Why can’t I have Admin access to my Computer/Microsoft 365?

We get it – it’s your computer and your Microsoft 365 tenant/data, so on the surface it makes sense to feel entitled to full Admin access. But there are a couple of important reasons why IT providers typically don’t grant ongoing admin rights, at least not permanently.

Yes, Security

As a Managed IT Provider, our clients engage us to manage their IT systems, which includes ensuring the security and stability of those services. And the most effective way to do that is to limit what an attacker could achieve in the event of a virus, ransomware infection, or remote compromise.

Too often, we see unmanaged or self-managed clients fall victim to cyberattacks due to weak passwords or by unknowingly clicking a malicious link in an email. For clients without Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enabled, the risks are even greater. The fallout from these situations, both personally and for a business, can be devastating. For example:

* Your email account being hijacked to send spam to customers, business partners, or even family members
* Fake invoices being sent to customers with altered bank account details
* Stolen passwords being reused to access other online accounts and services
* Sensitive personal or business data being encrypted for ransom, and potentially leaked online
* Bank transfers or payments being intercepted and redirected
* Identity theft, including new credit cards or loans opened in your name
* And unfortunately, the list goes on…

IT providers often don’t enjoy recovering clients’ devices and accounts after a malicious attack – prevention is a far better approach. That’s why we talk so much about enabling MFA, using strong passwords, practicing proper password management, and limiting what your everyday user account can access. These controls aren’t about restricting you unnecessarily, they’re enforced (or strongly encouraged) with your security and business continuity in mind.

The Financial side

Security isn’t the only factor at play. There are also financial risks tied to license management. For example, with Microsoft 365 licenses:

If a client were to go into administration, or lock us (the provider) out and refuse to pay their accounts, Microsoft holds us liable for any licenses under contract. That’s why many IT providers are moving away from offering licenses under contract altogether, or they require the full annual cost to be paid up front.

For clients who prefer to take that responsibility on themselves, it’s always possible to purchase Microsoft 365 licensing directly from Microsoft. However, this does limit what your IT provider can manage on your behalf, and it often means losing out on the proactive support and monitoring that comes with a managed service.

In Summary

Restricting admin access isn’t about taking control away from you, it’s about protecting your data, your business, and your financial well-being. By limiting risks, enforcing security best practices, and ensuring accountability around licensing, your IT provider can give you peace of mind knowing that your systems are secure, resilient, and positioned to support your business long term.