Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser – Retrieve Application Owners (Users Only) Using Graph PowerShell

Managing application ownership in Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) is critical for security, accountability, and governance. The Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser cmdlet allows administrators to retrieve only user-based owners of an application, excluding groups.

This makes it especially useful when identifying human owners responsible for applications.

Cmdlet Syntax

Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser [-ApplicationId <String>]

Usage Examples

Example 1: Entering ApplicationID When Prompted by PS Console

Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser

👉 If -ApplicationId is not provided, PowerShell prompts you to enter it manually.

Example 2: Passing ApplicationID Parameter Directly

Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser -ApplicationID 12f4fcbb-30a0-4a23-a8a2-d4808507cf2e

👉 Retrieves all user owners of the specified application.

Example 3: Selecting Only Specific Application Owner Properties

Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser -ApplicationID 12f4fcbb-30a0-4a23-a8a2-d4808507cf2e | Select DisplayName, ID, UserPrincipalName

👉 Focuses on essential identity details for reporting and auditing.

Example 4: Exporting Application Owner Details to CSV

Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser | Export-CSV "d:/appowners_as_users.csv"

👉 Exports application owner details for documentation or compliance audits.

Cmdlet Tips

Returns Only User Owners	This cmdlet filters out groups and returns only user-based owners.
Ideal for Ownership Accountability	Helps identify real individuals responsible for applications.
Use Select for Clean Output	Limit output to relevant fields: ... | Select DisplayName, UserPrincipalName
Combine with Other Cmdlets	Use alongside: Get-MgApplicationOwner → returns all owners Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsServicePrincipal → returns app/service principal owners
Permissions Required	Ensure you have: • Application.Read.All • Directory.Read.All

Use Cases

Application Ownership Audit	Identify all users responsible for managing applications
Security & Compliance Checks	Ensure applications have valid and active user owners.
Orphaned App Detection	Detect applications with no user owners.
Access Governance	Validate ownership assignments for sensitive or high-privilege apps.
Reporting & Documentation	Export ownership data for audits and reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser cmdlet return?	It returns only user objects that are owners of the specified application.
Does Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser include groups?	❌ No ✔️ Only user owners are returned.
How is Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser different from Get-MgApplicationOwner?	• Get-MgApplicationOwner → returns all owners • Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser → returns only user owners

Possible Errors & Solutions

Error	Cause	Solution
Insufficient privileges to complete the operation	Missing required Graph API permissions.	Connect-MgGraph -Scopes "Application.Read.All","Directory.Read.All"
Resource not found	Invalid ApplicationId.	Verify application ID using: Get-MgApplication | Select DisplayName,Id
No results returned	No user owners assigned Only service principals are owners	Check all owners using: Get-MgApplicationOwner -ApplicationId <ApplicationId>
Access Denied	Insufficient directory permissions.	Ensure admin consent is granted for required scopes.

Conclusion

The Get-MgApplicationOwnerAsUser cmdlet is an essential tool for administrators who need clear visibility into human ownership of applications in Microsoft Entra ID. By isolating user-based owners, it simplifies accountability, auditing, and governance tasks.