Best 8 Microsoft Entra ID Backup Solutions For Business (2026)

We reviewed 8 Entra ID backup solutions on granular object recovery, retention depth, and security controls. Native Microsoft tooling does not cover what these platforms protect.

Last updated on Jul 7, 2026
Joel Witts Written by Joel Witts
Laura Iannini Technical Review by Laura Iannini
Top 8 Backup Solutions for Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID does not natively back up directory objects; deleted users, groups, roles, and application registrations may be unrecoverable after the default retention window expires. Third-party Entra ID backup solutions provide granular object-level recovery that Microsoft’s built-in tools cannot deliver. We reviewed 8 solutions and found Datto Backup for Microsoft Entra ID, Veeam Data Cloud for Microsoft Entra ID, and AvePoint Cloud Backup for Entra ID to be the strongest on granular recovery depth and retention policy controls.

Microsoft Entra ID is the identity backbone of your Microsoft 365 environment. Every user account, group membership, conditional access policy, and role assignment lives there. Microsoft manages the infrastructure, but protecting what’s inside your directory is your responsibility. A ransomware attack that reaches admin credentials, an accidental policy deletion, or a misconfiguration that locks users out of critical systems becomes a recovery problem you can’t solve without a backup.

We evaluated eight Entra ID backup platforms for recovery granularity, retention flexibility, immutability, storage model, compliance readiness, and whether the service handles the edge cases that matter most under pressure. What we found: the gap between “backs up Entra ID” and “recovers your directory when you actually need it” is wider than most buyers expect. Some platforms offer unlimited retention but obscure the licensing model until you’re mid-contract. Others deliver surgical attribute-level recovery but narrow their storage options in ways that create sovereignty problems for regulated organizations.

This guide cuts through the feature lists to show you which platforms deliver when your directory is compromised or misconfigured, and which ones are better suited to a different use case than yours.

What is Microsoft Entra ID Backup?

Microsoft Entra ID backup is third-party protection for the identity layer of your Microsoft 365 environment: the users, groups, roles, conditional access policies, and app registrations that control who can log in and what they can reach. Microsoft keeps Entra ID running, but under the shared responsibility model, protecting what's inside the directory is your job, and native recovery only holds deleted objects for a short window. A backup tool takes independent, point-in-time copies of your directory, so after a ransomware attack, an accidental deletion, or a misconfiguration that locks people out, you can roll a single user, a policy, or the whole directory back to a known-good state.

Entra ID backup platforms use Microsoft Graph to capture directory objects (users, groups, roles, administrative units, conditional access policies, application and enterprise app registrations, and audit logs) on a schedule, storing point-in-time copies for restoration. The capability that separates serious tools is recovery granularity: restoring a single attribute or a specific conditional access policy without rolling back unrelated configuration, rather than a disruptive bulk object restore. Mature platforms add immutability so backups survive an admin-credential compromise, automated configuration-change tracking that doubles as an audit trail for directory drift, and coverage that extends beyond core objects into Intune, BitLocker recovery keys, and LAPS passwords. When evaluating, weigh retention depth and whether unlimited retention is truly unlimited, storage location and sovereignty (vendor cloud versus a region you choose), backup frequency against your RPO, and multi-tenant management if you are an MSP.

Microsoft Entra ID Backup Solutions Compared

Here is how the 8 platforms compare on the capabilities that matter most for Entra ID backup.

