Microsoft Entra ID · Reporting & Knowledge

Knowledge Administrator

Can configure knowledge, learning, and intelligent features including Microsoft Viva Topics, Learning, and search customizations.

Scope: Administrative control over knowledge management, learning, and intelligent discovery features

Permissions

  • Configure Microsoft Viva Topics
  • Manage Viva Learning sources
  • Configure knowledge network settings
  • Manage topic centers
  • Configure search customizations
  • Manage organizational insights

Common use cases

  • Viva Topics configuration
  • Learning content source management
  • Knowledge network governance
  • Search experience customization
  • Organizational insights configuration

Best practices

  • Define topic taxonomy governance
  • Curate high-quality learning sources
  • Review AI-suggested topics regularly
  • Configure appropriate topic visibility
  • Measure knowledge engagement

Security considerations

  • Topics may surface sensitive content
  • Learning content needs review
  • Knowledge graphs can reveal organizational structure
  • Configure appropriate access controls

Common questions

When should I assign the Knowledge Administrator role?

Assign Knowledge Administrator when you need to: Viva Topics configuration; Learning content source management; Knowledge network governance; Search experience customization; and Organizational insights configuration. It is part of Microsoft Entra ID and should be granted as a least-privilege alternative to broader roles like Global Administrator.

What can someone with the Knowledge Administrator role do?

The Knowledge Administrator role grants permissions including: Configure Microsoft Viva Topics; Manage Viva Learning sources; Configure knowledge network settings; Manage topic centers; Configure search customizations; and Manage organizational insights. See the Permissions section above for the full list.

What are the security risks of the Knowledge Administrator role?

Key considerations when assigning Knowledge Administrator: Topics may surface sensitive content; Learning content needs review; Knowledge graphs can reveal organizational structure; and Configure appropriate access controls. Review the Security considerations section before assignment, and pair with Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for just-in-time access where possible.

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