Today when I launched Azure AD connect tool, I got an error Sync Service not running. If you have encountered the same error in your setup, this post will help you to fix the issue.

The Azure AD Connect tool is used to synchronize user accounts, group memberships, and credential hashes from an on-premises AD DS environment to Azure AD. This tool makes the integration easy and simplifies the management of your on-premises and cloud identity infrastructure.

If you receive email messages that Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) didn’t register a synchronization attempt in the last 24 hours, this needs to be checked. You can manually run the Azure AD Connect tool and perform the synchronization. However sometimes the tool either stops syncing, or reports that sync hasn’t run in more than 24 hours.

Install and Update Third Party Applications with Patch My PC
Install and Update Third Party Applications with Patch My PC

Fix Azure AD Sync Service not Running

Ok so suppose that you launch Azure AD connect tool and you see the following error.

Sync Service not running

Cannot proceed because the sync service is not running. Start the ADSync service and restart the AADConnect Wizard to continue.

The reason why you see sync service not running error is because the Microsoft Azure AD sync service didn’t start. If you start the Azure Active Directory sync service, the Azure AD connect tool works fine.

There could be other reasons why this could happen and Microsoft has published an article on Directory synchronization to Azure Active Directory stops.

Azure AD Sync Service is not Running
Azure AD Sync Service is not Running

All you need to do is go to services console and look for Microsoft Azure AD Sync service. This service enables integration and management of identity information across multiple directories, systems and platforms. If this service is stopped or disabled, no synchronization or password management for objects in connected data sources will be performed.

In my case the Microsoft Azure AD sync service was not started. You can see that from the service status. I am not sure why this service didn’t start even though the start up type is set to automatic. Right click Azure AD sync service and click Start.

Start Azure AD Sync Service
Start Azure AD Sync Service

The Azure Active Directory sync service is now running.

Start Azure Active Directory Sync Service
Start Azure Active Directory Sync Service

Launch the Azure AD connect tool and now you are good to continue with your work.

Azure AD Sync Service is not Running
Azure AD Sync Service is not Running

Still Need Help?

If you need further assistance on the above article or want to discuss other technical issues, check out some of these options.

Prajwal Desai

Prajwal Desai is a technology expert and 10 time Dual Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) with a focus on Microsoft Intune, SCCM, Windows 365, Enterprise Mobility, and Windows. He is a renowned author, speaker, & community leader, known for sharing his expertise & knowledge through his blog, YouTube, conferences, webinars etc.