Product Best For Immutable Backups Attribute / Item-Level Restore Coverage Beyond Core Entra ID Multi-Tenant Console
Datto Backup for Microsoft Entra ID
MSPs and mid-market teams in the Datto ecosystem
Yes
No
No
Yes
Veeam Data Cloud for Microsoft Entra ID
Fully managed identity backup
Yes
Yes
No
No
AvePoint Cloud Backup for Entra ID
Focused Entra ID protection with indefinite retention
No
Yes
No
No
Barracuda Entra ID Backup
Existing Barracuda M365 customers
No
No
Yes
No
CyberSentriq Entra ID Backup
Ransomware-conscious teams and MSPs
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
HYCU for Microsoft Entra ID
Multi-SaaS protection from one console
No
Yes
Yes
No
Keepit Backup and Recovery for Microsoft Entra ID
Data sovereignty and long retention
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
ManageEngine RecoveryManager Plus
Flexible storage placement and audit trail
Yes
Yes
No
Yes

How We Tested

We evaluated eight Entra ID backup platforms for recovery granularity, retention flexibility, immutability, storage model options, compliance readiness, and how well each platform handles the edge cases that matter most during incident response. We combined hands-on testing with market research and customer feedback to validate vendor claims against real-world performance. This guide was written by Mirren McDade, Senior Journalist and Content Writer at Expert Insights, with technical review by Laura Iannini, Cybersecurity Analyst, and is updated quarterly. Read our full methodology

Datto Backup for Microsoft Entra ID Logo
Kaseya

Best for MSPs and mid-market teams already running Datto tools

Datto Backup for Microsoft Entra ID targets MSPs and mid-market teams that want directory protection running quietly in the background. We think it’s a strong fit for providers already in the Datto ecosystem, where multi-tenant management, immutable storage, and compliance alignment come together in one console. The time-based restore is the standout feature here.

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  • Up to six backups per tenant per day, roughly every four hours, with automatic issue flagging
  • Time-based restore lets you pick a moment and Datto selects the cleanest restore point just before it
  • Cross-user restore, unlimited storage, and immutable backups in the Datto Cloud
  • April 2026 integration with Datto SaaS Protection and Spanning enables restoring Entra ID objects and M365 Exchange data in a single workflow
  • Global data centers across North America, Europe, Australia, and Africa for residency control

Customers say Datto’s pricing is a real advantage when stacking it alongside other Datto products, and MSPs trying to stay competitive on price call this out repeatedly. Support response times also come up positively. Some users report there is limited control over backup frequency.

We think Datto makes the most sense if you’re an MSP managing multiple tenants or a mid-market team already running other Datto tools. You get multi-tenant management, immutable storage, and SOC, HIPAA, and GDPR alignment in one console. Global data centers across North America, Europe, Australia, and Africa give you residency control without extra configuration.

Strengths
Up to six daily backups per tenant with automatic alerting
Time-based restore picks the cleanest pre-incident snapshot
Immutable backups support ransomware recovery and compliance
Single console manages all tenants from one place
2026 integration enables combined Entra ID and Exchange recovery
Cautions
Users report limited control over backup frequency
Pricing requires a direct sales conversation
2.

Veeam Data Cloud for Microsoft Entra ID

Veeam Data Cloud for Microsoft Entra ID Logo
Veeam

Best for organizations wanting fully managed identity backup

Veeam Data Cloud for Entra ID is a fully managed SaaS backup service that covers the full set of Entra ID objects: users, groups, attributes, application registrations, conditional access policies, and audit logs. We were impressed by the proactive change tracking, which gives you visibility into directory changes before they become incidents. If you’ve already standardized on Veeam elsewhere, this slots into your identity layer cleanly.

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  • Fully managed SaaS: Veeam handles maintenance, updates, and security patches so your team doesn’t carry the operational weight
  • Recovery works down to individual attributes, not just bulk restores, for surgical fixes after an admin error
  • Unlimited storage included with service-level immutability at no extra cost
  • Proactive change tracking surfaces directory drift before it becomes an incident
  • Additional Entra ID users free within the 3X Fair Use Policy

Customers say Veeam’s reliability is the standout trait across the broader Data Cloud platform. Backup success rates stay high, and the interface keeps day-to-day work simple. Built-in ransomware protection comes up often as a positive. According to customer feedback, licensing transparency could be better, especially around how counts are released when accounts are deleted. A few users have flagged slower performance on large restore jobs.

