diff --git a/plugins/outputs/azure_monitor/azure_monitor.go b/plugins/outputs/azure_monitor/azure_monitor.go
index 2bf1d2899fb9b..c295b553f963a 100644
--- a/plugins/outputs/azure_monitor/azure_monitor.go
+++ b/plugins/outputs/azure_monitor/azure_monitor.go
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ func (a *AzureMonitor) Connect() error {
 
 	a.auth, err = auth.NewAuthorizerFromEnvironmentWithResource(defaultAuthResource)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil
+		return err
 	}
 
 	a.Reset()