What is password writeback?

Password writeback is a feature of Azure AD Connect. It ensures that when a password changes in Azure AD (password change, self-service password reset, or an administrative change to a user password) it is written back to the local AD – if they meet the on-premises AD password policy.

Technically, a password writeback operation is a password “reset” action. Password writeback removes the need to set up an on-premises solution for users to reset their password. It all happens in real time, and so users are notified immediately if their password could not be reset or changed for any reason.

It can be enabled with password hash synchronization (PHS) or pass-through authentication (PTA).

Find out more about password writeback on our Azure AD Connect Masterclass.

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Updated July 2022