Month: March 2025

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Official Windows 11 Roadmap finally unveiled.

Microsoft has finally unveiled a dedicated Windows 11 roadmap website, designed to simplify the lives of IT pros, and IT technical management and users who care about new features and updates.

This addresses longstanding frustrations about the lack of transparency in the Windows Insider program, where new features are tested before going live.

Why Was This Roadmap Needed?

In short – there has never really been one.

For years, IT professionals grappled with inconsistent communication and unclear timelines in the Windows Insider program. Managing systems with this uncertainty was a challenge, to say the least. Microsoft listened to feedback and responded with a user-friendly roadmap that offers:

  • Feature Tracking: It shows the current status of features—whether in testing, gradual rollout, or general availability.
  • Intended Timelines: Features now come with estimated release windows, helping IT teams prepare systems for upcoming changes.

Simplified Navigation and Transparency

The roadmap include features that are in testing with users enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, features in a gradual rollout phase, and features that are generally available. Many of the features will include a target release window, which should help with preparing for upcoming features and changes.

Microsoft new Windows Roadmap

This empowers IT and Change Management teams to manage changes effectively, a step forward from the often-criticised lack of clarity in past processes.

What about Windows Server?

No, not yet. For now, it only covers Windows 11 client editions – leaving out Windows Server.

Conclusion – Yes! Finally!

This roadmap marks an important evolution in Microsoft’s approach to transparency, giving IT administrators the tools they need to keep systems running smoothly. Though it’s still early days, the potential for this tool to grow and cover more updates is vast.

Of course just like the Microsoft 365 roadmap, features listed on the roadmap remain subject to change, postponement, or cancellation.

For more details, check out the Microsoft announcement

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Deep research AI models coming to Microsoft 365 Copilot

As March 2025 comes to an end, Microsoft have unveiled several exciting updates across Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Chat, and Copilot Studio.

Copilot announcements this week

1. Updates to Copilot Studio Message Rates

Effective April 1, 2025, updated (cheaper) message rates for Copilot Studio will go live. These adjustments cover tenant Microsoft Graph grounding and agent actions (previously known as autonomous actions). The prices of tenant Microsoft Graph grounding and autonomous actions are being reduced from 30 messages and 25 messages to 10 messages and 5 messages respectively, from April 2nd, 2025.

Also coming is Agent flows which allow agent creators to bring Power Automate automation features directly into Copilot Studio to quickly and consistently automate business processes. There will also be new deep reasoning in agents combines reasoning models including Open AI o1 with the ability to access enterprise data to complete complex tasks.

Microsoft are also updating pricing with a new  zero-rating for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users in Microsoft 365 apps and services, ensuring inclusive, seamless integration and cost-effective use of these tools. This means licensed Microsoft 365 Copilot users will not be charged for using agents in their organisation

2. Rule-Based Workflows in Copilot Studio

From April 2025, Copilot Studio will introduce structured, rule-based workflows for agents. This aims to simplify process automation, enabling users to create efficient, consistent workflows with minimal manual effort. Usage of this functionality will contribute to the Copilot Studio meter, encouraging innovation while maintaining transparency in resource utilisation.

3. Deep Reasoning in Copilot Studio

So this is a big one – Microsoft have made deep reasoning capabilities available in Copilot Studio’s public preview from today. This will empowers users to address complex, decision-intensive tasks by leveraging advanced reasoning algorithms.

Whether it’s managing intricate processes or solving challenging problems, this tool offers remarkable precision and depth in its execution.

4. Two new Deep Reasoning Agents

Microsoft announced two new deep reasoning agents—Researcher and Analyst—as part of an early preview which will also be coming “soon” with previews coming in April before wider rollout.

  • Researcher Agent: has been designed for content creation and information synthesis, this agent combines OpenAI’s advanced deep research model with Microsoft Copilot’s orchestration. By integrating Copilot Chat’s web and work grounding capabilities, Researcher enables users to brainstorm ideas, generate high-quality content, and analyze data more effectively.
Researcher Agent in Copilot.
  • Analyst Agent: This is powered by a new reasoning model. the Analyst agent will function as a virtual data scientist and will have the ability to process complex datasets and provide real-time code validation (using Python) and will be able to deliver actionable insights and visually compelling representations of data in minutes.