We think Veeam Data Cloud for Entra ID fits organizations that want identity backup without running infrastructure. Pricing starts at $1.08 per enabled member per month standalone, dropping to $0.70 in the Advanced plan that bundles M365 coverage. Three tiers, Foundation, Advanced, and Premium, offer flexibility depending on whether you need standalone Entra ID or combined protection.

Strengths
Fully managed SaaS removes patching and infrastructure overhead
Granular recovery works at the individual attribute level
Unlimited storage with service-level immutability included
Proactive change tracking surfaces directory drift early
Three pricing tiers for standalone or bundled M365 coverage
Cautions
Reviews flag licensing rules as confusing around user deletions
Customers note larger restore jobs can run slower
3.

AvePoint Cloud Backup for Entra ID

AvePoint Cloud Backup for Entra ID Logo
AvePoint

Best for organizations wanting focused Entra ID protection with indefinite retention

AvePoint Cloud Backup focuses on Microsoft Entra ID protection for organizations that want directory-specific backup rather than a broader workload suite. We think the item-level restore and indefinite retention model are the strongest selling points here. If your team needs to recover a single user, group, or policy without rolling forward a wider snapshot, AvePoint handles that well.

  • Automatic backups up to four times a day with 100% data retention for as long as you need it, with no tiering or aging out
  • Item-level restore pulls back a single user, group, or conditional access policy without affecting broader configurations
  • Backup comparisons quickly identify changes in user permissions, useful for spotting excessive permissions after an incident
  • Designed for organizations already running other AvePoint products
  • Strong onboarding and professional services support

Customers say ease of implementation is a recurring theme, with the wider AvePoint platform getting credit for straightforward setup and administration. Customer support and professional services come up positively, with several pointing to onboarding training as an asset. Public feedback specific to the Entra ID product itself remains limited, though the overall AvePoint platform earns strong marks.

We think AvePoint makes sense if your team wants a focused identity backup tool with indefinite retention and no data aging. It fits well for organizations already running other AvePoint products, where you can extend existing licensing and admin patterns into directory protection. The backup comparison feature for spotting permission changes is a practical detail that adds real value during incident response.

Strengths
Item-level restore for individual users, groups, and policies
Indefinite retention with no data aging or expiration
Automatic backups up to four times daily
Backup comparisons identify permission changes quickly
Cautions
Focused on Entra ID only, not a multi-workload option
Pricing requires a direct quote
4.

Barracuda Entra ID Backup

Barracuda Entra ID Backup Logo
Barracuda

Best for M365 customers wanting Entra ID protection without separate licensing

Barracuda Entra ID Backup pitches itself against Microsoft’s 30-day retention limit, offering unlimited storage and recovery to any point in time. We think the real selling point is the bundling: if you’re already running Barracuda’s Cloud-to-Cloud Backup for M365, Entra ID protection comes included at no extra cost. Barracuda has also launched an Entra ID Backup Premium tier for deeper coverage needs.

  • Standard tier backs up users, groups, roles, and administrative units with unlimited retention and AES-256 encryption in transit and at rest
  • Premium tier adds app registrations, audit logs, authentication method and strength policies, BitLocker keys, conditional access policies, device management, enterprise applications, and named locations
  • Deployment takes five minutes from sign-up to first backup
  • Cloud-based UI handles backup management without dedicated admin overhead
  • Bundled at no extra cost with Cloud-to-Cloud Backup for M365 customers

Customers say dashboards are readable for non-specialists, and onboarding gets repeated mentions as straightforward across the wider Barracuda portfolio. Support and documentation help reduce the learning curve. Based on customer reviews, standalone pricing is reportedly less competitive than the bundled option. Public feedback specific to the Entra ID product itself remains limited.

We think Barracuda Entra ID Backup makes the most sense for organizations already running Cloud-to-Cloud Backup for M365, where the directory protection comes bundled. The unlimited retention addresses a real Microsoft gap that affects every M365 customer. The new Premium tier fills coverage gaps around conditional access policies, BitLocker keys, and app registrations that the standard tier leaves exposed.

