Distribution group owners cannot update their distribution list - Failed to update members - Error executing cmdlet

Question

Previously, owners of a distribution list were able to update there list.

In OWA they go to the Settings page, Distribution groups and then go to the portal to change the membership list.

They would go this portal: https://outlook.office.com/ecp/MyGroups/PersonalGroups.aspx

Last week I noticed that users were unable to change the membership of the distribution group they own.

The error they receive after they add a new person to the list and click the save button:

Failed to update members

Error:

Error executing cmdlet.

I noticed that the portal has changed to: https://admin.exchange.microsoft.com/?page=groups#/

After some tests: when users use the 'old' portal, they are still able to update the membership, when they use the 'new' portal, they aren't.

Anyone familiar with this problem or how to solve this? Something to do with roleassignment?

Answer 1

We are experiencing the same "Failed to update members" error with the JSON output, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to be due to our User Policy, the MyDistributionGroups boxes are all checked correctly.

Answer 2

Hello K.O2G2,

Good day! Thank you for posting to the Microsoft Community.

Based on your description I understand your users can not edit membership via Outlook on the web as the link is now redirecting to the Exchange admin center instead of outlook.office.com like before. Please correct me if I am wrong.

I have done some tests on my side and it is the same result I am getting the link is now opening in the new Exchange admin center and normal users cannot edit in this platform as they will need to have at least Exchange admin permission. The previous link was linked to classic Exchange admin which is now retired but opening within Outlook which is different from now. Please see the attached screenshots from my tests.

In the meantime, I advise you to please upgrade some of the users' permissions or assist them, whilst at the same time sending your feedback to the product team Outlook · Community (microsoft.com) and opening a service request in the Microsoft 365 admin center Get support - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn. Experts there would conduct in-depth research on the problem you encountered and provide you with more professional assistance.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Please do not hesitate to post your queries in Microsoft Community and we will always do our best to assist you!

Sincerely,

Simbarashe | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 3

I found the solution for my environment. In the Exchange Admin Center > User Roles > "Default Role Assignment Policy" > Manage Permisssions.

I had to check "MyDistributionGroups".

The info hover text of this checkbox read "This role enables individual users to create, modify, and view distribution groups and modify, view, remove and add members to distribution groups they own".

This was likely unchecked by another admin in the past and was blocking us from using https://admin.exchange.microsoft.com/?page=groups#/ as intended.

Answer 4

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Please do not hesitate to post your queries in Microsoft Community and we will always do our best to assist you!

Sincerely,

Simbarashe | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 5

Thank you for your reply Simbrashe.

You're correct, that is exactly what I meant.

I've sent a feedback to the product team and waiting for response.

I will post a service request how to fix this issue.

Thank you.