O365

Microsoft 365 Admins: What’s Changing in March 2026 — Key Updates, Retirements & Security Enhancements

by

March 2026 is another big month of change across Microsoft 365. Microsoft continues tightening security, modernizing collaboration experiences, and expanding AI-driven governance capabilities across the platform.

For Microsoft 365 administrators, this month brings a mix of retirements, new features, compliance enhancements, and several important action items that could impact authentication, Teams deployments, Conditional Access policies, and SharePoint resources.

If you manage Teams, SharePoint, Purview, Defender, Entra ID, or Exchange, now is the time to review what’s changing.

Let’s break down the most important updates.

March 2026 At a Glance

CategoryCount
Retirements8
New Features13
Enhancements5
Functionality Changes4
Action Required6

Retirements: What’s Going Away

Several long-standing features across Outlook, SharePoint, Viva Engage, and security tooling are being retired this month.

Personal Account Integration in Outlook Web App

Users will no longer be able to connect personal email accounts or calendars inside Outlook Web App (OWA).

Existing linked personal accounts will automatically disconnect.

➡️ Recommendation: Users who need multi-account access should switch to Outlook desktop or manage accounts separately.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1226749

Web Image Search in SharePoint Pages

The Web Search image pivot used to insert Bing images into SharePoint pages is being removed due to the retirement of the Bing Search API.

Content creators can still insert images using:

  • Stock images
  • Uploaded files
  • Site assets
  • Tenant assets

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1230452

Featured Links on SharePoint Start Page

The Featured Links capability on the SharePoint start page is being retired.

Admins should use alternatives such as:

  • Global navigation
  • Viva Connections dashboards
  • SharePoint navigation elements

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1197131

Viva Engage Legacy Export Options

Legacy export options in the Viva Engage admin center are being removed:

  • Include attachments
  • Include external networks

Admins can still retrieve exports via SharePoint download links.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1230453

Microsoft Rewards Azure AD Linking

Users will no longer be able to link work accounts to Microsoft Rewards.

Existing reward balances remain unaffected.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1234567

Defender for Android Personal Profile Protection

Microsoft Defender for Android will stop protecting personal profiles on MDM-managed devices, focusing solely on work profiles.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1221927

External Tokens for Actionable Messages

External access tokens used by Actionable Messages will be retired.

Organizations must transition to Microsoft Entra authentication.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1189663

Outlook Contact Masking

The Contact Masking feature that hid suggested recipients will be removed.

Admins may want to review:

  • Address Book Policies
  • GAL visibility settings
  • Information Barriers

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1234566

New Features: Worth the Hype

March introduces several major capabilities spanning SharePoint security, Teams protection, Exchange scalability, and Purview governance.

SharePoint Content Security Policy Enforcement

SharePoint is enforcing Content Security Policy (CSP) to control which scripts, styles, and resources pages can load.

This dramatically improves protection against:

  • Cross-site scripting (XSS)
  • Code injection attacks
  • Clickjacking

Reference:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/spblog/sharepoint-online-content-security-policy-csp-enforcement-dates-and-guidance/4472662

Defender for Office 365 URL Click Alerts in Teams

Microsoft Defender now detects malicious link clicks inside Teams messages, not just email.

Security teams will see alerts like:

  • User clicked potentially malicious URL
  • Suspicious link activity detected

Reference:
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=557549

New SharePoint Experience with AI

Microsoft is rolling out a redesigned SharePoint interface with AI-assisted capabilities.

New navigation includes:

  • Discover
  • Publish
  • Build
  • OneDrive
  • Home

This experience enters public preview in March.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1240699

Conditional Access for Account Recovery

Microsoft Entra introduces secure account recovery workflows protected by Conditional Access.

Users can regain access when authentication methods are unavailable.

Reference:
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?id=529855

High Volume Email (HVE) Now Generally Available

Exchange Online now supports High Volume Email (HVE) for sending internal system notifications and alerts without impacting normal mail flow.

