entra ID secures access, simplifies sign-in, and lets IT manage devices from the cloud. Follow these steps to join or register any supported device and take advantage of SSO, MDM, and advanced security policies right away.
