1. Windows 365 Web Client to Windows App: Transition Timeline & Next Steps
Overview
Microsoft is phasing out the Windows 365 web client. Now, there will be only Windows app. The change is coming on Jan 25, 2025, as users will now see in-app prompts to switch.
By May 2025, the web client will have fully gone, in fact, redirected to Windows app. That said, June 2025 will see the complete inaccessibility of the Web client. The Windows app is already available across platforms via app stores and even the web.
Impact
Users now need to transition to the app version of Windows 365 if they want to continue accessing Windows 365 Cloud PCs. The app supports all popular platforms and there will be a consistent experience.
Action Needed
No mandatory action required!! The transition will happen automatically. However, you can let your users know that they can switch early. The toggle option in the web client helps you do that. IT admins should update internal documentation as well as equip user guides with new access instructions.
2. Enhanced Link Security in M365 Copilot Chat: What to Expect
Overview
Starting this March, Microsoft is going to roll out security enhancements for M365 Copilot Chat. They are going to integrate SafeLinks for real-time URL protection. They are also enabling native time-of-click reputation checks. The update also removes hyperlink redaction in chat responses. The rollout will finish in May 2025. The change comes to desktop and web first and then to mobile.
Impact
The changes improve link security in M365 Copilot Chat as there will now be scanning of URLs at the time of access. SafeLinks integration applies to users having a license of Microsoft Defender for Office 365. That said, others will also benefit from a built-in URL reputation check. Also, hyperlinks from grounding data will no longer be redacted. So, there will be a rather more seamless experience.
Action Needed
No configuration changes are required. For more details, visit Microsoft Defender SafeLinks.
3. OneDrive Update: EEEU Sharing Permission Removal
Overview
This April 10th, Microsoft is set to delete Everyone Except External Users (EEEU) sharing permission from the root web and default docs library in OneDrive.
The process will finish by Sept 30. The change is expected to prevent accidental data oversharing. The update with direct permissions won’t affect users, apps, processes, etc.
Impact
Any apps or users who rely on the EEEU permission are expected to lose access to OneDrive content after the removal of the permission. But those with direct permissions to specific files will still have access. Your organization should now ensure that necessary users or apps have explicit permissions to avoid possible disruptions.
Action Needed
No admin action is required for this change. Inform users about this change ASAP.
4. Exchange Online: Changes to EWS Access Controls
Overview
Microsoft is going to update how the EWSEnabled flag operates in Exchange Online. The change is coming on April 1, 2025.
Post this policy, Exchange Web Services (EWS) will be permitted ONLY if both Organization-level and User-level EWSEnabled settings are explicitly set to true. The change definitely targets more consistency in organization-wide policy enforcement.
Impact
Currently, if a user-level flag is true, EWS requests are still allowed even if the organization-level setting is false.
This made potential inconsistencies happen in enforcement. Moving forward, EWS access will require both flags set as true. This change will prevent scenarios where individual user settings override broader organizational policies. This ensures greater admin control and uniform policy application.
Action Needed
Admins should review both tenant-wide and per-user EWSEnabled configurations before the deadline – April 1. This will prevent unintended service disruptions. For further details, refer to Microsoft’s official blog.
5. Microsoft 365 Copilot: New License Request & Self-Service Purchase Features
Overview
M365 Copilot is going to feature a license request feature and a self-service purchase option. This change is sure to expand access for users from multiple M365 and O365 plans. The changes let admins manage license requests and self-service purchases directly from the admin center. The rollout begins in late March 2025 and completes by May 2025.
Key Features
License Request
- End users can request a Copilot license from their admin.
- Admins (Global, License, User Admins) can approve/deny requests in the admin center.
- Pending requests will appear in the Licenses page. Admins there can use messaging, including external URLs for alternate request processes.
Self-Service Purchase
- Users can purchase M365 Copilot licenses via their own credit card.
- Admins retain full visibility. Self-service licenses appear under Billing > Your Products.
- Admins can take over control of user-purchased licenses.
