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Microsoft Education Solution Guide – FAQ

Getting started

How do I start with Microsoft Education Solution Guide and choose the right track?

Here's a step-by-step approach:

  1. Verify academic eligibility for Microsoft Education subscriptions.
  2. Identify your license tier:
    • A1 (Baseline): Tier with essential services
    • A3 (Standard): Adds advanced identity, security, and device management
    • A5 (Advanced): Complete security, compliance, and analytics suite
  3. Follow the deployment sequence
    • Baseline → Standard → Advanced (each phase builds on the previous)
    • Complete all sections within each phase:
      • Setup (Tenant Configuration)
      • Identity
      • Applications
      • Security and Compliance
      • Devices

Start here: Microsoft Education Solution Guide overview

Note

Articles for Standard (A3) or Advanced (A5) licenses only include configuration steps specific to that license. However, each license also provides all features from the lower-level licenses, even though those steps aren't repeated in the higher license articles.

Licensing and features

Where can I compare A1, A3, and A5 for Education?

Use Microsoft 365 Education licenses.

Identity and user management

How do I set up School Data Sync (SDS)?

School Data Sync (SDS) is a free service for education that syncs Student Information System (SIS) data with Microsoft 365.

See:

How do I sync my on-premises Active Directory?

After you secure and configure your network, you're ready to sync your on-premises Active Directory with Microsoft 365. This step is crucial for managing your users and groups in one place. First, choose the right authentication method for your Microsoft Entra hybrid identity solution. Then, install Microsoft Entra Connect Sync or configure Active Directory Federated Services (ADFS).

Devices and Intune for Education

How do I set up shared classroom devices quickly? How do I use Intune for Education?

Use Phase 1 - Baseline (A1) Devices Deployment Guide and Phase 2 - Standard (A3) Devices Deployment Guide for streamlined provisioning.

Core Apps: OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, Viva

What’s the best practice for OneDrive and SharePoint security in EDU?

See Configure security and access control in OneDrive and SharePoint for education.

AI and Copilot in Education

How do I enable or restrict AI features for classrooms?

See Manage Microsoft 365 for Education AI Features.

Accessibility and inclusive learning

Where can I find accessibility guidance?

Explore Create an inclusive classroom with Microsoft accessibility tools.