Reference:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchange/high-volume-email-continued-support-for-basic-authentication–other-important-up/4411197

DLP Rule Action to Trigger Power Automate

Microsoft Purview DLP policies can now trigger Power Automate workflows when violations occur.

Reference:
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?id=380721

File-Level Archiving in Microsoft 365 Archive

Admins will soon be able to archive individual SharePoint files, providing more granular storage lifecycle control.

Reference:
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?id=477371

Information Barriers v2

Information Barriers v2 introduces major improvements:

  • Up to 5,000 segments
  • Users in 10 segments simultaneously
  • Improved discoverability

Reference:
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?id=402516

Passkey Profiles in Microsoft Entra

Microsoft Entra will support passkey profiles and synced passkeys for better passwordless authentication management.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1221452

Protection Reports in Teams Admin Center

Admins will now see user-reported suspicious messages and calls through new protection reports.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1227625

SharePoint Branding Governance via PowerShell

Admins can centrally manage SharePoint branding including:

  • Themes
  • Custom branding permissions
  • Branding audits

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1186372

Data Security Posture Agent in Purview

Purview introduces an AI-powered agent that continuously analyzes content to identify sensitive data risks.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1217155

Expanded DLP Enforcement for Microsoft 365 Copilot

DLP policies will now block Copilot from processing protected files across all storage locations.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1234661

Enhancements

Several improvements focus on security visibility and communications management.

Teams Event Registration Policy

Admins can control whether event registration is allowed via Teams Events policies.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1226497

Defender Antivirus Registry Changes

Antivirus exclusions will no longer appear in the local registry for devices managed through Defender.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1227621

Organizational Messages for Hybrid Devices

Tenant messaging now supports Entra hybrid-joined endpoints.

Reference:
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=503564

Organizational Messages via Email

Admins can deliver tenant-wide notifications via email.

Reference:
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=503562

DLP Protection for Microsoft 365 Copilot

Purview DLP policies now extend to Copilot prompts and responses.

Reference:
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=515945

Existing Functionality Changes

Teams Call Quality Dashboard Meeting ID Change

Existing CQD queries using Meeting ID must be updated.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1228315

Conditional Access Policy Enforcement Improvements

Resource exclusions in Conditional Access policies will now be consistently enforced.

Reference:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-entra-blog/upcoming-conditional-access-change-improved-enforcement-for-policies-with-resour/4488925

Guest Governance Access Reviews Require Azure Subscription

Guest governance and access reviews now require a linked Azure subscription.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1225192

Decoupled DLP Policy Tips & Email Notifications

Admins can now configure policy tips and notifications independently.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC791114

Action Required

These changes require immediate administrative planning.

Teams App Retirement in Amazon Appstore

Organizations should move users to the Teams Android app or web client.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1234560

Context IQ Retirement in Outlook

The / quick-insert feature for attachments is being removed.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1230455

Defender Identity Theft Classic Alert Retirement

Automation workflows referencing classic alerts must be updated.

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1234542

Conditional Access Control Deprecation

The Require approved client app control will be retired.

Use Require app protection policy instead.

Reference:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-entra-azure-ad-blog/microsoft-entra-change-announcements-march-2023-train/ba-p/2967448

SharePoint CDN Domain Retirement

The legacy CDN domain is being replaced.

Old

publiccdn.sharepointonline.com

New

public-cdn.sharepointonline.com

Reference:
https://admin.cloud.microsoft/#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1184996

Android Version Requirement for Defender

Microsoft Defender for Android will require Android 11 or later.

Action Required: Advise users to upgrade their devices to Android 11.0 or later.

Reference: https://admin.cloud.microsoft/?#/MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1222977

Final Thoughts

March 2026 reflects Microsoft’s ongoing strategy:

Modernize security. Strengthen identity. Expand AI governance. Simplify collaboration.

For administrators, the key priorities this month should be:

  • Reviewing Conditional Access policies
  • Updating SharePoint CDN references
  • Preparing for Copilot-related DLP changes
  • Monitoring new Teams security alerts
  • Updating automation workflows

As always, staying ahead of these changes will help ensure security posture, compliance, and user experience remain intact.