- Refunds available in seven days of purchase.
- Existing self-service purchase restrictions will be intact.
Impact on Your Organization
Automated, streamlined Copilot license distribution. Admins may need to review their existing license request handling and self-service purchase settings before rollout. Notifications will appear in the admin center when self-service purchases occur.
Next Steps
Update your internal documentation to reflect the new process.
For more details, visit:
6. Microsoft Teams: AI-Powered Facilitator Agent for Meetings & Chats
Overview
Microsoft Teams is going to introduce the Facilitator agent. It will be an AI-powered assistant to summarize key information in meetings and chats. A great enhancement to real-time collaboration as now users can co-author notes in meetings and can also get automated chat summaries with action items and decisions.
The Facilitator agent requires a M365 Copilot license. It will be available this April. Admins can control its availability though.
Key Features
In Meetings
- Real-time note-taking; co-authoring option.
- Live synthesis of key points and actions; emphasis on unresolved questions.
In Chats
- Continuous summary generation.
- Automated tracking of action items.
- Future editable AI notes embedded; stored in SharePoint.
Security & Compliance
- Built on Microsoft Purview for data security, compliance, governance, etc.
- Data Security Posture Management for AI.
- Integration with Audit, eDiscovery, Data Lifecycle Management tools, etc.
Admin Controls & Next Steps
The Facilitator agent is enabled by default. However, admins can prevent its automatic enabling by blocking all apps. They can also control access at an org-wide or even user level.
7. Exchange Online: New Outbound Email Limits for Tenants
Overview
Microsoft introduces tenant-level outbound email limits (TERRL). With this change, Microsoft aspires to prevent misuse of the service and ensure its maximum availability. The limits are based on the number of purchased email licenses or if a tenant is on trial basis. Enforcement starts this March and the rolling out completes in April.
Key Details:
- Trial tenants: Limited to 5,000 external recipients per day.
- Non-trial tenants: Daily limit scales with purchased email licenses.
- A new Tenant Outbound External Recipients report in the Exchange Admin Center (EAC) to track usage.
Rollout Schedule:
- March 3: Tenants with ≤ 25 email licenses.
- March 10: Tenants with ≤ 200 licenses.
- March 17: Tenants with ≤ 500 licenses.
- March 31: All remaining tenants.
If a tenant exceeds its limit, outbound emails to external recipients will be blocked until the 24-hour rolling window resets.
A PowerShell cmdlet “Get-LimitsEnforcementStatus” can help you check enforcement position.
Microsoft recommends Azure Communication Services for high-volume external emails. Exchange Online High-Volume Email (HVE) is also available but doesn’t count towards TERRL. More details here: EAC > Reports > Mail Flow > Tenant Outbound External Recipients Rate before enforcement.
8. Outlook for iOS & Android: Feed Tab Retirement
Overview
Microsoft is going to retire the Feed tab from the Outlook mobile apps version. The change is going to take place from May 1, 2025, completing in May 2025. Users will no longer be able to access the Feed option typically seen at the bottom of the screen.
Impact
Users who rely on the Feed tab for content recommendations will need to switch to alternative options. Microsoft suggests using Copilot in Outlook. The options like Files app in Outlook or the Recommended section on M365 offer similar functionality.
Action Needed
No action required!! The change will happen automatically.
Windows Management Experts
Now A Microsoft Solutions Partner for:
✓ Data & AI
✓ Digital and App Innovation
✓ Infrastructure
✓ Security
The Solutions Partner badge highlights WME’s excellence and commitment. Microsoft’s thorough evaluation ensures we’re skilled, deliver successful projects, and prioritize security over everything. This positions WME in a global tech community, ready to innovate on the cloud for your evolving business needs.
Unlock the Full Potential of Microsoft 365
Keep your business at the cutting edge with the latest Microsoft 365 enhancements. The future of work is evolving. Are you ready? Connect with our experts today to ensure your Microsoft 365 & Azure systems are secure and future-proof.
