This tutorial shows exactly how to add a new user in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, from signing in to sharing login details with the user. Each step explains what you’ll see on screen and what to click.
Step 1: Sign In to Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Open a web browser
Sign in using your Microsoft 365 admin account
What You Should See
Microsoft sign-in page
After login, the Microsoft 365 Admin Center dashboard
If you don’t land on the admin dashboard, your account may not have admin permissions.
Step 2: Open the Active Users Page
What to Do
In the left navigation menu, click Users
Select Active users
Click Add a user at the top of the page
What You Should See
A list of existing users
An “Add a user” button that opens the user creation wizard
Step 3: Enter Basic User Information
What to Do
Fill in the required fields:
First name
Last name
Display name
Username (email address)
Select the correct domain (for example, @company.com)
What You Should See
A preview of the user’s email address
Username availability confirmed automatically
This email becomes the user’s sign-in ID across Microsoft 365.
Step 4: Set the User Password
What to Do
Choose one of the following:
Auto-generate password (recommended)
Create a custom password
Enable:
Require this user to change their password when they first sign in
What You Should See
Password settings panel
Password strength indicator if using a custom password
Step 5: Assign Microsoft 365 Licenses
What to Do
Select the country or region
Choose one or more Microsoft 365 licenses
Optionally turn individual apps on or off
What You Should See
Available licenses listed
Warning message if no licenses are available
If you don’t assign a license, the user will exist but won’t have access to Microsoft 365 services.
Step 6: Assign Optional Admin Roles (If Needed)
What to Do
Expand Roles
Assign only the role the user actually needs
Common roles:
User Administrator
Billing Administrator
Security Administrator
What You Should See
Role list with descriptions
Warning about elevated privileges
Avoid assigning Global Administrator unless absolutely necessary.
Step 7: Review and Create the User
What to Do
Review all entered details
Confirm username, licenses, and roles
Click Add user
What You Should See
Confirmation screen
Temporary password displayed
The user account is created immediately.
Step 8: Save and Share Login Details Securely
What to Do
Download or copy the temporary password
Share credentials securely with the user
Instruct them to sign in and change their password
What You Should See
Password summary screen
Option to close the wizard
Never send passwords through unsecured email or chat tools.
Step 9: Verify the User Was Added Successfully
What to Do
Return to Users → Active users
Search for the new user
Confirm license and status are correct
What You Should See
User listed as Active
License column populated
Optional: Bulk Add Users (CSV Method)
When to Use This
Onboarding multiple employees
Creating accounts for departments or projects
What You’ll Need
CSV file with user details
Available licenses
After You Add a User: Recommended Next Steps
Enable multi-factor authentication
Confirm sign-in works
Assign Teams, OneDrive, or SharePoint access if needed
Review security and conditional access policies
About Microsoft 365 Administration
Microsoft 365 is provided by Microsoft, and the Admin Center is the primary tool for managing users, licenses, and security across your organization.
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