Cannot login to Azure Portal because my Tenant ID Expired

Krishna Gera 0 Reputation points
2026-04-21T05:47:26.6833333+00:00

I recently qualified for Microsoft Startups Program and am all set to receive $10,000 in Azure Credits

When redeeming those credits, I entered my microsoft email (had been inactive for almost an year). It said that once I choose this email, I cannot change it and I chose it.

Then, when trying to login to the azure portal to complete signup and redeem the credits, it said my tenant ID has expired hence I cannot login to Azure.

I checked my outlook and my tenant ID has been inactive since December last year.

Any idea how can I maybe create a new tenant ID (I cannot login to Azure, so I don't know how to get there?) so that I can redeem my credits

Azure | Azure Startups
Azure | Azure Startups

Startups: Companies that are in their initial stages of business and typically developing a business model and seeking financing.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-04-21T05:47:57.3466667+00:00

    The tenant tied to the Microsoft account used for the Microsoft for Startups credits has become inaccessible due to inactivity. When a tenant is blocked with error AADSTS5000225: This tenant has been blocked due to inactivity, there are only two supported paths, depending on timing:

    1. If the inactive tenant is less than 20 days into the blocked state
      The tenant can still be reactivated:
      1. Have the tenant administrator (the same Microsoft account that activated the Azure credits / free account) contact Microsoft support. Use the global support phone numbers as documented.
      2. Request reactivation of the tenant that is returning AADSTS5000225.
      3. Do not open multiple tickets; wait for the decision on that case.
      4. Once reactivated, sign in again to the Azure portal and complete the Azure sponsorship setup for the Microsoft for Startups credits.
    2. If the tenant has been blocked for more than 20 days
      After 20 days in the inaccessible state, the tenant is deleted and cannot be recovered:
      • The blocked tenant and its Entra ID directory are permanently removed.
      • That tenant cannot be used to complete Azure sign‑up or redeem credits.
      • In this case, work with Microsoft for Startups support to move the sponsorship entitlement to a different account/tenant:
        • Follow the guidance to submit a support ticket to the Microsoft for Startups Program Support Team to request an entitlement transfer if the original account/tenant cannot be used. The program support team can help identify the account used and assist with moving credits when necessary.
    3. Creating or using a new tenant
      If the old tenant cannot be reactivated (for example, it is past the 20‑day window), a new Entra ID tenant can be created and used going forward:
    4. Sign in with the Microsoft account (MSA) that will own the startup’s Azure environment and credits (for example, the founder’s personal Microsoft account).
    5. In the Entra admin center (https://entra.microsoft.com), go to Entra ID → Overview → Manage tenants and create a new tenant for the company.
    6. After the new tenant exists, sign in to the Azure portal using that tenant context and complete Azure sign‑up.
    7. If the credits are still tied to the old, inactive tenant/account, request an entitlement transfer via Microsoft for Startups Program Support so that the Azure Sponsorship subscription is associated with the new tenant.
    8. Key points specific to Microsoft for Startups credits
    • The Azure credit offer is always issued to an individual and tied to that person’s Microsoft Account (MSA).
    • The MSA that activated the credits becomes the owner of an Entra tenant and an Azure Sponsorship subscription.
    • If that tenant becomes inaccessible due to inactivity, the only supported recovery is via Microsoft support within the 20‑day window.
    • If the original tenant cannot be recovered, the credits may need to be moved via entitlement transfer initiated with the Microsoft for Startups Program Support Team.

    Action plan:

    1. Determine how long the tenant has been blocked (from the AADSTS5000225 state).
    2. If under 20 days, immediately contact Microsoft support (global phone numbers) and request tenant reactivation.
    3. If over 20 days, create a new tenant and open a support request with Microsoft for Startups Program Support to transfer the sponsorship/credits to a usable tenant.

    References:

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