Strengths
Unlimited retention closes Microsoft's 30-day gap
Bundled free with Cloud-to-Cloud Backup for M365
Premium tier adds conditional access, BitLocker, and app registrations
Five-minute deployment from sign-up to first backup
Cautions
Users report standalone pricing less competitive than bundled
Public feedback specific to Entra ID product remains limited
5.

CyberSentriq Entra ID Backup

CyberSentriq Entra ID Backup Logo
CyberSentriq

Best for ransomware-conscious teams and MSPs needing configuration tracking

CyberSentriq focuses on directory protection with immutable storage and granular recovery, aimed at ransomware-conscious teams and MSPs. We think the immutability angle and automated configuration change tracking are the real differentiators here. If your environment is complex enough to justify configuration tracking, this is worth a closer look.

  • Immutable backups resist tampering even after attackers reach admin credentials
  • Automated change tracking compares tenant configurations against previous backup states to identify unauthorized or accidental changes quickly
  • Granular recovery covers users, groups, roles, admin units, and conditional access policies, not just full directory rollbacks
  • Four solution bundles, Comply, Protect, Shield, and Complete, match coverage to your risk profile
  • Optional disk-shipping service for seeding large initial backups

Customers say the support experience and knowledge base are standout assets, with fast restore performance getting repeated mentions. Several point to recovery speed as a significant operational improvement. According to customer feedback, the initial backup can take time on slower connections, though CyberSentriq mitigates this with an optional disk-shipping service. A few users have noted the platform isn’t always the cheapest option in the market.

We think CyberSentriq makes sense if your team needs both ransomware-resilient backups and granular Entra ID rollback in one tool. The automated configuration change tracking gives you an audit trail that’s useful well beyond disaster recovery; it catches drift and misconfigurations before they become incidents. MSPs running multiple tenants get particular value from the centralized console.

Strengths
Immutable backups resist tampering even after admin compromise
Automated configuration tracking provides a directory audit trail
Granular recovery covers users, groups, roles, and conditional access
Four bundles let you match coverage to your risk profile
Cautions
Customers note pricing isn't always the cheapest option
Reviews mention initial backups take longer on slower connections
6.

HYCU for Microsoft Entra ID

HYCU for Microsoft Entra ID Logo
HYCU

Best for organizations protecting multiple SaaS platforms from one console

HYCU’s Entra ID backup sits inside a broader SaaS protection platform covering over 80 applications and cloud services, including Okta and M365. We think the one-click restore and backup assurance verification are the features that set HYCU apart. If your organization protects multiple SaaS platforms and wants one console, this is one of the cleaner consolidation plays available.

  • One-click restore rolls back an entire tenant or pulls a specific element without scripting through recovery steps
  • Backup assurance checks that recovery actually works rather than just confirming a backup ran
  • Enhanced change data capture in 2026 reduces backup windows and resource utilization
  • Timestamp-based recovery restores data to exactly how it was at any chosen point in time
  • Protects authentication methods stored in Entra ID, including MFA settings and user verification options

Customers say HYCU’s support is a recurring strength, with fast response and product expertise from technical staff getting repeated mentions. Setup gets credit for being quick when HYCU’s team is involved. Some customer reviews note that consumption-based pricing can be tricky to estimate without upfront planning. A few have flagged minor UI quirks across the platform, though these tend to be specific to non-Entra workloads.

We think HYCU works best if your organization runs multiple SaaS platforms and wants one console covering Entra ID, Okta, and M365 protection. The unified view reduces context switching for security and IT teams. HYCU also offers lifetime free Entra ID protection, which is worth investigating if basic directory backup is your starting point.

Strengths
One-click restore for tenants or individual elements
Backup assurance verifies recovery viability, not just completion
Single console covers Entra ID, Okta, and 80+ SaaS sources
2026 change data capture reduces backup windows
Cautions
Customers note consumption-based pricing needs careful planning
Backup quality depends partly on the underlying cloud storage
7.

