Introduction

In the world of Microsoft 365, ensuring efficient mailbox delegation is crucial for a seamless workflow. However, many users encounter the frustrating issue of being unable to find a specific user when attempting to add them as a delegate to a mailbox. This problem can occur when trying to grant "Send as" or "Read and Manage (Full Access)" permissions. If you're facing this issue, don't worry; there's a solution. In this article, we will guide you on how to address the "Cannot Find Mailbox in the List of Available Users to Add to Mailbox Delegates" problem.

Understanding the Issue

When you cannot find a user in the list of available users to add as a delegate, there are a few potential reasons. One common cause is that the user may not exist in your Microsoft 365 environment. However, this issue can also arise when dealing with a "shared mailbox." Shared mailboxes, by default, cannot be added as delegates to other mailboxes. To resolve this, you must convert the shared mailbox to a regular mailbox.

Solving the Problem

Follow these steps to convert a shared mailbox to a regular mailbox and resolve the issue:

1. Access the Exchange Admin Center: Open your web browser and navigate to the Microsoft 365 admin panel at admin.microsoft.com. Scroll down to the "Admin Centers" section and select "Exchange" from the list. This will take you to the Exchange Admin Center.

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   At the Microsoft 365 portal, scroll down to Exchange

   

   Click on the Exchange Admin Center Link labeled Exchange

2. Locate the User's Mailbox: In the Exchange Admin Center, find the user whose mailbox you want to convert to a regular mailbox. Click on their mailbox to access the settings.
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4. Access the "Others" Tab: Once you've selected the user's mailbox, navigate to the "Others" tab within settings.
5. Convert to Regular Mailbox: Under the "Others" tab, you'll see an option to "Convert to regular mailbox." Click on this option to initiate the conversion process.
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7. Adding Users to Delegations: After successfully converting the mailbox to a regular one, you can now add the user as a delegate to other mailboxes without any issues.

Conclusion

In summary, when you encounter the "Cannot Find Mailbox in the List of Available Users to Add to Mailbox Delegates" issue in Microsoft 365, it's important to understand that shared mailboxes cannot be added as delegates. To solve this problem, you must convert the shared mailbox to a regular mailbox. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure smooth delegation and collaboration within your organization.

Don't let technical hiccups impede your productivity. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can overcome common Microsoft 365 challenges and enjoy a more seamless work experience. Contact our Microsoft 365 consultants today!