Password & Account Recovery

How to Assign a New Microsoft 365 Administrator When the Admin Leaves

Ayan Masood Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The sole Microsoft 365 administrator for a company has left without handing over the admin credentials, locking the company out of admin features and support.

How to Assign a New Microsoft 365 Administrator When the Admin Leaves

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The company's only administrator left without assigning a replacement.
Observed behavior: Users are unable to access Microsoft Support, perform password recovery, or manage the organization's Microsoft 365 environment.

Before you start

Gather your organization's subscription details, billing information, official company phone number, and an alternative email address before contacting support.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact Microsoft 365 Business Support by Phone

Since the only admin left, you must contact Microsoft Data Protection Support directly by phone to verify your organization's identity and regain access.

Because admin access involves highly sensitive organizational data, Microsoft requires direct phone verification. This cannot be resolved through online forums or automated password resets if the recovery methods were tied to the departed employee.

Find the Support Number

Locate the official Microsoft 365 business support phone number specific to your country or region.

Call Support

Call the support number and navigate the automated menu to reach the Data Protection or Account Recovery team.

Provide Verification Details

Provide your company name, billing information, and subscription details to the support agent.

Verify Ownership

Follow the agent's instructions to verify ownership using your organization's phone number or an alternate official email address.

Assign New Admin

Once verified, the agent will assign the global admin role to a new, designated user account in your organization.

Contact Microsoft 365 Business Support by Phone

Verification Process: The data protection team may take a few days to fully verify your business identity and process the admin change to ensure security.

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version for your operating system.
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3. Open Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files to continue working seamlessly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the Microsoft 365 admin password online if I am not an admin?

No, standard users cannot reset the global administrator's password. You must contact Microsoft Support by phone to verify your company's identity and have them assign a new administrator.

What information is needed to prove ownership of the Microsoft 365 account?

You will need to provide subscription details, organization name, billing information (such as the credit card used for the subscription), and access to the official company phone number or alternate email.

How can I prevent losing admin access in the future?

It is highly recommended to have at least two Global Administrators assigned in your Microsoft 365 tenant. If one leaves or loses access, the other can manage the account and assign new roles.

Login & Account Issues