Keepit Backup and Recovery for Microsoft Entra ID

Keepit Backup and Recovery for Microsoft Entra ID Logo
Keepit

Best for organizations under data sovereignty pressure

Keepit takes a different angle than most Entra ID backup vendors: storage runs on a vendor-independent cloud rather than a hyperscaler, which matters for organizations focused on digital sovereignty and supply chain risk. We think this architectural decision is the most distinct differentiator across the Entra ID backup market. Coverage also stretches beyond core Entra ID into Intune, BitLocker, and LAPS, with retention up to 99 years.

  • Runs its own data center regions on its own hardware, with its own people managing the infrastructure
  • Backup data stored in two mirrored data centers in the region of your choice for availability and sovereignty
  • Vendor-independent approach enables unlimited hot storage and predictable all-in pricing without hyperscaler pass-through costs
  • Coverage runs deep: users, groups, conditional access policies, application registrations, Intune compliance and device configuration policies, and BitLocker recovery keys
  • Retention up to 99 years

Customers say ease of use is the recurring theme, with several mentioning they can train colleagues quickly. Search-and-restore workflows get repeated mentions for being intuitive. Some customer reviews note that SIEM integration requires additional configuration to fully populate event data. A few users have flagged onboarding bumps with sales and support channels, though Keepit has reportedly addressed individual cases when raised.

We think Keepit deserves a serious look if your organization operates under data sovereignty pressure, whether that’s EU regulation, supply chain de-risking, or industry-specific compliance. The vendor-independent storage angle is rare in this category and becomes a real architectural advantage for regulated environments. Three pricing tiers map cleanly to SMB, enterprise, and regulated-sector buyers.

Strengths
Vendor-independent cloud on own hardware for sovereignty
Coverage extends to Intune, BitLocker, and LAPS beyond core Entra ID
Up to 99-year retention for the longest compliance requirements
Unlimited hot storage with predictable all-in pricing
Cautions
Reviews flag SIEM integration needs extra configuration
Users report onboarding friction with sales and support channels
8.

ManageEngine RecoveryManager Plus

ManageEngine RecoveryManager Plus Logo
ManageEngine

Best for organizations needing flexible storage placement and a strong audit trail

ManageEngine RecoveryManager Plus protects Entra ID with a flexible storage model that lets you choose where backups live: on-premises, NAS, Azure Blob, Azure Files, AWS S3, Wasabi, or any S3-compatible repository. We think the storage flexibility and attribute-level restoration are the strongest selling points here. Most Entra ID backup vendors lock you into their cloud, but ManageEngine lets you keep backups close to your existing infrastructure.

  • Storage choice across on-premises, NAS, Azure, AWS, Wasabi, and other S3-compatible services added in January 2026
  • Attribute and object-level restoration undoes a specific directory change without rolling back broader configurations
  • Backups compress to one-third of their original size
  • Immutable cloud repositories in Azure Blob, AWS S3, and Wasabi defend against ransomware
  • Role-based delegation with detailed audit reports gives security teams visibility into who restored what and when

Customers say the dashboard and interface are standouts, with the audit capability getting particular credit. Several point out the value of seeing Entra ID changes listed by date and time, useful when tracing when an attribute was removed or modified. Recovery operations work without restarting servers, which keeps disruption low during incident response. According to customer feedback, update frequency sometimes interrupts admin workflows, and notification profile configuration is less intuitive than the rest of the platform.

We think RecoveryManager Plus suits organizations that want flexible storage placement and a strong audit trail for directory changes. If on-premises or hybrid storage is non-negotiable for your Entra ID backups, this is one of the few platforms that gives you that option. Teams already running other ManageEngine tools will find the integration story extends cleanly.