Microsoft say that these agents will be gradually rolled out to Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users through the Frontier program, an early access programme for customers to test out early and new Copilot innovations.

Read more

To dive deeper into these updates, visit Microsoft’s official blog.

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Why Surface Flex Keyboard is a Game-Changer.

Surface Flex Keyboard

Surface Pro has always been about versatility and is the ultimate 2-in-1 device for business and consumers who want the flexibility and agility of a tablet and laptop in one.

Surface Pro can start as laptop, but when you detach the keyboard, you have a tablet, re-attach it and voilà – it is now a laptop again.

Over the years, the once flimsy feel keyboard of the first generation keyboards has got better and better to the point where it now competes in sense of feel, key travel and general use with even a laptop keyboard. 

What if you could take this flexibility a step further?

Introducing The Surface Flex Keyboard?

Surface Flex Keyboard was released in 2024. It is a like a traditional Surface type cover but continues to work when you detach it. This enables a new style of working since you can use the Surface Flex Keyboard in detached mode thanks to the “auto-pairing” Bluetooth connectivity. This makes it great for flexibility, posture and helps you (if you want or need to) change your desk set-up.

Surface Pro Flex Keyboard

With Surface Flex Keyboard, pairing is instant and seamless. Simply connecting the keyboard pairs it instantly and when you detach the keyboard, you can keep working “with” the keyboard not attached.

Surface Pro Flex Keyboard

This means, whether you are taking notes in OneNote, mind-mapping in WhiteBoard or just repositioning your workspace/desk to be more ergonomic. This also works really well when you are working on a train or plane (or sofa) and need to reposition your device.

The best bit – you don’t need to buy the very latest Surface to use it. I’ve just got my hands on one this week whilst at MVP Summit in Seattle and am now using it with my two-year old Surface Pro 9.

Surface Flex Keyboard actually work with all Surfaces going back to the original Pro X which was released in 2019!

Seamless Connectivity, Premium Feel and Different use cases

The Flex Keyboard’s transition between physical and Bluetooth connections is seamless, making it feel like magic. As you’d expect, this is a premium accessory, and it shows. The keyboard really good travel, feels premium and even has the satisfying tactile bump and fast keyboard rebound, similar to that of a Surface Laptop or MacBook Air.

The base of the device is enforced with carbon fiber layers, reducing the bounciness / bendyness that users often criticised in the earlier days of Surface Pro. Oh – you also get a really great haptic touch-pad too which is smooth and precise, and can be adjusted and configured in the Windows Settings.

The keyboard comes in different colours and is wrapped in the usual beautiful soft Alcantara fabric

Compatibility and Value

Surface Flex Keyboard actually work with all Surfaces going back to the original Pro X which was released in 2019, making it a versatile option for new Surface Pro users or those that either need or want a new keyboard for their existing device.

The Surface Flex Keyboard costs from $249 currently in the US and I found them for around £225 in the UK at time of writing.

There seem to be good deal around at the moment but it’s a great keyboard and definitely recommend it for anyone who wants the latest and greatest.

Conclusion

Surface Flex Keyboard is an impressive addition to the Surface Pro “accessories” lineup and I totally love it. Yes they are pricey (but the non flex keyboard is too), but its seamless connectivity (with no manual pairing required), premium feel, and backward compatibility with older devices make it a compelling choice for Surface users new and existing.

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Meet Microsoft 365’s New Mini Apps

Microsoft has introduced two new mini apps for Microsoft 365 users: the People app and the File Search app. These tools are designed to improve productivity and simplify common everyday tasks for business users.

Image (c) Microsoft

The People App: Connecting Teams with Ease

The People app makes it easy to access colleague profiles and organisational charts without interrupting workflow. Whether you’re looking for a team member by name, job title, or department, the app delivers results instantly. It also integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, allowing you to send messages and view detailed profile cards with contact information and project involvement.

You can of course pin the People app to your taskbar, making collaboration just a click away.

The File Search App: Finding Files Faster

Managing files is a more simple with the File Search app. Its homepage displays recently opened files, while its robust search function allows you to locate documents by name, content, or file type. A preview feature lets you confirm you’ve found the correct file without opening it—saving both time and effort.

Like the People app, the File Search app can also be pinned to the taskbar, positioning it as an essential tool for busy professionals.

