1. OneDrive: Removal of Group Policy for OCSI – Key Details
Overview
Microsoft is going to remove the EnableAllOcsiClients OneDrive group policy this May. This change will allow better synchronization to exist between Microsoft Office and OneDrive. Also, the change is going to activate key features i.e. autosave, version history, real-time collaboration, automatic conflict resolution, etc. for Office docs. The policy’s removal is part of their ongoing effort to enhance Office/OneDrive integration. They are basically trying to ensure a smooth experience for their end users. The rollout begins worldwide this May ( it was previously scheduled for April 2025).
Impact
Users will automatically gain access to the crucial features mentioned above after the removal of this policy. These features definitely improve productivity as Autosave ensures docs are saved automatically to OneDrive or SharePoint, even without manual intervention. On the other hand, real-time collaboration feature enables more than one user to edit the same file simultaneously. Version history lets you track/restore previous doc versions, and more. If conflicts arise, Office will merge file versions automatically unless user input is required.
Action Needed
No immediate action is required from admins in the backdrop of this change.
2. Updates to Microsoft Intune: New Features Coming in April 2025
Overview
Microsoft just updated their “In Development” page for Microsoft Intune. They have outlined some new features that are going to be released soon, in the coming months.
The new features include some new enhancements and some new functions that will integrate directly into the platform. The list is basically going to give M365 organizations a heads-up on what’s coming. So they can prepare for the changes.
Impact
The updated page provides visibility into the upcoming features. It aims to help your IT teams understand what’s on the horizon. The list is sure to assist you in preparing for any necessary adjustments you may need to make, or if you need to train your workers. The update may also affect your system workflows and IT management processes due to the new features being introduced. All in all, you need to stay aware of these changes as they are being expected to offer a rather smooth transition from the previous feature landscape.
Action Needed
Inform your IT staff of the impending changes. Or, for that matter, helpdesk teams about the upcoming features. If any new functionality seems important to your users, kindly update your user guidance.
3. Transition to Paid Public Preview for Generative AI in Microsoft Purview
Overview
Microsoft is set to transition their generative AI capabilities in Microsoft Purview to a paid public preview this May.
This initiative brings data compliance features i.e. Data Lifecycle Management, eDiscovery, Communication Compliance, Audit for interactions, etc. made with generative AI apps like Security Copilot, Copilot Studio, etc.
However, Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat data will still be unaffected and apps outside of the Microsoft ecosystem will be charged money based on usage. This will be under a pay-as-you-go model.
Impact
The change requires your organization to link its Azure subscription to Purview to enable billing. Charges will apply for the usage of generative AI features in Data Compliance solutions, specifically for non M365 AI apps. Failure to link an Azure subscription will cause inaccessibility to these features.
Action Needed
Microsoft Purview admins need to link their Azure subscription to ensure continued access to these paid features. But if your organization doesn’t wish to incur these charges, you should discontinue using these features before May 1, 2025.
4. Microsoft Intune Update: New Icon Rollout
Overview
Microsoft Intune is getting a fresh, modern icon. This will be updated across all related platforms and apps i.e. the Intune admin center, Intune Company Portal app, etc.
The update is going to improve the visual experience for both users and admins as the new icon has already begun rolling out and its gradual implementation is due over a few months.
Impact
There will be no disruption to your operations. Admins will see the new icon in the Intune admin center, the Intune for Education portal, the Azure portal, etc. Users will notice the updated icon on both Intune and Intune Company Portal apps.
Action Needed
Update your documentation to reflect the new icon.
5. Changes to Plan Visibility in Planner and Project for the Web: What You Need to Know
Overview
MS Planner and MS Project for the Web won’t show plans created/managed via Project in Power Apps, Project Accelerator, or Project Online in their ‘Recent’ tab. This change impacts how you access these plans through Planner in Teams, Planner for the web, and Project for the Web. Plans created/updated/deleted in these services won’t show up in the ‘Recent’ tab, despite the fact that there are no changes when accessing them directly in Project-related apps.
Impact
If your organization is using Project in Power Apps, Project Accelerator or Project Online with Planner, be sure that this change will stop recent plans from appearing in the ‘Recent’ tab in MS Planner and Project for the Web.
Specifically, new plans created in these services won’t show up and deleted plans may still appear but they’ll lead to errors on attempt to access. But accessing these plans directly through Project apps will still remain unaffected. And, there’s no impact for activities performed directly in Planner or Project for the Web.
Action Needed
Use the following workarounds to maintain easy access to your plans:
- Project users in Power Apps or Project Accelerator should open plans via the Tasks tab. They can also select “Open in Project.”
- Project Online users can continue to access plans through Project Online. But these plans won’t sync to the Recent tab in Project for the Web or Planner.
6. Update Your Firewall Rules for Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps this April
Overview
Microsoft is going to enhance the security and performance for Defender for Cloud Apps. Now organizations need to update their firewall configurations before April 21, 2025. And if your network restricts outbound traffic based on IP or Azure service tags, failing to act on this instruction may disrupt your access status to critical services.
Impact
This affects organizations using firewall allowlists that rely on specific IPs or even Azure service tags for Defender for Cloud Apps access. If no changes are made, admins may lose connectivity after the deadline. However, those using DNS-based restrictions or no IP filtering won’t be impacted.
Action Needed
Update firewall rules to allow outbound traffic on port 443 for these IP ranges before the deadline:
- 13.107.228.0/24
- 13.107.229.0/24
- 13.107.219.0/24
- 13.107.227.0/24
- 150.171.97.0/24
Alternatively, if you are using Azure service tags, add ‘AzureFrontDoor.MicrosoftSecurity’ to your allowlist. Verify updates against the official network requirements. No further action is needed.
7. OneDrive: Removal of “EnableHoldTheFile” Group Policy – What You Need to Know
Overview
Microsoft is going to remove the “EnableHoldTheFile” group policy for OneDrive this May. This change is sure to give users more control over file conflicts as it’ll allow them to choose the file version they want to keep.
The rollout begins globally in early May 2025 and finishes by late May 2025. Organizations may need to review their configurations before the change takes place and notify users.
Impact
At this moment, OneDrive automatically creates file copies whenever any conflicts arise if the “EnableHoldTheFile” policy is disabled. But after this change, users will be able to select file versions of their choice in case of conflicts occurring in PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc. If a conflict is unresolvable, the system will ask users via a prompt about their choice: either they want to save a copy or discard changes. All in all, this update is sure to streamline file management and reduce unnecessary conflicting file copies.
Action Needed
No immediate action required of admins!
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