Permission & Access Issues

Fix SharePoint Python get_by_email 404 User Not Found Error

Partner Editor Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The SharePoint Python client method get_by_email returns a 404 error when attempting to fetch a user, even though they appear in the SharePoint UI.

Fix SharePoint Python get_by_email 404 User Not Found Error

Product: Microsoft SharePoint (Python API)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Retrieving a Microsoft 365 user ID via the SharePoint Python client library to populate a Person or Group column.
Observed behavior: The API returns a 404 User Not Found error because the user has not yet been added to the site's local user information list.

Before you start

Ensure you have the appropriate site collection administrator or member permissions to add users to the SharePoint site directory programmatically.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the ensure_user Method Before Querying

Programmatically add the Microsoft 365 user to the local SharePoint site's user information list before attempting to retrieve their ID.

SharePoint site APIs query the local User Information List rather than the global Microsoft 365 directory. If a user has never visited or interacted with the specific site, they do not exist in this list. The `ensure-user` operation securely checks the global directory, adds the user to the local site, and returns the valid local user ID.

Call the ensure_user endpoint

In your Python script, replace the direct `get_by_email` call with the `ensure_user('user@domain.com')` method on your target site's web object.

Execute the client context query

Load the user object using your context variable and call `ctx.execute_query()` to commit the operation to the SharePoint server.

Retrieve the generated User ID

Once the execution is successful, extract the local user ID property from the returned object to use it for updating your Person or Group column.

Use the ensure_user Method Before Querying

Underlying REST API: If you are making direct REST calls rather than using a wrapper library, you can POST to the `_api/web/ensureuser` endpoint with the user's login name in the payload.

Solution 2

Consult the Microsoft Q&A Development Community

If you still encounter permissions or execution errors, seek assistance from specialized SharePoint development engineers.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Streamline Your Development Documentation with WPS Office

While SharePoint API integration requires specialized code-level fixes, managing your development documentation shouldn't require an expensive software subscription. WPS Office provides developers with a lightweight, fully-featured alternative to Microsoft Office.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
2. Run the quick installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the suite alongside your existing developer tools.
3. Open your files instantly: Double-click any existing Microsoft Office document to seamlessly view and edit it in WPS Office.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Easily document Python scripts, API endpoints, and troubleshooting steps in a familiar environment.Lightweight application size ensures fast loading times that won't bog down your development machine.Built-in PDF toolkit makes it easy to export and share technical documentation with your team.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I select the user in the SharePoint UI but not find them via the Python API?

The SharePoint web interface searches the global Microsoft 365 (Azure Active Directory) for users. However, standard site-level APIs query the local Site User Information List. Until a user interacts with the site or is explicitly added, they won't appear in the local API queries.

What is the REST equivalent of the ensure-user Python method?

The underlying REST endpoint is a POST request to `_api/web/ensureuser`. The payload must contain the `logonName` of the user. Once successful, it adds the user to the local site list and returns their new ID.

Which Python client library should I use for SharePoint?

The most widely recommended and maintained library for this purpose is the `Office365-REST-Python-Client`. It simplifies complex operations, including client context management, authentication, and user ensuring via `ctx.web.ensure_user()`.

Document & File Issues