M365 Weekly Newsletter
Issue #206
☁️Productivity & Modern Workplace
Stop Automatic Formatting in Word Easily Today. Take charge of Microsoft Word’s AutoFormat and AutoCorrect features to manage automatic changes like asterisks turning into bullets or lines forming from dashes. Use Ctrl/Cmd + Z to undo changes and explore mini-menus for more options. Access AutoCorrect settings to customize features as per your needs.
Command line switches for New Outlook (including secret ones!). New Outlook’s command line switches primarily aid troubleshooting rather than automating workflows. You can execute these commands via the Run dialog or create shortcuts for frequent use. Documented switches include options like clearing local state and forcing updates, while hidden ones offer features like setting auth log levels and controlling window positions. These tools can enhance your troubleshooting efficiency.
How to Use Snap Layouts in Windows 11 to Make the Most of Your Screen Space. Snap layouts in Windows 11 let you organize multiple windows efficiently on your screen, perfect for those with large displays. You can arrange windows in various configurations, such as two, three, or four side by side. Access them via WIN+Z or by dragging windows to the screen’s top.
☁️Copilot & AI
My Favorite Microsoft Copilot TIPS for Outlook, Excel & Copilot Chat. You’re getting three practical tips for using Microsoft 365 Copilot. In Chat, personalize responses by setting custom instructions. In Excel, the FX copilot function can automate tasks like listing ingredients or cities. In Outlook, prioritize emails with rules to keep your inbox organized. These features can help you work more efficiently and keep your tasks manageable. VIDEO
M365 Copilot rewrite is coming to editable text in Edge. Starting late September 2025, you can use the Rewrite feature in Microsoft Edge for Business, powered by Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. This tool helps you draft and rephrase text directly within the browser by highlighting and right-clicking editable content. Keep in mind, if Data Loss Prevention policies restrict Copilot’s access, Rewrite won’t be available for that content.
AI Monitoring in Microsoft 365: Why It’s Non-Negotiable. AI monitoring in Microsoft 365 ensures your AI systems operate reliably and securely while meeting compliance standards. By tracking performance, detecting anomalies, and assessing data integrity, you mitigate risks like model drift and security breaches. Rencore offers tools to manage AI readiness, agent deployments, and costs effectively, providing centralized visibility to help you leverage AI responsibly within Microsoft 365.
☁️Sysadmin Stuff
INFO: “Attack Simulation training” services in Microsoft Defender for Office 365 P2. If you’re using Microsoft 365 E5, E3 with E5 Security, or Defender for Office 365 Plan 2, you can benefit from Microsoft’s Attack Simulation Training. This service helps prevent phishing by sending simulated phishing emails and Teams messages to users, testing their reactions. It’s designed not to embarrass but to educate users about phishing risks and enhance their awareness.
My Issues With High Volume Email. The High Volume Email service in Microsoft 365 has several issues. It lacks support for certain ciphers, has shorter connection timeouts, reduced email size limits, and fewer SMTP commands compared to the legacy SMTP endpoint. Error handling is problematic, as bounces can’t be easily managed. These challenges need resolution for a smoother transition from the legacy system.
How to Configure Retention Policies in Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 retention policies let you manage data lifecycle effectively, determining how long to retain or delete content across services like SharePoint, Exchange, and Teams. They support compliance, reduce clutter, and ensure critical information is preserved. You can choose static or adaptive scopes, and policies can be updated anytime.
☁️Security & Data Governance
M365 Business Premium includes so many advanced security controls that previously required on-premises network appliances. Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers robust, identity-focused security for SMBs with remote-heavy, cloud-first setups, reducing reliance on costly hardware firewalls. Pair it with a basic business-grade router for minimal network protection. For most SMBs, investing in Business Premium’s conditional access, endpoint protection, and cloud security provides more effective defense than traditional perimeter-based solutions.
Hackers Hate THIS! Brand Your Microsoft 365 Portal Today. Branding your Microsoft 365 login page isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about security. Adding your logo, background, and custom messaging helps your team recognize legitimate login pages, reducing the risk of falling for phishing attempts. It’s simple to set up in the admin center, costs nothing extra for paid plans, and adds both protection and professionalism to your organization. VIDEO
Understanding the changes coming to Microsoft MFA. Microsoft is retiring legacy MFA and SSPR authentication management policies by September 2025, consolidating all settings into the Authentication Methods Policy in Entra ID. This simplifies administration by centralizing control and supporting modern authentication, like passwordless methods. A migration tool is available for transitioning settings. Be mindful of user impact if disabling specific MFA methods during migration.
☁️Noteworthy (long)reads
You Backed Up Your Data, but Can You Bring It Back? Having backups is only half the battle in data recovery. To ensure resilience, focus on recovery readiness with practices like regular recovery testing, hybrid backup strategies, and dependency mapping. Implement immutable backups, automate recovery playbooks, validate backup health, and secure access credentials. True resilience means restoring systems quickly, accurately, and securely under pressure, not just storing data.
Understanding “Brain Rot”: A Guide for the Chronically Online and the Curious. “Brain rot” is internet slang for the mental fatigue caused by consuming excessive low-quality, repetitive, or absurd digital content, especially short-form videos. Popular with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, it humorously reflects concerns about attention spans, mental health, and digital overload. While often joked about, it highlights the evolving relationship between younger generations and online culture.
To Survive Server Crashes, IT Needs a ‘Black Box’. IT incidents often unravel like puzzles, with teams piecing together fragmented data to identify root causes. Application Dependency Mapping (ADM) offers a solution by acting as a “black box” for IT infrastructure. It provides time-stamped visibility into system interdependencies, enabling faster root cause analysis, reducing blame cycles, and improving post-mortem accuracy.
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☁️On a Less Serious Note
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