How to Assign Licenses in Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) enables administrators to manage user identities and their access to various Microsoft services. Assigning licenses is essential to ensuring users have the necessary tools and subscriptions. This guide walks through the steps to assign licenses in Microsoft Entra ID.

Prerequisites

Before assigning a license, ensure that you have the necessary permissions:

• Global Administrator, License Administrator, or User Administrator role in Microsoft Entra ID.
• Access to the Microsoft Entra admin center.
• Available licenses in your tenant.

Steps to Assign a License

1. Sign in to Microsoft Entra Admin Center

1. Go to Microsoft Entra admin center.
2. Sign in using an account with administrative privileges.

2. Navigate to Users

1. In the left-hand menu, select Identity > Users.
2. Locate and click on the user to whom you want to assign a license.

3. Assign a License

1. Under the Licenses & Apps section, click Assign licenses.
2. Select the license you want to assign.
3. Choose the specific services within the license that the user should have access to, if applicable.
4. Click Save to apply the changes.

4. Assign Licenses to Multiple Users (Bulk Assignment)

1. In the Users section, select multiple users by checking their names.
2. Click Assign licenses from the toolbar.
3. Choose the license you wish to assign.
4. Click Save to complete the assignment.

Managing License Assignments

• Removing a License: Navigate to the user’s profile, go to Licenses & Apps, uncheck the assigned license, and save the changes.
• Checking License Usage: In the Licenses section, you can track available and assigned licenses.
• Group-Based Licensing: Instead of assigning licenses individually, you can assign licenses to groups for automated license management.

Post-Assignment Considerations

• Ensure Sufficient Licenses: Verify that there are enough licenses available before assignment.
• Review License Requirements: Some services may require additional configurations or approvals.
• Monitor License Expiry: Keep track of license expirations to prevent service disruptions.

Conclusion

Assigning licenses in Microsoft Entra ID is a crucial task for managing user access to Microsoft services efficiently. Whether assigning licenses individually, in bulk, or through group-based licensing, following best practices ensures smooth operations and compliance.