[m365weekly] #145

M365 Newsletter title logo M365 Weekly Newsletter

Issue #145

☁️What’s on my mind

I often look at the development of new products through the prism of the user experience of the elder generation. If they can learn to use a new technology, then it is suitable for everyone to use.

The first time I thought of this was when I gave my 80-year-old mother-in-law a smartphone to use. Within the same day, she was completely independent in her use of it. Smartphones are therefore a mature technology.

I mentioned last time that I had got my father a Windows 11 computer. I was expecting a torrent of calls asking me how to do this or that. But for a few days now, all I have been hearing is crickets.

Windows 11 is a mature technology for everyone. Would you agree?

Next to put on the test will be OneDrive. 🙂

Have a nice rest of the week,
Matic Z.


Microsoft 365 Backup for OneDrive, SharePoint, and Exchange. Microsoft 365 Backup is a game-changing tool designed to swiftly secure and recover crucial business data from disasters like ransomware attacks, data deletion, and corruption. Supporting OneDrive accounts, SharePoint sites, and Exchange mailboxes, this user-friendly service is currently in preview and is expected to roll out this month. With Microsoft 365 Backup, you will be able to efficiently protect your data and get your business back on track in hours instead of months.


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☁️Productivity & Modern Workplace

Everything you need to know about Microsoft Teams new features in 2024. Microsoft Teams is introducing new features in 2024, enhancing user experience and functionality for end users, administrators, and premium subscribers. Administrators can expect more controls and access to reports.

Fixing Microsoft Authenticator Issues When Transferring to a New iPhone. When upgrading to a new iPhone, Microsoft Authenticator can encounter issues during the data transfer process. To resolve this, follow a series of steps. Once completed, you’ll have successfully switched the account to the new iPhone.

How to Reset OneDrive Quickly. If your OneDrive stops syncing, try restarting or resetting it to resolve the issue without losing data. Restarting OneDrive can fix most connection issues while resetting it will refresh settings and connections, requiring a full sync afterward. Full step-by-step guide in the article.

Teams – You can now create meeting using template from Outlook. Here’s how you can create Microsoft Teams meetings with different templates, such as Town Hall or webinar, directly from the classic Outlook client.


☁️Sysadmin Stuff

How to add members to Distribution Group with PowerShell. Manage distribution groups efficiently with PowerShell by adding multiple users to existing distribution lists or mail-enabled security groups using a CSV file. The PowerShell approach saves time and simplifies the process, making it an effective tool for managing distribution groups.

Microsoft Handicaps the Default MRM Policy. Exchange Online no longer allows the assignment of a deleted items folder tag to the Default MRM policy in recently-created tenants. This move by Microsoft seems like a backward step, as it hampers the ability of administrators to configure retention as needed. Looking for a workaround? You find it in the article.

Five Good Reasons to Use Dynamic Microsoft 365 Groups. Dynamic Microsoft 365 groups offer a more efficient way to manage users and devices by automating group membership based on certain attributes. They can be used to create groups for special user accounts, categorize devices based on platform or management type, and assign users based on specific licenses.

How to pause throttling and blocking of out-of-date on-premises Exchange Servers. If you’re experiencing throttling or blocking issues with your out-of-date on-premises Exchange servers when connecting to Exchange Online, you can pause enforcement for up to 90 days per calendar year. How?


☁️Security & Data Governance

Exchange Online Protection & Defender for Office 365 – Common Microsoft 365 Security Mistakes. Microsoft 365 email security services are essential for safeguarding your email and collaboration environment. However, many sysadmins make a few common configuration mistakes that include overly broad exclusions, unprotected unused domains, allowing end-users to control anti-spam bypasses, and others. By addressing these issues, you can minimize your attack surface and better protect your organization from email threats.

How to Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Account for Multiple Users. To set up MFA for multiple users on a shared account, follow the steps in the article. All authenticated users will be able to access the shared account securely with MFA enabled.

Best Way To Enforce Password History Policy Using Intune. This enhances security and mitigates brute force attacks, but be cautious of setting the Minimum password age too low, as it may lead to increased administrative burdens.


☁️Noteworthy (long)reads

Gartner Breaks Down GenAI: Is It Overhyped or a Game-Changer? Generative AI offers benefits like increased productivity and talent retention but also poses risks, such as data privacy concerns and lack of explainability. To successfully integrate GenAI, organizations must address these short-term challenges while harnessing its long-term potential.

3 benefits of going cloud native. Embracing a pure cloud-native approach to Windows management can lead to increased security, cost savings, and streamlined operations.


DATES TO KEEP IN MIND

January 2024, Wiki page in Teams retiring. More info here. (Thanks Teresa for providing the reminder!)

March 31, 2024 – Classic Teams retirement.

April 15, 2024 – Microsoft Stream (Classic) retirement. Final stage. You can use Stream on Sharepoint.

By September 30, 2024 – Business Connectivity Services (BCS) retirement in Microsoft 365. (Timeline and alternative solution)

December 16, 2024Retiring of Delve application.


☁️Classifieds

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☁️On a Less Serious Note


☁️ Last but not least …

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