# Inactive Licensed Users in Azure DevOps Organization

Canonical: https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/inefficiencies/inactive-licensed-users-in-azure-devops-organization

[Cloud Efficiency Hub](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub) 

# Inactive Licensed Users in Azure DevOps Organization

## Explanation

This inefficiency occurs when licensed Azure DevOps users remain assigned after individuals leave the organization or stop using the platform. These inactive users continue to generate recurring per-user charges despite providing no ongoing value, leading to unnecessary spend over time.

## Relevant Billing Model

Azure DevOps charges per licensed user (e.g., Basic users) on a monthly basis. Licensed users incur cost regardless of activity level as long as the license remains assigned.

## Detection

- Review whether licensed users have not accessed Azure DevOps for an extended period

- Assess whether users are still actively contributing to projects or pipelines

- Identify licenses assigned to former employees or role changes

## Remediation

- Remove licenses from users who are no longer active

- Periodically review user access to ensure licenses align with current team needs

- Assign paid licenses only to users who require full Azure DevOps capabilities

## Relevant Documentation

- [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/organizations/accounts/add-organization-users](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/organizations/accounts/add-organization-users)

- [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/organizations/billing/billing-overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/organizations/billing/billing-overview)

[Submit Feedback](https://hub.pointfive.co/inefficiencies/inactive-licensed-users-in-azure-devops-organization)

## At a glance

Reference

CER-0294

Cloud provider

Azure

Service

Azure DevOps

Category

[Other](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/service-category/other)

Inefficiency type

Unused licensed users

## Contributed by

- Deepak Sreedhar 

### Deepak Sreedhar

Azure FinOps Specialist @ Sodexo

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-sreedhar-235260168)

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