Microsoft 365 Admins: September 2025 Retirements, Security Shifts, and Copilot Usage Insights – Here’s Your Definitive Guide

by

September 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful months for Microsoft 365 admins this year. From long-awaited retirements (farewell, Classic eDiscovery and Azure AD Graph API) to robust new features (Progressive Alert Scoring, SharePoint smart tagging, and Copilot usage metering), this month is packed with changes that demand action and attention.

Whether you’re in charge of compliance, identity, collaboration, or cloud security, this comprehensive guide gives you what you need to stay one step ahead.

September at a Glance

CategoryCount
🔻 Retirements9
🆕 New Features13
🔧 Enhancements10
🔄 Changes in Functionality4
⚠️ Action Required6

Retirements: Legacy Features You Can Let Go

1. Classic Message Trace (Exchange Online)

Sep 1, 2025 – Legacy UI and cmdlets (Get-MessageTrace, Get-MessageTraceDetail) retired.
Do this: Update to Get-MessageTraceV2 and use the modern EAC interface.
🔗 Ref

2. Client Access Rules (Exchange Online)

Sep 1, 2025 – Deprecated in favor of Conditional Access with Continuous Access Evaluation.
Do this: Migrate access controls to Entra Conditional Access.
🔗 Ref

3. Classic eDiscovery (Premium)

Sep 1, 2025 – Fully removed from Purview.
Do this: Move to Unified eDiscovery for better search and case handling.
🔗 Ref

4. Mobile Devices Page in Outlook Web

Sep 9, 2025 – Removed from OWA and New Outlook.
Do this: Use the My Account portal or native device management tools.
🔗 Ref

5. Cognitive Services & Azure ML in Power BI

Sep 15, 2025 – AI features being pulled in favor of Microsoft Fabric AutoML.
Do this: Transition to Microsoft Fabric for ML workloads.
🔗 Ref

6. Microsoft To Do Ends Support for iOS 16/macOS 12

Mid-Sep 2025 – No updates for outdated devices.
Do this: Update org device baselines to iOS 17 / macOS 13+.
🔗 Ref

7. Defender for Cloud Apps: Sub-Domains Visibility

Sep 22, 2025 – Low-use feature retired.
🔗 Ref

8. Legacy MFA & SSPR Method Management

Sep 30, 2025 – Management of authentication methods moves to the unified policy.
Do this: Transition to converged authentication methods now.
🔗 Ref

9. Azure AD Graph API

Early Sep 2025 – All apps must migrate to Microsoft Graph.
Do this: Use Entra admin center’s Recommendations tab to identify affected apps.
🔗 Ref

New Features: Worth the Hype

1. Progressive Alert Scoring in Insider Risk Management
Assess user activity multiple times per day instead of once every 24 hours. Get near real-time insights into risky behavior.
🔗 Ref

2. High Volume Exchange Email (HVE)
Send large volumes of internal mail for LOB applications and SMTP use cases—beyond standard Exchange Online limits.
🔗 Ref

3. Information Barriers in Microsoft Planner
Prevents users from discovering non-segmented users while sharing Planner plans via web and Teams.
🔗 Ref

4. Silent Test Calls in Teams
Simulate Teams call quality for network diagnostics—now available for Windows and Mac (Teams Premium required).
🔗 Ref

5. Rule-Based App Management in Teams
Set app permissions and availability based on scopes and publisher trust—control Microsoft 365 certified apps centrally.
🔗 Ref

6. New Secure Score Recommendations
Enhance security posture with new recommendations:
• Remove inactive service accounts
• Remove passwords from AD attributes
🔗 Ref

7. Teams + Defender for Office 365 Integration
Manage allow/block lists for external domains using the Tenant Allow/Block List (TABL) in Microsoft Defender.
🔗 Ref

8. New SharePoint Workflows
Power Automate-based automation embedded in SharePoint with natural language, Madlib-style editor, and better UI.
🔗 Ref