Strengths
Storage choice across on-premises, NAS, Azure, AWS, Wasabi, and S3
Attribute-level restoration enables surgical undo of directory changes
Backup compression to one-third original size saves storage costs
Role-based delegation with detailed audit reports
Cautions
Users report update cadence sometimes interrupts workflows
Customers note notification profiles are less intuitive to configure

Microsoft Entra ID Backup Pricing

Entra ID backup is usually priced per enabled user or per tenant, with several vendors bundling it into broader M365 or SaaS protection. Only a couple publish rates, and licensing complexity is a recurring theme in customer feedback, so confirm the retention and user-count model in writing. The figures below reflect published starting prices where vendors disclose them.

Product Starting Price Billing Link
Datto Backup for Microsoft Entra ID
Contact for quote
Per tenant, via MSP partners
Veeam Data Cloud for Microsoft Entra ID
From $1.08/enabled member/month ($0.70 bundled)
Per enabled member, tiered
AvePoint Cloud Backup for Entra ID
Contact for quote
Subscription
Barracuda Entra ID Backup
Free with Cloud-to-Cloud Backup; standalone contact for quote
Bundled or standalone
CyberSentriq Entra ID Backup
Contact for quote
Per tenant, bundled tiers
HYCU for Microsoft Entra ID
Lifetime free Entra ID tier; paid consumption-based
Consumption-based
Keepit Backup and Recovery for Microsoft Entra ID
Contact for quote
Per seat, tiered
ManageEngine RecoveryManager Plus
Contact for quote
Annual

Microsoft Entra ID Backup Checklist

Once you've shortlisted an Entra ID backup platform, these are the questions and steps we recommend to make sure your directory actually recovers when something goes wrong.

Restoring a single attribute or one conditional access policy without rolling back unrelated config is the difference between a surgical fix and a disruptive rollback.

Ask whether admin-level access can touch backup data, since identity attacks escalate to the directory and your last clean copy must survive that.

Unlimited storage can still tier access speeds, charge for retrieval, or age out recovery points in ways the licensing documentation hides.

Data sovereignty, EU regulation, and supply-chain de-risking all require explicit answers on storage location, not assumptions.

Confirm whether conditional access policies, admin units, app registrations, audit logs, and even Intune, BitLocker keys, and LAPS are protected, before an incident reveals the gap.

Directory drift and misconfiguration are as common a recovery trigger as ransomware, and change tracking gives you both a restore point and an audit trail.

Once- or twice-daily backups leave a wide gap in fast-changing directories, so match the actual cadence to your tolerance for lost changes.

A single console to monitor and recover across tenants is the difference between a scalable managed service and per-client logins.

Check SOC, HIPAA, GDPR, and any industry-specific frameworks, plus the reporting needed to demonstrate them.

A platform that backs up cleanly can still disappoint on a conditional access policy restore under pressure, so rehearse recovery, not just the backup confirmation.

The Bottom Line

No single Entra ID backup platform fits every organization. Your choice depends on your recovery granularity requirements, storage sovereignty needs, existing vendor relationships, and whether you manage a single tenant or dozens.

If you are an MSP or mid-market team already running Datto tools, Datto Backup for Microsoft Entra ID delivers time-based restore, immutable cloud storage, and a single multi-tenant console with SOC, HIPAA, and GDPR alignment without adding a new vendor relationship.

If your organization wants fully managed identity backup without carrying operational infrastructure overhead, Veeam Data Cloud for Microsoft Entra ID delivers proactive change tracking, attribute-level recovery, and unlimited storage in a SaaS service your team does not need to patch or maintain.

If your priority is focused Entra ID protection with indefinite retention, AvePoint Cloud Backup delivers item-level restore with strong onboarding support, while Barracuda Entra ID Backup is the natural fit for organizations already running Cloud-to-Cloud Backup for M365 who want directory protection bundled at no extra cost.

If you need ransomware-resilient directory backups with automated configuration change tracking, CyberSentriq delivers immutable storage and granular recovery across conditional access policies and admin units, and HYCU is the stronger choice if you protect multiple SaaS platforms and want one console covering Entra ID, Okta, and M365.

