User Was Deleted by Mistake? Restore Deleted User

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#entra id

In Microsoft Entra ID, deleted users are not immediately permanently removed.

Instead, they are moved into a Deleted users state, where they can be restored within the retention period.

This allows recovery of accidentally deleted accounts without recreating everything manually.

Open Deleted Users

Go to:

Entra ID > Users > Deleted users

This view shows user accounts that are currently available for restoration.

Microsoft Entra Deleted users page showing deleted accounts available for restoration

Find the Deleted User

In the deleted users list:

  • search for the user, for example John Doe
  • select the account

You will see:

  • user identity information
  • restore option

Restore User

Select:

Restore user

This action:

  • recreates the user object
  • restores the original User Principal Name, if available
  • restores group memberships, if still valid
  • reactivates the identity in Entra ID

Microsoft Entra Deleted users page showing the Restore user action button

After Restore

Once restored:

  • user can regain access to Microsoft services
  • sign-in becomes possible again
  • previous assignments may need verification

Result

After restore:

  • user is active again in Entra ID
  • identity is recovered without full recreation
  • business impact is minimized