Who Can Use These Apps

Currently these new apps are available to Windows 11 users with Microsoft 365 desktop apps, these mini apps are expected to enhance efficiency for a wide range of business users. Oh.. And you must be running the beta (or Office Insider Builds) but these will roll out over coming months to everyone.

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Cisco and Microsoft Shake Up Collaboration at Enterprise Connect 2025 with new AI infused features

Enterprise Connect 2025 brought the usual buzz from everyone in the Collab and Contact Center Space.  From AI and  integrations in Contact Center to subtle hybrid work updates for meetings and chat, these announcements from the Collab giants continues to set to redefine how we collaborate in 2025…

Here’s everything you need to know from what Cisco and Microsoft announced.

Microsoft Teams – Key Takeaways:

  • New Live chat widget rolling in out this spring for small businesses. This allows website visitors to chat with sales or customer support team in Microsoft Teams. There’s also a Live chat widget which will provides a dashboard for managing conversations, notifications for incoming chat requests, and an option to view previous customer interactions.
  • Teams Chat will be getting a new @nearby feature that allows people to easily connect with other colleagues who are physically close by to them. This helps encourage face to face chats when people may not realise that colleagues are in the same or adjacent office.
  • Teams meeting recap is now supported for webinars, and the limit for town halls has been increased to 50,000 attendees.
  • Teams channels: Loop comes to Teams Channels by allowing users to add a Loop workspace tab to standard channels.
  • On a security front, Teams has now introduced the automatic blocking of malicious files, detection of sensitive information during screen sharing. This used a combination of Defender and DLP.
  • Teams Phone is getting new features like SMS messaging in US and Canada, as well as barge/whisper/monitor/takeover for team leads in groups and when using Call Queues.
  • In Teams Rooms the new recommender feature will suggests suitable meeting rooms to facilitate easier in-person collaboration. The facilitator agent will also be coming to Teams Rooms (in preview now) to take notes for you in meeting which can co edited by attendees.

The big annoucement on the Microsoft Teams front was of course the annoucement of Teams Phone extensibility for Dynamics 365 Contact Center and for certified ISV solutions such as Luware which are coming soon public preview.

Cisco Webex – Key Takeaways

  • Cisco who are firmly on the AI drive, unveiled their vision for agentic AI collaboration, alongside new AI-powered features for their Webex platform. They said general availability of their Webex AI Agent was due before Easter!
  • Agents upgrade: with new features coming for Cisco AI Assistant for Webex Contact Center, including suggested responses and real-time transcription for agents.
  • Teams Rooms: Cisco announced that AirPlay support on Cisco Devices in  Microsoft Teams Rooms mode would also be coming soon.
  • Line of Business Agent integration: The new Cisco AI Agents  allow agents in Webex Contact Center to integrate with other enterprise apps like Sales force, Dynamics and ServiceNow to improve workflows and customer support with APIs and connectors. This will allow for workflows automation.

Read more.

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/microsoft-teams-at-enterprise-connect-2025-leading-the-future-of-collaboration/4393733?wt.mc_id=MVP_309187

https://www.webex.com/us/en/live-events/enterprise-connect-2025.html

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Windows 11 finally gets a native Copilot app.

At the end of Feb 2025, Microsoft gave Apple Mac users with a brand-new native Copilot (consumer) app experience and now after a feeble Web app version, Windows 11 is finally getting a proper one too.

This latest update brings a fully native Copilot app to Windows, delivering a faster, smoother, and visually enriched interface that aligns perfectly with the Windows 11 design language. Yay.

It also has a keyboard shortcut that lets you hold the Alt + Spacebar keys for two seconds to start chatting to Copilot via voice.

From Web View to Native App

For those who followed the initial rollout, you’ll remember that the original Copilot for Windows was simply a web view of the Microsoft Copilot website. While functional, it left much to be desired in terms of responsiveness and overall polish. 

Copilot App – Webapp to Native App

The new Copilot update transforms that experience completely. By leveraging the native app UI framework, Microsoft has infused the app with features that make the experience feel inherently Windows 11 that is also complete with a sidebar for managing chats, elegant mica blur effects, and native context menus and buttons.

This adherence to the native design not only improves aesthetics but also boosts performance and responsiveness.

