How to Recover a Forgotten Azure Development Tenant Administrator Account
Question details
The user needs to recover the administrator account credentials for an Azure or Intune development tenant.
- Product
- Microsoft Azure and Intune
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user has lost the password and potentially the email address associated with their development tenant administrator account.
- Observed behavior
- Access to the development tenant, enrolled devices, and tenant settings is completely blocked due to the lost credentials.
Gather any available screenshots showing your domain name, subscription type, user count, and remaining trial time, as these will be critical for proving ownership.
Use the Microsoft Account Recovery Process
This is the primary method if you still know the email address linked to the admin account and can access its inbox or alternate verification methods.
Go to the standard Microsoft Account password reset page in your web browser.
Input the email address or username associated with your Azure or Intune development tenant administrator account.
Choose an available recovery method, such as an alternate email address or phone number, to receive your account-recovery code.
Enter the verification code on the recovery page, then create and confirm a new password to regain access to your tenant.
Contact Microsoft Data Protection Support
Use this method if you originally used a temporary email address or no longer have access to the associated email account to receive a recovery code.
Manage Your IT Documentation with WPS Office
While recovering your Azure or Intune tenant, you can use WPS Office to safely document and manage your IT infrastructure, subscription details, and recovery evidence. It is a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office featuring a familiar user interface.
- 1. Install the software: Download and install WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Create an IT documentation file: Open a new Document or Spreadsheet to securely record your tenant configuration, domain names, and recovery emails.
- 3. Save in standard formats: Save your documentation in standard .docx or .xlsx formats to ensure full compatibility with Microsoft Office users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my development tenant if I used a disposable email address?
Yes, but you cannot use the automated password reset. You will need to contact Microsoft Data Protection support and provide strong proof of ownership, such as exact domain names, subscription details, and setup screenshots.
What happens to my enrolled Intune devices if I lose tenant access?
Your enrolled devices will continue to function normally based on their last applied policies. However, you will not be able to deploy new policies, apps, or perform remote wipes until administrator access is restored.
How can I prevent losing access to my tenant in the future?
Always configure at least two global administrator accounts (commonly called a 'break-glass' account) and ensure they are tied to permanent, secure email addresses and phone numbers.
