M365 Weekly Newsletter
Issue #193
☁️Productivity & Modern Workplace
How to Manage SharePoint Document Library in Microsoft 365. Managing SharePoint Online document libraries effectively is key to keeping your organization’s files organized and accessible.
Notepad gets updated with AI features. Notepad just got a major AI-powered upgrade with Copilot. You can rewrite text, adjust tone (formal, casual, etc.), and even change formats like lists or poetry. It also keeps track of recent files, offers spell check, and lets you customize fonts and settings. Copilot gives smart suggestions with previews for better control over your edits.
How to restore OneDrive for Business. If something catastrophic happens to your OneDrive for Business – like large-scale deletions or ransomware encryption – you can restore it to a previous state using the “Restore your OneDrive” feature. Accessible via the gear icon, it lets you pick a restore point from the past 30 days, down to a specific date and time. All changes after the selected time are removed.
☁️Copilot & AI
Key Concepts of Copilot Studio. Copilot Studio lets you design custom chatbots with ease, using tools like topics, nodes, plugin actions, entities, and variables. Topics guide conversations, nodes dictate actions, plugin actions connect external data, entities interpret user input, and variables store reusable information.
Creating your first Copilot in Copilot Studio. You can quickly set up a custom Copilot in Copilot Studio to answer project-related questions using Power Apps Dataverse data and external sources like Prince2 methodology.
New reasoning agents: Researcher and Analyst in Microsoft 365 Copilot. Microsoft 365 Copilot is introducing two advanced reasoning agents: Analyst and Researcher. Analyst acts like a data scientist, transforming raw data into insights with transparency in its query process. Researcher handles complex tasks, combining internal data with external sources for in-depth analysis. Additionally, Copilot Studio lets you build custom agents with deep reasoning for tailored workflows like RFP automation.
☁️Sysadmin Stuff
Set Up Factory Reset Protection On Android Corporate Devices Using Intune HTMD Blog. Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a critical security feature for Android corporate devices enrolled via Intune, especially under COPE mode. It ensures devices reset via recovery mode remain secure, requiring a Google account or PIN to reactivate. By setting up an FRP policy in Intune, you can define Google accounts for unlocking, preventing unauthorized access and operational disruptions.
Recover Admin Account with Entra Break Glass Access Application. Setting up a Break Glass Access Application in Microsoft Entra provides a reliable fallback for admin recovery during account lockouts or system failures. Unlike break-glass accounts, it uses non-interactive sign-ins via certificates, bypassing Conditional Access and MFA issues. Secure its permissions, monitor usage via logs, and regularly review certificates to ensure preparedness while minimizing the risk of misuse.
Microsoft Entra Connect – How to Install & Configure. Microsoft Entra Connect helps synchronize Active Directory objects with Microsoft Entra ID, enabling a hybrid environment with benefits like Single Sign-On. Install it on a non-domain controller using Express settings for most deployments, and verify synchronization via Microsoft 365 Admin Center, Entra ID, or the Synchronization Service Manager. Use IdFix beforehand to resolve identity errors.
☁️Security & Data Governance
Microsoft Announces Strict DMARC Enforcement. Starting May 5, Microsoft will enforce stricter email authentication for domains sending over 5,000 emails daily to Outlook.com, Live.com, and Hotmail.com. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC must pass to avoid emails landing in spam or being rejected. Safe sender lists won’t bypass this rule. Review your email authentication settings now to ensure compliance and uninterrupted delivery.
Security Firm Reveals Voice Phishing Attack Targeting Microsoft Teams. A recent cyberattack highlighted the use of social engineering, signed binaries, and advanced evasion tactics to infiltrate networks. Starting with vishing through Microsoft Teams, attackers leveraged tools like Quick Assist and TeamViewer for remote access and persistence. Techniques such as process hollowing and credential theft were employed to evade detection. Experts stress the need for machine learning-based defenses to counter such sophisticated threats.
Microsoft 365 7 Critical Security & Compliance Updates That Admins MUST Know. Microsoft 365 introduced updates to security and compliance tools, including expanded access to Global Secure Access for Business Premium users, multi-user edits in Entra ID, and AI-focused data security posture management in Purview. Enhanced sensitivity labels and data loss prevention policies simplify protecting sensitive information. Additionally, SharePoint Premium now supports blocking content discovery for Co-Pilot integration, improving control over sensitive data.
☁️Noteworthy (long)reads
How to Survive a Conference as an Introvert (and actually enjoy it). Navigating a big conference as an introvert doesn’t have to be draining. Focus on managing your energy like a budget—schedule breaks, pick social moments wisely, and embrace quiet spaces. Use tech for low-pressure networking and lean on familiar comforts like headphones or a good book. Most importantly, honor your need for space—it’s how you’ll truly enjoy the experience.
How to Bypass Microsoft Account Requirement on Windows 11 Installation. You can bypass the need for a Microsoft Account during Windows 11 installation and opt for a local account instead. Using a simple command, you’ll gain access to the local user creation setup, allowing you to complete the installation without an internet connection.
☁️Classifieds
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☁️On a Less Serious Note
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