When user profiles in Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) are incomplete or outdated, it can be time-consuming to edit each account individually. With a bulk export and import, you can update all employee data in one action.

Permissions
Ensure you have at least the role of User Administrator or Global Administrator.

Tools

• Microsoft Entra portal

• Microsoft Excel or another CSV editor program

Step 1: Export current users

1. Go to Entra Admin Center → Users → All users.

2. Click on Download users → Download all users.

3. Select CSV and save the file locally.

Step 2: Make changes

1. Open the CSV file in Excel.

2. Edit the columns you wish to correct, for example:

   • displayName

   • givenName / surname

   • jobTitle

   • department

   • mobilePhone or other contact fields

3. Save the file again as CSV (UTF-8).

Step 3: Bulk import in Entra

1. In the Entra portal, go to Users → Bulk operations → Bulk update users.

2. Upload the modified CSV file.

3. Check the validation results. Errors are listed in a log file. Correct and re-upload if necessary.

Tips for a smooth update

• Consistent UPNs: do not change the userPrincipalName unless absolutely necessary; this can break SSO links.

• Test first: try with a subset (e.g., 5 users) before uploading the entire file.

• Audit and logging: use the Audit Logs in Entra to confirm changes have been applied.

Benefits

• Quick mass changes without PowerShell scripts.

• Suitable for HR-driven changes such as new job titles, departments, or mobile numbers.

Automatic synchronisation via Joinly

Manually exporting and importing is effective for a one-time correction, but structural updates are more efficiently handled with an HR integration. Joinly connects your HR system (e.g., AFAS, Nmbrs, or Visma) directly with Microsoft Entra.

New employees, job changes, and departure dates are automatically synchronised, including adjustments to groups and licences. This keeps your Entra directory always up to date without manual bulk actions and prevents discrepancies between HR and IT.