If your organization operates under data sovereignty pressure or needs retention measured in decades, Keepit Backup and Recovery for Microsoft Entra ID delivers vendor-independent cloud storage with coverage extending to Intune, BitLocker keys, and LAPS, while ManageEngine RecoveryManager Plus is the pick when flexible on-premises or hybrid storage placement and a detailed audit trail are non-negotiable.

Read the individual reviews above to dig into recovery granularity, retention models, and pricing that matters for your environment.

Everything You Need To Know About Backups for Microsoft Entra ID (FAQs)

Entra ID is the foundation for user authentication and authorization across the Microsoft ecosystem. A backup ensures that access to applications and data remains available even in the event of a disaster or incident, preventing downtime and productivity loss.

Key Reasons for Backing Up Entra ID:

  • Protect Critical Identity Data: Entra ID stores essential identity data, including user accounts, group memberships, application registrations, conditional access policies, role assignments, and device identities. Accidental deletions, malicious alterations, or corruption during system integrations or updates can render this data inaccessible. Without a backup, recovery is often time-consuming, incomplete, or impossible due to limited native restore capabilities in Entra ID.
  • Mitigate Downtime Risks: If Entra ID data becomes unavailable, employees may lose access to essential resources, halting business operations. A robust backup ensures rapid recovery, minimizing operational disruptions and maintaining workforce productivity.
  • Defend Against Cyberattacks: Attackers target Entra ID because compromising identity data can cripple an organization. Ransomware, data deletion, or unauthorized changes are common threats. Microsoft retains Entra ID data for only 30 days, and native recovery options are limited, making third-party backups essential to avoid paying ransom demands or facing prolonged recovery efforts.
  • Shared Responsibility Model: Microsoft emphasizes that while they manage the Entra ID platform, customers are responsible for protecting their data. Microsoft recommends regular backups to ensure organizations can recover from data loss incidents independently.
  • Compliance and Governance: Many industries require data retention and recovery capabilities to meet regulatory standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOC). Backups help organizations demonstrate compliance by ensuring identity data is recoverable and auditable.

An effective Entra ID backup strategy must encompass all critical components to enable comprehensive recovery. The following elements should be included:

  • Users and Groups: User accounts, attributes (e.g., names, email addresses, MFA settings), and group memberships (including dynamic groups).
  • Security and Conditional Access Policies: Policies governing authentication, access controls, and risk-based conditions.
  • Application Registrations and Configurations: Enterprise applications, service principals, and their permissions, including API and OAuth settings.
  • Device Identities: Managed and registered devices, including BitLocker recovery keys and compliance states.
  • Directory Role Assignments: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) assignments, such as Global Administrator or Application Administrator roles.
  • Administrative Units: Configurations for scoped administrative access.
  • Audit and Sign-In Logs: Logs for tracking user activity and changes (where supported by backup solutions).
  • Custom Domains: Domain configurations and DNS settings tied to Entra ID.

Backup frequency depends on the organization’s size, Entra ID usage, and risk profile. As a general rule:

  • Daily Backups: Recommended for most organizations to capture frequent changes, such as user updates or policy modifications.
  • Multiple Daily Backups: For high-transaction environments (e.g., large enterprises or those with frequent integrations), consider multiple incremental backups per day.
  • Retention Periods: Retain backups for at least 30–90 days, aligning with compliance requirements or recovery needs. Long-term retention (e.g., 1–7 years) may be necessary for regulated industries.

Automated backup solutions are ideal for ensuring consistency and reducing administrative overhead. Manual backups are prone to errors and may not scale for complex Entra ID environments.

Microsoft Entra ID provides limited native recovery capabilities, which are insufficient for comprehensive data protection:

  • 30-Day Soft Delete: Deleted users, groups, and applications are recoverable within 30 days, but only in specific scenarios and with limited granularity.
  • No Full Restore: Native tools do not support point-in-time or granular restoration for all objects, such as conditional access policies or role assignments.
  • Manual Recovery Challenges: Restoring data without a third-party solution requires manual reconfiguration, which is error-prone and time-consuming.
  • No Protection Against Corruption: Native options do not address data corruption or malicious changes that go unnoticed within the 30-day window.

