Account Security Problems

How to Take Control of a Microsoft 365 Account from an IT Provider

Natalie Taylor Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to regain administrative control of their Microsoft 365 organization from a former IT provider who originally created and managed the account.

How to Take Control of a Microsoft 365 Account from an IT Provider

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Transitioning IT management or recovering access from a previous IT provider who currently holds Global Administrator privileges.
Observed behavior: Control of the organization is restricted to administrator roles held by the former provider, and there is no general personal-account permissions page to override this.

Before you start

Check your current Microsoft 365 sign-in credentials to see if you already possess Global Administrator privileges, as this will determine the necessary recovery path.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove Provider Access Using Global Administrator Privileges

If you can sign in with a Global Administrator account, you can directly revoke the former IT provider's access and secure your organization.

Microsoft 365 organizational control depends entirely on administrator roles. By utilizing an existing Global Administrator account, you can swiftly take ownership without outside assistance.

Sign in to the Admin Center

Navigate to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center and log in using your active Global Administrator credentials.

Locate the Provider's Account

Go to the 'Users' section on the left navigation menu and select 'Active users'. Find the user account belonging to your former IT provider.

Revoke Administrator Roles

Click on the provider's username, navigate to 'Manage roles', and remove all administrative privileges by changing their role to 'User'. Alternatively, delete the account entirely if they no longer need access.

Update Security and Billing Information

Change the passwords for all remaining administrative accounts, review your organization's security settings, and ensure the billing information and recovery emails are updated to your own details.

Remove Provider Access Using Global Administrator Privileges

Account Secured: Once the provider's administrative roles are removed and passwords are changed, your organization is fully under your control.

Solution 2

Request Handover or Contact Microsoft Support

Use this approach if you do not have administrative access and the former IT provider still holds the sole Global Administrator account.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Simplify Your Document Management with WPS Office

Managing complex administrator roles and organizational setups in Microsoft 365 can be challenging. If you prefer a lightweight, easy-to-manage solution without IT provider lock-in, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative that offers full compatibility with your existing files.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free office suite for your Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
3. Open Your Existing Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files locally without worrying about complex account permissions.

Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsEasy self-management without complex organizational admin setupsBuilt-in PDF editing and secure cloud collaboration tools

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Global Administrator in Microsoft 365?

A Global Administrator is the highest level of administrative role in Microsoft 365. Users with this role have unrestricted access to all management features, including billing, password resets, domain configuration, and assigning roles to other users.

Can Microsoft Support bypass a former IT provider if they refuse to release the account?

Yes, but you will need to contact Microsoft 365 Data Protection and Support directly. They will require strict proof of business ownership, such as tax records, official registration documents, or domain ownership proof, before they can transfer administrative control.

Why can't I manage organization permissions from my personal account page?

Microsoft 365 organizations are governed by specific administrative roles assigned within the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, rather than a general personal-account settings page. Only users explicitly granted admin roles can alter organization-wide access and security settings.