How to Set the New Exchange Admin Center as Default in Microsoft 365
Question details
Administrators are unable to set the new Exchange Admin Center as their default interface and are continuously redirected to the classic version.
- Product
- Microsoft Exchange
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- An administrator is attempting to access and manage server settings through the Microsoft 365 Exchange admin center.
- Observed behavior
- The user is redirected to the Classic Exchange admin center. The option to set the new admin center as default is unavailable, and certain navigation items like 'Server' are missing from the left pane.
Ensure you are logging in with an account that has the necessary Exchange administrator permissions assigned in Microsoft 365.
Access the New Admin Center via Direct URL
Bypass the automatic redirect by using the direct URL for the new Exchange Admin Center, allowing you to manually set it as your default.
Sometimes, browser redirects or cached portal links force the Classic admin center to load. By accessing the new portal directly, you can access the toggle to update your default preference.
Open a supported web browser and navigate directly to admin.exchange.microsoft.com.
Enter your Microsoft 365 administrator credentials to log into the new Exchange Admin Center.
On the Home page of the new admin center, look at the right side of the screen for the 'Set as default' option.
Click the 'Set as default' toggle or button to ensure all future sessions open the new interface automatically.
Clear Browser Cache and Verify Roles
Resolve missing UI elements and persistent redirects by clearing your site data and confirming your administrative roles.
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Server' option missing from the left pane in the Exchange Admin Center?
The 'Server' option may be hidden if your account lacks the specific Exchange administrator permissions required to view it. Additionally, depending on whether you are in the classic or new admin center, navigation items might be grouped differently. Verify your role assignments in the Microsoft 365 admin center to resolve this.
How do I temporarily switch back to the Classic Exchange Admin Center?
If you need to perform a task not yet supported in the new interface, look for a 'Classic Exchange admin center' link typically located in the left navigation pane of the new Exchange Admin Center. Note that Microsoft is gradually phasing out the classic view.
Why does my browser keep redirecting me to the classic admin center despite changing the default?
Persistent redirects are often caused by outdated browser bookmarks or cached site data holding onto old session tokens. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or updating your bookmark to point directly to admin.exchange.microsoft.com, usually fixes the redirect loop.
