# Run a Directory Synchronization Manually

Directory synchronization normally runs on a schedule, but you can also start it yourself at any time. A manual run is useful in two situations:

- You just created or changed a synchronization rule and want to apply it right away instead of waiting.
- Recent changes in Active Directory (AD), the Windows directory service Cloud Voice reads from, need to reach Cloud Voice immediately.

:::note
This runs the sync one time on demand. It does not change your automatic schedule: the next scheduled synchronization still happens as configured. To adjust when the automatic sync runs, see [Schedule automatic directory synchronization](/pbx/integrations/ad/schedule-automatic-directory-synchronization/).
:::

## Start a sync

1. Sign in to the Cloud Voice admin portal and open **Integrations > Collaboration**.
2. Under **Basic**, select **Update Now**.

   :::note
   **Basic** is the top section of the Collaboration page, where the connection and sync schedule live. **Update Now** triggers a single synchronization immediately, using the current Active Directory data and your saved sync rules.
   :::

:::caution
A manual sync writes the current Active Directory state into Cloud Voice. Because the sync is one-way (AD is the source of truth), any local edits you made to synced users, organizational units, or groups can be overwritten. If you need a local change to hold, [pause synchronization](/pbx/integrations/ad/pause-active-directory-synchronization/) first.
:::

## Result

Cloud Voice runs the directory synchronization a single time, bringing your account in line with the current Active Directory data.