9. Retention Based on Last Accessed
Configure Purview retention policies for OneDrive and SharePoint based on when files were last accessed.
🔗 Ref

10. Priority Cleanup in Data Lifecycle Management
Allows deletion of SharePoint/OneDrive items before retention expires. Includes dual admin approval, simulation mode, and logs.
🔗 Ref

11. Copilot Usage Report
Monitor and manage costs from Copilot Chat with detailed reporting on metered message usage by user, agent, and policy.
🔗 Ref

12. Smart Tags for eSigned Docs in SharePoint
Automatically tag signed documents and add metadata columns for signature status and provider.
🔗 Ref

13. Teams Private Channel Expansion
Big lift for Teams limits:
• 1000 private channels per team
• 5000 members per private channel
• Meeting scheduling and DLP support
🔗 Ref

Enhancements: Small but Mighty

  • Auto Work Location Detection in Teams – Based on Wi-Fi or peripherals.
  • Updated SharePoint Page Analytics – Up to 365-day view history, reactions, shares, and Excel exports.
  • Purview Diagnostics Access – Now available to more admin roles.
  • Outlook Mail Merge (Advanced) – Dynamic fields and personalizations now in web and Windows clients.
  • Authenticator Improvements – No more number matching for same-device logins, cleaner FRX setup.
  • SharePoint Smart Tagging – Auto-adds metadata for eSigned documents.
  • Teams Join URL Validation – Ensure rewritten links don’t break meeting joins.
  • License Assignment Path in Admin Center – Easily view direct vs group-based license sources.
  • Streamlined Purview DLP Alert Settings – Sync alert states between portal and PowerShell.
  • Teams Auth Module Updates – New app permissions required: GroupMember.Read.All, RoleManagement.Read.Directory.

Functionality Changes: Take Note

  • Access Review History Limited to 12 Months
    Export old data now using Microsoft Graph or Azure Data Explorer.
    🔗 Ref
  • Defender for Identity Alert Migration to XDR
    Update alert workflows and exclusions for XDR platform.
    🔗 Ref
  • OneDrive: Unlicensed Accounts Enter Read-Only Mode
    Deadline: July 28 → Enforcement: Sep 26, 2025
    🔗 Ref
  • DLP Rule Visibility Fix in Portal
    Now reflects accurate status if disabled via PowerShell.
    🔗 Ref

Action Items: Handle These Before the Alarm Bells Ring

DeadlineTask
Sep 1, 2025Migrate to new Message Trace, Unified eDiscovery, Conditional Access
Sep 2, 2025Create Azure DevOps–specific Conditional Access policy
Sep 14, 2025Update Teams PowerShell app permissions
Sep 15, 2025MFA required for credential management in Entra
Sep 30, 2025Converge legacy MFA and SSPR policies
OngoingMigrate apps from Azure AD Graph to Microsoft Graph

Final Thoughts

September 2025 is a turning point month for Microsoft 365 environments. Between the retirement of major legacy features and a flood of next-gen tools and AI insights, it’s clear that Microsoft is pushing the ecosystem toward tighter security, smarter automation, and more control for admins.

  • Bookmark this guide.
  • Review your tenant configurations.
  • Communicate changes to your teams.
  • Knock out required actions before deadlines bite.

Because in enterprise IT, proactive beats reactive every time.

Thank you for stopping by. ✌️

Microsoft 365 Admins: August 2025 Ushers in Major Retirements, AI-Powered Features & Key Compliance Shifts – Here’s Your Definitive Guide

by

If you thought July was intense, buckle up, August 2025 is a heavyweight month for Microsoft 365 changes. Between legacy retirements, AI-driven security enhancements, and new controls across Teams, Outlook, and Purview, this is not the month to sleep on your Message Center.

Whether you’re managing governance, fine-tuning DLP, or trying to avoid last-minute fire drills, this guide breaks it all down into what’s retiring, what’s new, and what needs your immediate attention.

