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Fix Cannot Manage Distribution List Delegates in Microsoft 365
Question details
Users are unable to add, remove, or modify delegate permissions for specific distribution lists.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to update distribution list delegates using the Microsoft 365 admin center or PowerShell commands.
- Observed behavior
- An error appears stating 'Failed to update delegates at this moment. Please try after some time.' in both the admin center and PowerShell.
Ensure you are logged in with Exchange Administrator or Global Administrator credentials and have the exact email addresses of the affected distribution lists.
Contact Microsoft 365 Technical Support for Backend Investigation
Since the error occurs in both the graphical admin center and PowerShell, it indicates a backend synchronization or permissions issue that must be resolved by Microsoft support.
When standard administrative interfaces (like the Microsoft 365 admin center) and command-line tools (like PowerShell) both fail with a server-side error, the tenant's backend data may be corrupted or locked. Technical support needs to run diagnostics on the specific distribution lists from their end.
Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center and log in using an account with administrator privileges.
Click on the 'Support' icon located in the bottom right corner or select 'Help & support' from the left-hand navigation menu.
Describe your issue clearly. State that the error 'Failed to update delegates at this moment' appears in both Admin Center and PowerShell.
Include the specific names and email addresses of the affected distribution lists, and request a back-end investigation by the Exchange Online team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does PowerShell fail to update distribution list delegates?
PowerShell interacts with the same backend Exchange Online service as the admin center. If there is a server-side lock, synchronization issue, or temporary outage affecting those specific lists, PowerShell commands will return the same failure.
Can I resolve this issue without contacting Microsoft Support?
If the issue persists across both the admin center and PowerShell for an extended period, it typically requires a back-end fix by Microsoft. However, you can try waiting a few hours to see if it is a temporary server glitch before opening a ticket.
What permissions are required to manage distribution list delegates?
To add, remove, or modify delegates for an organization's distribution list, your account must be assigned the Global Administrator or Exchange Administrator role in Microsoft 365.
