How to Update a User’s Name, Username, and Email Address in Microsoft Entra ID & Microsoft 365
Overview This guide outlines the recommended process for updating a user’s display name, username (UPN), and primary email address in Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 after a legal name change. This process ensures proper identity synchronization, email continuity, and minimal user disruption.
1. Update the User’s Basic Profile Information in Microsoft Entra
- Go to https://entra.microsoft.com
- Navigate to **Users → All users → select the user**
- Edit and update: Display Name, First Name, Last Name
- Save changes
2. Update the Username (User Principal Name – UPN)
- Open the user in Entra admin center
- Under **Identity**, select **Edit** next to Username
- Change from oldlastname@domain.com to newlastname@domain.com
- Save changes
3. Update the Primary Email Address in Microsoft 365 Admin Center
- Go to https://admin.microsoft.com
- Navigate to **Users → Active users → select the same user**
- Under **Mail**, edit **Email aliases**
- Add the new email address and set it as **Primary**
- Keep the old email address as a secondary alias to avoid mail flow issues
4. Notify the User and Allow Time for Propagation
- Sync typically completes within 5–30 minutes
- User should sign out and sign back into all Microsoft 365 services
Refresh Teams, Outlook, and mobile authentications
Additional Notes for Domain-Joined or Hybrid Environments
- For Azure AD Joined or Entra Joined devices: A simple sign-out and sign-in will refresh credentials.
- For Hybrid environments: Name changes must originate from on-prem Active Directory and sync to Entra via Azure AD Connect.