August at a Glance

CategoryCount
🔻 Retirements4
🆕 New Features7
🔧 Enhancements3
🔄 Changes in Functionality1
⚠️ Action Needed3

Retirements: Say Farewell to These Legacy Tools

1. Classic eDiscovery in Microsoft Purview

August 1, 2025 — Say goodbye to Classic eDiscovery, including Content Search, eDiscovery (Standard), and (Premium).
What to do: Migrate to the unified eDiscovery experience for better search, performance, and compliance.
🔗 Learn more

2. Project for the Web & Project in Teams

Early-August 2025 — Microsoft is sunsetting Project for the web. Users will be redirected to Planner and Portfolios.
What to do: Migrate Roadmap data to Portfolios and update any pinned tabs in Teams.
🔗 Details

3. Outlook for Mac: Legacy Switch Retires

Mid-August 2025 — New Outlook becomes default for Mac (v16.100+). Admin toggle to revert will be retired.
What to do: Prepare users for permanent shift by October 2025 (v16.102).
🔗 More info

4. Speaker Coach in Microsoft Teams

Mid-August 2025 — The preview feature providing real-time feedback during meetings will be retired.
What to do: Inform users and explore alternatives like Copilot-generated meeting recaps.
🔗 Announcement

New Features: Worth Your Immediate Attention

AI-Powered Data Security Investigations in Purview

An all-new AI-driven tool for visualizing data risk, investigating incidents, and refining policies, now built into Microsoft Purview.
🔗 Details

Advanced Mail Merge in Outlook for Web & New Outlook

August 2025 — Personalize email templates with dynamic fields, custom formatting, and preview features.
🔗 Roadmap

Copilot Blocked from Processing Labeled Emails via DLP

August 2025 — Microsoft Purview DLP will block Copilot from interacting with labeled content in chat.
🔗 Read more

Risky AI Usage Detection in Insider Risk Management

Early-August 2025 — Detect prompts, intents, and AI-generated content using Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, and ChatGPT Enterprise.
🔗 More info

Silent Test Calls in Teams for Network Diagnostics

Early-August 2025 — Run silent test calls via Teams Premium to proactively check network readiness.
🔗 Message Center

Rule-Based Management of Certified Teams Apps

Mid-August 2025 — Automatically manage apps based on permission access and publisher trust status.
🔗 Roadmap

Independent DLP Email Notification Settings

August 2025 — Decouple policy tips and notifications in SharePoint/OneDrive DLP settings.
🔗 Roadmap

Enhancements: Quiet but Important

  • Updated Audit Logs in Purview – Better granularity and new Pre/Post Execution messages for role group changes.
    🔗 Read more
  • Microsoft Fabric Workspace User Limit – Enforcing a max of 1,000 users/groups per workspace role.
    🔗 Details
  • Apple/Google Sign-In on Teams Web – New SSO methods are coming for consumer users (preview).
    🔗 Message Center

Functionality Change: Stay Updated

Updated Sender for Teams DLP Incident Emails

August 20, 2025 — Teams DLP GIR emails will only come from no-reply@teams.mail.microsoft.com.
What to do: Update inbox rules and alert filters if needed.
🔗 Message Center

Action Needed: These Deadlines Are Not Flexible

Entra ID Retention Policy for Access Reviews

August 15, 2025 — Only 12 months of access review data will be available via UI/API.
What to do:

  • Export old data using Graph API
  • Store reports securely
  • Create an annual backup process
    🔗 More info

Legacy Message Trace Retires in Exchange Online

August 31, 2025 — New Message Trace UI and V2 cmdlets become the default.
What to do: Update any scripts to use Get-MessageTraceV2 and Get-MessageTraceDetailV2.
🔗 Read more

Azure AD Graph API Retirement

August 31, 2025 — Azure AD Graph API officially ends; apps using it will stop working.
What to do: Migrate to Microsoft Graph API. Use Entra admin center to identify impacted apps.
🔗 Migration Help

Final Thoughts

August 2025 is a pivotal month between the rise of AI-enhanced compliance tools and the retirement of legacy Microsoft features, the Microsoft 365 ecosystem is evolving fast.