Third-party backup solutions bridge these gaps by offering automated, granular, and long-term recovery capabilities tailored to Entra ID.

To maximize the effectiveness of Entra ID backups, organizations should adopt the following best practices:

  1. Audit Backup Coverage: Regularly verify that all critical Entra ID components (users, policies, applications, etc.) are included in backups. Update backup scopes as new features or configurations are added.
  2. Encrypt Backups: Ensure backups are encrypted both in transit and at rest to protect sensitive identity data from unauthorized access.
  3. Secure Storage: Store backups in a separate, secure location (e.g., a different cloud tenant or isolated storage account) to prevent compromise during an attack on the primary Entra ID environment.
  4. Test Recovery Regularly: Conduct simulated recovery exercises to validate backup integrity and ensure recovery processes work as expected. Test both full and granular restores.
  5. Automate Backups: Use automated tools to schedule and manage backups, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring consistency.
  6. Integrate with Disaster Recovery Plans: Align Entra ID backups with broader disaster recovery and business continuity strategies, ensuring identity restoration is prioritized during outages.
  7. Monitor and Alert: Implement monitoring for backup failures or anomalies and set up alerts to address issues promptly.
  8. Document Recovery Procedures: Maintain clear, up-to-date documentation for recovery processes, including roles and responsibilities, to streamline operations during an incident.
  9. Stay Compliant: Ensure backup retention and recovery processes meet regulatory requirements, such as data residency or auditability standards.
  10. Choose a Reputable Backup Solution: Select a third-party backup provider with proven Entra ID expertise, robust security features, and compliance certifications.

Failing to back up Entra ID exposes organizations to significant risks:

  • Prolonged Downtime: Without backups, recovering from data loss can take days or weeks, disrupting business operations.
  • Financial Losses: Downtime, ransom payments, or regulatory fines can result in substantial costs.
  • Data Loss: Permanent loss of critical identity data, such as user accounts or policies, may be unrecoverable after Microsoft’s 30-day retention period.
  • Reputation Damage: Inability to restore access quickly can erode customer and employee trust.

Compliance Violations: Lack of recoverable data may lead to non-compliance with industry regulations, risking penalties.

Third-party backup solutions offer advanced features that complement and extend native Entra ID capabilities:

  • Granular Recovery: Restore individual objects, such as a single user or policy, without affecting the entire tenant.
  • Long-Term Retention: Store backups for months or years to meet compliance or audit requirements.
  • Automated Scheduling: Eliminate manual processes with daily or incremental backups.
  • Cross-Tenant Recovery: Restore data to a different Entra ID tenant for added flexibility during recovery.
  • Enhanced Security: Provide encryption, secure storage, and role-based access controls for backups.
  • Simplified Management: Offer user-friendly dashboards and reporting to monitor backup status and recovery operations.

Popular third-party solutions include Veeam, AvePoint, SkyKick, and Spanning, each with tailored features for Entra ID backup and recovery.

Backup And Recovery Resources

Further reading on backup and recovery from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.

Written By Written By
Joel Witts
Joel Witts Content Director

Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.

He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.

He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.

Technical Review Technical Review
Laura Iannini
Laura Iannini Cybersecurity Analyst

Laura Iannini is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. With deep cybersecurity knowledge and strong research skills, she leads Expert Insights’ product testing team, conducting thorough tests of product features and in-depth industry analysis to ensure that Expert Insights’ product reviews are definitive and insightful.

Laura also carries out wider analysis of vendor landscapes and industry trends to inform Expert Insights’ enterprise cybersecurity buyers’ guides, covering topics such as security awareness training, cloud backup and recovery, email security, and network monitoring. Prior to working at Expert Insights, Laura worked as a Senior Information Security Engineer at Constant Edge, where she tested cybersecurity solutions, carried out product demos, and provided high-quality ongoing technical support.

Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.