Microsoft Entra ID · M365 Workloads & Services
Search Administrator
Can create and manage all aspects of Microsoft Search settings including bookmarks, Q&A, and locations.
Scope: Full administrative control over Microsoft Search configuration and content
Permissions
- Manage Microsoft Search settings
- Create and manage bookmarks
- Manage Q&A content
- Configure location settings
- Manage floor plans
- View search analytics
Common use cases
- Search experience optimization
- Bookmark management for key resources
- Q&A content curation
- Floor plan configuration
- Search analytics review
Best practices
- Create bookmarks for common queries
- Curate helpful Q&A content
- Review search analytics regularly
- Optimize for user intent
- Coordinate with knowledge managers
Security considerations
- Search results respect permissions
- Bookmarks may expose internal resources
- Consider search result visibility
Common questions
When should I assign the Search Administrator role?
Assign Search Administrator when you need to: Search experience optimization; Bookmark management for key resources; Q&A content curation; Floor plan configuration; and Search analytics review. 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 Search Administrator role do?
The Search Administrator role grants permissions including: Manage Microsoft Search settings; Create and manage bookmarks; Manage Q&A content; Configure location settings; Manage floor plans; and View search analytics. See the Permissions section above for the full list.
What are the security risks of the Search Administrator role?
Key considerations when assigning Search Administrator: Search results respect permissions; Bookmarks may expose internal resources; and Consider search result visibility. Review the Security considerations section before assignment, and pair with Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for just-in-time access where possible.