If you’re responsible for security, collaboration, or compliance, now’s the time to document changes, communicate with your teams, and adjust scripts and policies. Waiting until the last minute will put you behind both operationally and reputationally.

  • Bookmark this.
  • Share it with your team.
  • Knock out the action items before they knock on your door.

Thank you for stopping by. ✌️

Microsoft 365 Admins: July 2025 Brings Major Retirements, Game-Changing Features & Critical Actions – Here’s Your Definitive Guide

by

Alright admins, deep breath. July is rolling in hot with some of the biggest Microsoft 365 updates, retirements, and must-do tasks of the year. Whether you’re wrangling SharePoint, securing sensitive data, or prepping Teams for your org, this month has something that will definitely land on your radar and maybe on your weekend schedule if you don’t plan ahead.

Consider this your field guide to navigate July 2025 without missing a beat.

July at a Glance

CategoryCount
🔻 Retirements7
🆕 New Features11
🔧 Enhancements8
🔄 Changes in Functionality5
⚠️ Action Needed7

Retirements: Say Goodbye to These

  1. Microsoft 365 Business Premium & Office 365 E1 Grants for Non-Profits
    Retiring July 1, 2025 — Non-profits must move to Microsoft 365 Business Basic grants or discounted plans.
    ➡️ Learn more
  2. Viva Engage Private Content Mode
    Retiring June 30, 2025 — All tenants will lose access to Private Content Mode across Viva Engage, Teams, and Outlook.
    ➡️ Details
  3. Monitor Action in Defender Safe Attachments Policies
    Gone Early-July 2025 — Monitor mode will be switched to Block; evaluate Safe Attachments settings now.
    ➡️ More info
  4. SharePoint Alerts
    Phased retirement starts July 2025 — Power Automate or SharePoint Rules recommended as replacements.
    ➡️ Guidance
  5. OneNote .DOC Export Option
    Ending July 28, 2025 — Shift to modern formats like .docx now.
    ➡️ Message Center
  6. Organization Data Type in Excel
    Retiring July 31, 2025 — Switch to Get Data > From Power BI or custom data types via add-ins.
    ➡️ Learn more
  7. TLS 1.1 & Older on Fabric Platform
    Deprecated July 31, 2025 — Update systems to TLS 1.2+ to avoid data connectivity issues.
    ➡️ Blog post

New Features: Hot Off the Press

  • Native Forms in SharePoint Libraries — Build forms directly inside document libraries for smoother file uploads.
    ➡️ Roadmap
  • Cold File Scanning for Sensitive Info — Microsoft Purview now scans old, untouched files in SharePoint/OneDrive.
    ➡️ Details
  • Unit-Level Backup Deletion in Microsoft 365 Backup — Delete backups for specific OneDrive, SharePoint, or Exchange units.
    ➡️ Roadmap
  • External Chat File Attachments in Teams — Finally attach files in 1:1 and group chats with external users.
    ➡️ Message Center
  • Detailed Audit Logs for Screen Sharing in Teams — Gain full transparency over Give/Take Control and sharing events.
    ➡️ Read more
  • Facilitator Agent in Teams — Automated meeting summaries and real-time note collaboration (Copilot license required).
    ➡️ Details
  • Multi-Admin Notifications for M365 Backup — Configure centralized alerts for backup events.
    ➡️ Roadmap
  • AI Posture Management in Purview — Manage security of AI activity across Copilot and other AI apps.
    ➡️ Message Center
  • Drag & Drop Between Accounts in New Outlook — Attach emails/files across accounts or shared mailboxes seamlessly.
    ➡️ Details
  • Network-Level Detection of AI Activity in Insider Risk Management — Identify sensitive data shared with cloud/AI apps.
    ➡️ Message Center
  • Scoped AD Domain Access in Defender for Identity — Apply RBAC at the AD domain level for tighter security.
    ➡️ Details

