How to Check Mailboxes in Sync with Microsoft 365

Ensuring that mailboxes are successfully synchronized during a migration to Microsoft 365 is a crucial step for IT administrators. For environments with thousands of mailboxes, identifying which mailboxes are already in sync and which require further action helps streamline the migration process. This article provides a step-by-step guide to check mailbox synchronization status and troubleshoot any issues, ensuring a smooth transition to the cloud.

Why Check Mailbox Sync Status?

Mailbox synchronization is critical to:

• Identify mailboxes successfully migrated to M365.
• Pinpoint mailboxes that are pending migration or facing issues.
• Prioritize and plan subsequent migration tasks efficiently.

By regularly monitoring synchronization status, administrators can maintain migration efficiency and address problems proactively.

Methods to Check Mailboxes in Sync with M365

There are two primary ways to check the mailbox synchronization status: through the Exchange Admin Center (EAC) and PowerShell. Let’s explore both methods in detail.

1. Use the Exchange Admin Center (EAC)

The Exchange Admin Center provides a graphical interface to monitor mailbox migration and synchronization.

Steps to Check Sync Status in EAC:

1. Access the Migration Section:
   • Log in to the Exchange Admin Center.
   • Navigate to Recipients > Migration.
2. View Migration Batches:
   • Locate and select the migration batch you wish to monitor.
   • Click on the batch name to open detailed information.
3. Review Mailbox Statuses:
   • The EAC displays the status of mailboxes in the batch:
     • Synced: Mailbox successfully synchronized.
     • In Progress: Mailbox is currently being migrated.
     • Failed: Mailbox encountered issues during synchronization.

2. Use PowerShell for Detailed Insights

For large-scale environments, PowerShell offers advanced capabilities to filter, sort, and export synchronization data efficiently.

Key PowerShell Commands:

• List All Migration Batches and Their Statuses:

Get-MigrationBatch | Select-Object Identity, Status

This command provides an overview of all migration batches and their current statuses.

• Check Mailbox Sync Status in a Specific Batch:

Get-MigrationUserStatistics -BatchId <BatchName> | Select-Object Identity, Status, PercentComplete

Replace <BatchName> with the name of the migration batch. The output includes mailbox identity, current status, and percentage of completion.

• List Synced Mailboxes Only:

Get-MigrationUserStatistics -BatchId <BatchName> | Where-Object {$_.Status -eq "Synced"} | Select-Object Identity

• Identify Pending or Failed Mailboxes:

Get-MigrationUserStatistics -BatchId <BatchName> | Where-Object {$_.Status -ne "Synced"} | Select-Object Identity, Status

• Export Sync Status to CSV for Analysis:

Get-MigrationUserStatistics -BatchId <BatchName> | Select-Object Identity, Status, PercentComplete | Export-Csv -Path "C:\MailboxSyncStatus.csv" -NoTypeInformation

This command creates a CSV file containing synchronization details for further analysis in spreadsheet applications.

Common Issues and Resolutions

1. Migration Endpoint Errors

• Cause: Incorrect migration endpoint configuration.
• Solution:
  • Verify the migration endpoint settings in the EAC.
  • Test connectivity using the Microsoft Remote Connectivity Analyzer.

2. Stuck Migration Batches

• Cause: Network disruptions or large mailbox sizes.
• Solution:
  • Restart the migration batch:

Start-MigrationBatch -Identity <BatchName>

• Verify available network bandwidth and retry.

3. Missing Mailbox Data

• Cause: Incomplete synchronization.
• Solution:
  • Manually trigger a delta sync:

Sync-MigrationBatch -Identity <BatchName>

4. Failed Mailboxes

• Cause: Permission issues or configuration mismatches.
• Solution:
  • Review error logs for specific details.
  • Ensure the migration account has adequate permissions.
  • Restart migration for affected mailboxes:

Start-MigrationUser -Identity <Mailbox>

Best Practices for Mailbox Synchronization

• Pre-Migration Validation: Confirm all prerequisites are met before starting the migration.
• Batch Strategy: Migrate mailboxes in smaller batches to minimize errors and improve manageability.
• Monitor Regularly: Use both the EAC and PowerShell to monitor migration progress in real time.
• Communicate with Users: Inform users about migration schedules and potential temporary disruptions.
• Post-Migration Checks: Validate data integrity and ensure all mailboxes are functioning correctly in Office 365.

Key PowerShell Commands Reference Table

Conclusion

Monitoring mailbox synchronization during an Microsoft 365 migration is vital for a seamless transition. By leveraging the Exchange Admin Center and PowerShell, administrators can gain detailed insights into synchronization statuses, resolve issues promptly, and ensure a smooth migration process.

Struggling with mailbox migrations? Contact Medha Cloud for expert assistance in managing M365 migrations, hybrid deployments, and beyond. Let us help you achieve a hassle-free migration experience.

Reach us at:

• India: +91 93536 44646
• US: +1 646 775 2855
• Website: www.medhacloud.com
• Email: info@medhacloud.com