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Samba vs Microsoft Entra ID: catalog facts
Samba	Microsoft Entra ID
Free Free and open source under the GNU GPL.	Paid Subscription service with a free trial.
Linux, Self-hosted	Web
Serves files and printers to Windows, macOS and Linux clients Can run as an Active Directory domain controller	Central cloud directory for user accounts Single sign-on to applications
Configuration can be complex, especially for AD roles Runs on Linux and Unix-like systems only	Cloud-only, tied to Microsoft's platform Aimed at organisations rather than individuals
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Hosted service
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
No account needed	Account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.