Microsoft Learn Sandbox - Getting different errors when logging in using different browsers

Question

Microsoft Learn Sandbox - Getting different errors when logging in using different browsers

Ali Al-Nuaimi 30

Greetings all,

I work using MacBook Air M Chip and trying to access the Sandbox through Azure Fundamentals Learn modules (Exercise - Explore the Learn sandbox) . When I try running the Sandbox from my Firefox browser, I get the following error message: "Selected user account does not exist in tenant 'Microsoft Services' and cannot access the application '18fbca16-2224-45f6-85b0-f7bf2b39b3f3' in that tenant. The account needs to be added as an external user in the tenant first. Please use a different account." Error on Firefox.png

However, when I tried the same thing in Google Chrome browser, I get the following error: "Sorry, but we’re having trouble signing you in.AADSTS500200: User account '[myemail]@outlook.com' is a personal Microsoft account. Personal Microsoft accounts are not supported for this application unless explicitly invited to an organization. Try signing out and signError on Firefox.pnging back in with an organizational account. Error on Chrome.png

When I try to click "view" on Manage Microsoft Entra ID to mange my directory and access, I get the 'No Access' page. no access.png

When clicking on "Switch directory" from Azure portal, I get the following page and the directory ID starts with 604c1504-c6a3-4080-81aa- Directory ID.png

I would appreciate it if I could get step by step solution guide to solve all the problems above.

Regards,

AA

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Answer 1

TP 145.2K Volunteer Moderator

Hi Ali,

In regards to the error you received when navigating to Microsoft Entra ID in the portal, this is expected, because your permission to the Microsoft Learn Sandbox directory is limited. and doesn't include rights to view/manage Entra ID.

Please try my workaround below and let me know if you have any issues.

You should be able to work around the issue by first Activating the sandbox (solving puzzles, reviewing permissions, etc.) and then once you see the sign-in box appear on the right open a new browser tab. In this new tab, browse to https://shell.azure.com. If your existing sandbox hasn't expired you can use that instead of activating a new one.

When prompted, click Bash (The exercise uses PowerShell and Bash. You can switch between them using button at top of cloud shell window)

User's image

Next choose No storage account required, for Subscription select Concierge Subscription, and click Apply.

User's image

After several seconds delay while a cloud shell is requested and connected to, you should see $ prompt. At this point you can complete the exercises instructions, copy/paste code from exercise tab to cloud shell tab as needed, etc.

Please click Accept Answer and upvote if the above was helpful.

Thanks.

-TP

Ali Al-Nuaimi 30 Reputation points

2025-03-04T18:26:34.9266667+00:00

Hi @TP,

Thank you very much for proposing an alternative solution to the issue I am facing. I truly appreciate it. But it doesn't solve the major issue of not having the CLI in the right half of the page.

Regarding the solution you proposed, I would like to mention you don't need to "first activate the Sandbox (solving puzzles, reviewing permissions, etc.) and then once you see the sign-in box appear on the right open a new browser tab".
You can just go ahead and straight open https://shell.azure.com in a new tab and start using the Azure Cloud Shell.

However, that still doesn't solve the core issue that I believe need fixing by Microsoft Learn team.
I believe if a user can use the Azure cloud Shell on the Azure portal, then there should not be any issue running it in Microsoft Learn portal.

Thank you very much though for suggesting the workaround. I truly appreciate it.

Regards,
Ali
TP 145.2K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-03-04T18:51:29.4766667+00:00

Thank you very much for proposing an alternative solution to the issue I am facing. I truly appreciate it. But it doesn't solve the major issue of not having the CLI in the right half of the page.

You are welcome.

You are correct, but the exercise can be accomplished by copy/pasting into separate tab. The sandbox exercises have been malfunctioning for many weeks now. Microsoft is aware of it, but has given no estimate of when it will be fixed.

It is always an option for people to wait indefinitely for the sandbox to start working again instead of using my workaround and continuing with the exercises.

Regarding the solution you proposed, I would like to mention you don't need to "first activate the Sandbox (solving puzzles, reviewing permissions, etc.) and then once you see the sign-in box appear on the right open a new browser tab". You can just go ahead and straight open https://shell.azure.com in a new tab and start using the Azure Cloud Shell.

If the person doesn't have their own subscription or use sandbox subscription, Azure Cloud Shell does not work. Very large percentage of people do not have an Azure subscription, and may be unwilling or unable to obtain one (even Free Trial).

In other words, the exercises/Azure Cloud Shell require an Azure subscription. You can't just go straight to it and start using it. This is primary reason sandbox exists--to give people without an Azure subscription the ability to practice without having a subscription.

However, that still doesn't solve the core issue that I believe need fixing by Microsoft Learn team. I believe if a user can use the Azure cloud Shell on the Azure portal, then there should not be any issue running it in Microsoft Learn portal.

You are correct, Microsoft needs to fix it, and is aware for weeks now that it needs to be fixed.
Ali Al-Nuaimi 30 Reputation points

2025-03-04T19:22:32.0733333+00:00

If the person doesn't have their own subscription or use sandbox subscription, Azure Cloud Shell does not work. Very large percentage of people do not have an Azure subscription, and may be unwilling or unable to obtain one (even Free Trial). In other words, the exercises/Azure Cloud Shell require an Azure subscription. You can't just go straight to it and start using it. This is primary reason sandbox exists--to give people without an Azure subscription the ability to practice without having a subscription.

Thank you very much for thoroughly explaining the whole idea behind Sandbox.
I'm however a bit confused when you mentioned the requirement for Azure subscription in the sense that I have not paid a penny to get the default free one which it does not have any indication that it is free trial. It's automatically FREE to get Microsoft Learn Sandbox Directory ID upon creating a free Azure account using my personal [myemail]@outlook.com email which is the same personal email I am using for Microsoft Learn.

Thank you very much again. I marked your solution as [Accepted Answer] as a temporary solution to the issue. Hoping that Microsoft Learn team will solve the problem once and for all which I do not think it is a hard issue to solve in a short timely manner. Let's wait, hope, and see.
Pradeep M 9,875 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-03-06T04:17:35.9133333+00:00

Hi Ali Al-Nuaimi,

Thanks for your feedback and for accepting the workaround.

The Microsoft Learn Sandbox is a free, time-limited environment that lets users practice without needing a personal Azure subscription. While Azure Cloud Shell usually requires a subscription, the Sandbox is designed to give access without one.

I understand the frustration, and our team is aware of the issue. We're working on improving the experience and appreciate your patience. Let me know if you need any further help.

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Microsoft Learn Sandbox - Getting different errors when logging in using different browsers

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