What’s New in the Copilot for Windows App?

Enhanced User Interface

  • Native Design Language: The interface now mirrors the sleek, modern aesthetics of Windows 11. 
  • Smooth Interactions: Launching the app is noticeably quicker, and interactions feel seamless thanks to the native integration.

Intelligent Chat Management  

  • Sidebar for Conversations: All your previous chats are saved and easily accessible in a dedicated sidebar. 
  • Instant New Chat: Starting a new conversation is as simple as hitting the new chat button.

Retained and Expanded Functionality 

  • Text and Voice Chat: Continue to interact with Microsoft’s AI assistant using text, or opt for the Copilot Voice for a more dynamic experience. 
  • Customisable Settings: Options include settings to enable or disable launching the app on Windows boot, as well as toggling the alt+spacebar shortcut for quick access.

In short, there’s no real feature changes here – just a native Windows App, ensuring that the native experience makes no compromises on capability and features along with performance and usability improvements of a native app.

First thoughts on the new version

I have to confess—I wasn’t thrilled with the old web view version of Copilot for Windows. It felt like an afterthought compared to its Mac counterpart. This new native experience, however, is a major improvement. The app now inspires confidence in handling everyday AI tasks and is genuinely enjoyable to use. 

Getting the new Copilot App

For Windows Insiders excited to explore this update, the latest version (1.25023.107.0) or higher is now available via the Microsoft Store and should update automatically. The app is rolling out in preview across all Insider channels, inviting users to experience this transformative upgrade first-hand.

As a Microsoft product inside another Microsoft product, the evolution from a mere web view app (which should never have been done in my opinion) to a fully fledged native app that looks and feels like a Windows app not only elevates user interaction but also shows that Microsoft is actually serious about integrating AI seamlessly into everyday computing tasks.

The new Copilot for Windows app also has a keyboard shortcut that lets you hold the Alt + Spacebar keys for two seconds to start chatting to Copilot via your voice.

Microsoft want your feedback

Microsoft would like feedback too, which you can do by filing feedback in the  Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Copilot or directly within the Copilot app by clicking on your profile icon and choosing “Give feedback”.

This feedback shapes the future. Whether we can expect more iterative updates, possibly with additional features and enhancements will only happen based on the Microsoft collects feedback from Insiders.

Conclusion

The leap to a native interface is more than just a cosmetic upgrade—it represents a thoughtful stride toward a more integrated and responsive Windows experience. I’m excited to see how this native Copilot app will further inspire productivity and innovation as it evolves.

What are your thoughts on this updated native app?

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SMBs – upgrade to Microsoft 365 E5 Security for $12

Microsoft quietly announced yesterday that Microsoft 365 Business Premium customers (this is a SMB license for customers with less than 300 seats) can now add the Microsoft 365 E5 Security as a bolt on for just $12 pupm.

This represents a saving of 57%

Why would I want Microsoft E5 Security Add-on

This upgrade includes a heap of Enterprise E5 features previously only available to Microsoft Enterprise Customers on Microsoft 365 E3. It includes:

  • Microsoft Entra P2 (Identity protection, Risk Based Conditional Access, Secure Access etc)
  • Defender for Office Plan 2
  • Defender for Identity
  • Defender for Endpoints (Plan 2) with XDR
  • Defender for AI & Cloud Apps and
  • more.

The offers huge value for SMBs bringing their security protection in line with what has previously only been included within Microsoft 365 E5 but at a fraction of the cost. The enhanced protection features in Entra P2 and Defender P2 will be highly valuable for business looking to strengthen their security posture with best-in-class solutions, whilst reducing the reliance on multiple technologies and vendors with integrated management across the rest of their Microsoft 365 Security Portal.

How do I get the Microsoft 365 Security Add-on

Simple – if you are a web-direct customer, you can add-on via the Microsoft 365 Admin centre. If you buy from partner (Cloud Solution Provider) via NCE, speak to them for pricing or speak to us at https://www.cisilion.com.

You can read the full details here: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365businessblog/microsoft-365-e5-security-is-now-available-as-an-add-on-to-microsoft-365-busines/4388436?wt.mc_id=MVP_309187

Is there a Compliance E5 Add-on?

Not yet, though have seen lots of questions about this, so I’d guess this might be next!

