How to Replace a SharePoint Site Owner or Administrator
Question details
The user needs to assign a new administrator for a SharePoint site, particularly in situations where the sole site owner has left the organization.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint / Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A primary SharePoint site owner is no longer with the organization, leaving the site without administrative management.
- Observed behavior
- A Microsoft 365 or SharePoint administrator must intervene via the admin center to manually grant site ownership and administrative rights to a new user.
Ensure you have SharePoint Administrator or Global Administrator privileges in Microsoft 365, as these permissions are required to modify site ownership.
Update Site Administrators via the SharePoint Admin Center
Use the active sites management panel in the SharePoint Admin Center to manually add a new site administrator.
When a site owner leaves the organization, their account is often disabled or deleted. To regain control over the site's permissions, document libraries, and settings, an organizational admin must assign a new site administrator directly from the backend.
Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin portal with your administrator credentials and navigate to the SharePoint Admin Center.
In the left-hand navigation pane, click on 'Sites' and then select 'Active sites' to view a complete list of your organization's SharePoint sites.
Locate and click on the specific site that requires a new administrator. A details panel will slide out on the right side of your screen.
In the site details panel, click on the 'Permissions' tab, then select 'Manage additional admins' (or 'Site admins' depending on your view).
Enter the email address or name of the new administrator, select their profile from the directory dropdown, and click 'Save' to apply the changes.
Looking for a Lightweight Office Solution? Try WPS Office
While Microsoft 365 and SharePoint handle your organization's backend site management, WPS Office provides a fast, free, and highly compatible suite for creating and editing your daily documents. Enjoy a familiar interface and seamless formatting without the heavy subscription costs.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Download WPS Office Free'.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the brief on-screen instructions.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents with perfect format retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a standard SharePoint member change the site owner?
No. Standard members do not have the necessary permission levels to change site ownership. This action requires either an existing Site Owner or a SharePoint/Global Administrator using the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
What happens to the SharePoint site if the only owner's account is deleted?
The SharePoint site and its data remain intact. However, no one will be able to manage site-level permissions or settings until a SharePoint Administrator assigns a new owner via the Admin Center.
How do I find out who my organization's Microsoft 365 Administrator is?
You can typically find your administrator by checking your company's internal IT directory, contacting your IT helpdesk, or looking at the support contact details in your Microsoft 365 account profile.