Enhancements: Small Changes, Big Impact

  • Attachment Previews in Purview Content Explorer — View flagged attachments directly in the console.
    ➡️ Details
  • Recording & Transcription by Default in Teams Calls — Enabled by default for new tenants and global policies.
    ➡️ More info
  • New Outlook: S/MIME Signature Inheritance Setting — Control signature behavior in replies via NoSignOnReply.
    ➡️ Message Center
  • User Activity Timeline in Purview Compliance Portal — See flagged user interactions on a single timeline.
    ➡️ Details
  • IRM + Data Security Investigation Integration — Launch investigations faster with combined tools.
    ➡️ Message Center
  • Secure by Default Settings in Microsoft 365 — Block legacy auth and enforce admin consent by default.
    ➡️ Details
  • Best Practice Dashboard Expansion in Teams Admin Center — Monitor new meeting-related issues.
    ➡️ Read more
  • On-Demand File Classification — Discover/classify old files in SharePoint/OneDrive (pay-as-you-go).
    ➡️ Details

Existing Functionality Changes: Adjust Your Ops

  • Teams Live Event Assistance Becomes Paid — LEAP moves under Unified as a paid service on July 1, 2025.
    ➡️ More info
  • Insider Risk Policy Limits Increased — Up to 100 total active policies across templates.
    ➡️ Roadmap
  • Outlook Blocks More File Types — .library-ms and .search-ms added to the blocked list.
    ➡️ Details
  • Improved B2B Guest Sign-In — Guests redirected to their home org’s sign-in page for clarity.
    ➡️ Message Center
  • Unified Teams App Management Paused — Rollout delay with updates expected by late July.
    ➡️ Details

Action Needed: Don’t Procrastinate

  • Azure AD PowerShell Retirement After July 1 — Migrate scripts to Microsoft Graph or Entra PowerShell ASAP.
    ➡️ Details
  • DNS Provision Change — Update automation scripts to retrieve MX records via Graph API to avoid mail flow issues.
    ➡️ Message Center
  • Classic Teams App Retirement — All users must move to New Teams or web app by July 1, 2025.
    ➡️ Details
  • Reshare SharePoint Content Post-Entra B2B — External users lose access to pre-integration OTP shares. Reshare content now.
    ➡️ Message Center
  • Teams Android Devices Must Update Apps — Move to supported versions by Dec 31, 2025, to enable modern auth.
    ➡️ Details
  • Graph Beta API Permissions Update — Adjust apps to use new permissions for device management by July 31, 2025.
    ➡️ Message Center

Final Thoughts

July 2025 is a make-or-break month for Microsoft 365 admins. There’s a mountain of changes, but staying ahead means no late-night incidents, no broken workflows, and definitely no panicked calls from leadership.

Bookmark this guide, share it with your team, and start planning now. Because in IT, the only thing worse than unexpected downtime is knowing you could’ve avoided it.

Thank you for stopping by. ✌️

Microsoft 365 Admins: June 2025 Brings Major Updates, Retirements & Action Items — Here’s Your Definitive Guide

by

Buckle up, admins! June’s heating up with a fresh wave of Microsoft 365 changes. Whether you manage identity, information protection, collaboration, or compliance, there’s something here that will nudge your daily workflow—or bulldoze it if you’re not paying attention.

Let’s cut through the clutter. Below is your clear, actionable roundup of what’s coming, what’s going, and what needs your immediate attention across the Microsoft 365 landscape.

In the Spotlight

Smoother OneDrive File Transfers

Say goodbye to clunky cleanup processes when employees leave. Microsoft’s new “Move and keep sharing” feature lets you transfer ownership while preserving existing sharing permissions. Combine that with new filters to zero in on important files and clearer notification emails, and you’ve got an admin’s dream come true.

Shared Mailboxes in New Outlook (Finally!)

The New Outlook for Windows now lets you add shared mailboxes like real accounts—no more backflips to get the same experience your users are used to. Easier management, better UX, happier end users.

Non-Profit Grant Offers Retiring

Heads up for non-profit orgs: Microsoft is retiring Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 grant offers. If your licensing strategy includes these grants, now’s the time to rethink and re-budget.

