Database User Properties Window Error. Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD Users

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Introduction

Managing database users and their properties is an essential task for any database administrator. However, when dealing with Azure SQL Managed Instance and Azure Active Directory (AAD) users, things can get a bit more complicated. In this article, we will discuss a common issue that can occur when trying to access the user properties window in SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) for AAD users in an Azure SQL Managed Instance.

Background

As a database administrator, you manage a data warehouse (DW) hosted on Azure. All logins on the server, except for a couple of service accounts, are Azure Active Directory logins tied to your company's tenant. When granting db_reader access to users, you might encounter an error when trying to access the user properties window in SSMS.

The Error

When you try to access the user properties window for an AAD user in an Azure SQL Managed Instance, you might encounter the following error:

The user properties window is not available for this user type. The user is an Azure Active Directory user and is not a member of the database's db_owner fixed database role.

Understanding the Error

So, what's causing this error? The issue lies in the fact that the user properties window is not available for AAD users who are not members of the database's db_owner fixed database role. In Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD users are not automatically added to the db_owner role, unlike in on-premises SQL Server environments.

Workaround

To access the user properties window for an AAD user in an Azure SQL Managed Instance, you need to add the user to the db_owner role. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Connect to the Azure SQL Managed Instance: Open SSMS and connect to your Azure SQL Managed Instance.
  2. Open the user properties window: Right-click on the AAD user and select Properties.
  3. Add the user to the db_owner role: In the user properties window, click on the Membership tab and then click on the Add button.
  4. Select the db_owner role: In the Select a role dialog box, select the db_owner role and click OK.
  5. Save changes: Click OK to save the changes.

Alternative Solution

If you don't want to add the AAD user to the db_owner role, you can use the sys.sql_logins system view to view the user's properties. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Connect to the Azure SQL Managed Instance: Open SSMS and connect to your Azure SQL Managed Instance.
  2. Query the sys.sql_logins system view: Run the following query to view the user's properties:
SELECT * FROM sys.sql_logins WHERE name = '<AAD_user_name>';

Conclusion

In conclusion, the user properties window error in Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD users is caused by the fact that AAD users are not automatically added to the db_owner role. To access the user properties window, you need to add the user to the db_owner role or use the sys.sql_logins system view as an alternative solution.

Troubleshooting Tips**

Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue:

  • Make sure you have the necessary permissions to access the user properties window.
  • Check if the AAD user is a member of the database's db_owner fixed database role.
  • If you're using a custom role, make sure it's properly configured and the user is a member of it.

Related Articles

FAQs

  • Q: Why can't I access the user properties window for an AAD user in Azure SQL Managed Instance? A: The user properties window is not available for AAD users who are not members of the database's db_owner fixed database role.
  • Q: How can I add an AAD user to the db_owner role in Azure SQL Managed Instance? A: You can add the user to the db_owner role by following the steps outlined in the Workaround section above.
    Database User Properties Window Error: Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD Users - Q&A ===========================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed a common issue that can occur when trying to access the user properties window in SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) for AAD users in an Azure SQL Managed Instance. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to help you better understand the issue and its resolution.

Q&A

Q: What is the user properties window error in Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD users?

A: The user properties window error in Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD users is caused by the fact that AAD users are not automatically added to the db_owner role. This prevents you from accessing the user properties window in SSMS.

Q: Why can't I access the user properties window for an AAD user in Azure SQL Managed Instance?

A: The user properties window is not available for AAD users who are not members of the database's db_owner fixed database role. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Q: How can I add an AAD user to the db_owner role in Azure SQL Managed Instance?

A: You can add the user to the db_owner role by following the steps outlined in the Workaround section of our previous article. This will allow you to access the user properties window in SSMS.

Q: What are the benefits of adding an AAD user to the db_owner role?

A: Adding an AAD user to the db_owner role provides them with full access to the database, including the ability to view and modify user properties. This can be useful for administrators who need to manage user accounts and permissions.

Q: Are there any alternative solutions to accessing the user properties window for AAD users?

A: Yes, you can use the sys.sql_logins system view to view the user's properties. This can be useful if you don't want to add the AAD user to the db_owner role.

Q: How can I troubleshoot the user properties window error in Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD users?

A: You can troubleshoot the issue by checking if the AAD user is a member of the database's db_owner fixed database role. You can also check if you have the necessary permissions to access the user properties window.

Q: What are some common mistakes that can cause the user properties window error in Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD users?

A: Some common mistakes that can cause the issue include:

  • Not adding the AAD user to the db_owner role
  • Not having the necessary permissions to access the user properties window
  • Using a custom role that is not properly configured

Q: How can I prevent the user properties window error in Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD users from occurring in the future?

A: You can prevent the issue from occurring in the future by adding AAD users to the db_owner role as soon as they are created. You can also use the sys.sql_logins system view to view user properties instead of relying on the user properties window.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the user properties window error in Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD users is a common issue that can be caused by a lack of permissions or a failure to add AAD users to the db_owner role By following the steps outlined in this article, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue, and prevent it from occurring in the future.

Related Articles

FAQs

  • Q: What is the user properties window error in Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD users? A: The user properties window error in Azure SQL Managed Instance, AAD users is caused by the fact that AAD users are not automatically added to the db_owner role.
  • Q: How can I add an AAD user to the db_owner role in Azure SQL Managed Instance? A: You can add the user to the db_owner role by following the steps outlined in the Workaround section of our previous article.