June at a Glance

CategoryCount
Retirements4
New Features10
Enhancements9
Changes in Functionality5
Action Needed2

Retirements: What’s Going Away

  1. Meeting Details in OneNote for Windows 10 – Poof, gone starting June 2025.
  2. Private Content Mode in Viva Engage – Say farewell by June 30, 2025.
  3. Teams Recording Initiator Policy – Both the MeetingInitiator value and MeetingRecordingOwnership setting will be retired by June 30, 2025.
  4. Sports Calendars in Outlook – “Interesting Calendars” will vanish starting early June 2025.

New Features: What You’ll Want to Try First

  • Copilot Troubleshooter in Power Automate – Diagnose and resolve flow errors with a few clicks inside the designer.
  • Copilot for Security in Purview Insider Risk Management – Contextual alerts and smarter investigations—yes, please.
  • Data-at-Rest Scanning in SharePoint/OneDrive – Finally scan previously untouched files for sensitive info and apply sensitivity labels.
  • Microsoft Backup Enhancements – Define backup policies that automatically cover all Exchange, OneDrive, and SharePoint users—even new ones.
  • Automated Retention Actions in Gov Cloud – US government tenants can now use Power Automate to act on expired items.
  • 50+ Modern SharePoint Page Templates – No more pixel-pushing—get sleek, branded designs in a click.
  • New Insider Risk Email Indicators – Spot emails with attachments sent to free public domains or to oneself—cue the red flags.
  • Risky AI Activity Detection – Admins can now monitor for sensitive prompt usage and sketchy AI behavior.
  • Microsoft Defender XDR Integration – Insider Risk data will now flow into XDR for unified investigations.
  • Fabric Network Enhancements (Preview) – Private links and outbound access controls to lock down Fabric workspaces like Fort Knox.

Enhancements: Refinements You’ll Appreciate

  • HR Connector in Insider Risk Management – Apply the updated PowerShell script or risk issues.
  • Exclude Folders from OneDrive Sync – Control bloat and protect endpoints.
  • Reduce Noise in Communication Compliance – Filter out newsletters and spam to surface real threats.
  • On-Demand Classification – Retroactively classify sensitive content in SharePoint/OneDrive.
  • New Teams Role: Teams Reader – View-only access in the admin center. Great for auditors or curious execs.
  • View and Upload Anyone Links – Strike a balance between accessibility and control.
  • Global Exclusions in Insider Risk – Now supports more logical rules to cut alert fatigue.
  • DLP + Administrative Units – SharePoint DLP policies can now be scoped by administrative units. Finally.
  • Targeted IRM Policies – Use combinations of users, groups, and adaptive scopes for laser-focused risk management.

Functional Changes: What’s Evolving

  • SharePoint Online CDN Migration – Allow public-cdn.sharepointonline.com and stop relying on hardcoded links.
  • Teams DLP Reports – Incident notifications now come from both old and new sender addresses.
  • Exchange Federation Cmdlet Changes – Get-FederationInformation is being scoped down.
  • Audit Log Cmdlets Go Read-Only – No changes/downloads after June for Search-MailboxAuditLog and New-MailboxAuditLogSearch.
  • Separate Policy Tip Settings – Customize email notifications separately for SharePoint and OneDrive DLP.

Action Needed: Do This Now

  1. Viva Engage External Networks – Legacy networks will be retired June 1, 2025. Transition to modern external networks now to avoid disruption.
  2. Microsoft Defender SIEM Agents – After June 19, 2025, no new agents can be configured. Move to supported APIs to future-proof your integration.

Final Thoughts

If you’re managing Microsoft 365 in an enterprise setting, June is a no-joke month for updates. With new features that improve automation, security, and governance—and retirements that could leave gaps if ignored—it’s vital to stay proactive.

Bookmark this post, forward it to your team, and prep your change calendar. Because in IT, those who fail to plan… usually end up on a 2 a.m. call with their CISO.

Stay sharp, stay current—and keep your tenant tight.

Thank you for stopping by. ✌️