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Enhancing Business Resilience: Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus

Microsoft has introduced Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus, an advanced add-on designed to drastically reduce downtime for Cloud PCs during unexpected outages. It’s currently  available in preview and set for general availability later in the sprint 2025. It aims to minimise Recovery Time Objective (RTO) to just 30 minutes – down from the previous four-hour benchmark for large tenants.

Downtime is the ultimate disruptor for any business, especially when it comes to productivity-critical systems like Cloud Services and of course Cloud PCs. Recognising the demand for quicker recovery times, Microsoft has introduced Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus which is currently in preview and will be a paid-for / licensed add-on for Windows 365 Enterprise customers.

Disaster Recovery Plus will offers much faster recovery times to address the limitations of its predecessor “Windows 365 Cross-Region Disaster Recovery” which launched in July 2024. Disaster Recover Plus is due to generally available from during spring this year (2025).

This will be a cost option and is designed for users within organisation whose Cloud PC use demands the highest levels of disaster recovery performance and speed of recovery in the event on an outage.

Sharper Focus on Recovery Times

The original Windows 365 cross-region disaster recovery feature presented huge value, enabling business continuity for Cloud PCs during unforeseen events. This service worked by created snapshots of Cloud PCs, which were stored securely in a secondary region defined by the customer. In the case of the need to invoke recovery, users were able to access temporary replicas of their Cloud PCs, complete with all applications and settings based on the most recent restore point – it worked pretty well.

There were however, some limitations. You see, while applications and settings were restored, unsaved work was irretrievable, making OneDrive or SharePoint essential for active file management (which of course most us use right!). Additionally, the recovery process could take up to four hours for larger tenants – which is longer than it takes most physcial devices to be reprovisioned.


Microsoft’s new Disaster Recovery Plus addresses the Recovery Time Objective (RTO) issue reducing recovery time down to around 30 minutes.

Configuring Disaster Recovery Plus

Configuration of Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus is configured in the Windows 365 configuration section within Intune under Devices > Windows 365 > User Settings > Optional Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery.

These disaster recovery add-ons are designed to be used in case of a large outage and not individual or groups of users since this invokes the full disaster recovery process. During this outage (or of course when running a test) the Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus service will move selected users to their temporary Cloud PCs

Microsoft say that Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus may be applied to a set of individual users or user groups to provide fast and simple activation or deactivation.

Previews and Pricing

As is typical with Microsoft previews, IT admins will have the opportunity to try out this service free of charge. I have not yet seen pricing for the final service and how this will work, but I expect this to ROI based and of course optional for customers that need these higher level of RTO.

Conclusion and Thoughts

For customers for whom any loss of service costs money, the value proposition should be clear. Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus bridges a critical gap in the speed of recovery enabling businesses to restore operations significantly (around 8 times faster) in these high-stakes scenarios. The the ability to bring Cloud PCs back online within 30 minutes is a substantial improvement over the four-hour window that currently exists.

The question I guess remains, should this be a chargable extra or do customers just expect this level of performance as services like Windows 365 evolve.

You can read the full Microsoft article <– here —> :

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Debunking the Windows 11 24H2 CPU Misunderstanding

A couple of weeks ago, changes to the Windows 11 24H2 CPU requirements support document aimed at OEMs stirred up a whirlwind of confusion and mi’s truths within the tech and Windows community. There were reports that flooded social media claiming that Microsoft were no longer supporting a heap of older CPUs on and after the Windows 24H2 update marking them as “unsupported”.

Microsoft have come back saying that this was a essentially a classic case of miscommunication and as a result they have updated their blog to ensure better clarity.

The Source of the Confusion

The misunderstanding came about when Microsoft updated its documentation to recommend newer CPUs to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers like Dell, HP etc) madaring the use of newer processors and chipsets for new devices. This might sound obvious, after all if you buying a new device in 2025, you’d expect it not to be based on five year old technology such as 8th or 9th generqtion processors especially in the wave of demand for NPU supported internals to support the growing wave of edge AI powered software.

In shirt, many misinterpreted this and read it as Microsoft changing the core Windows 11 compatibility ability requirements which they have not.

Clarity on support for older CPUs

Just to confirm, Microsoft have not and are not excluded older CPUs from running Windows 11 outside of the already well communicated compatibility requirements. Microsoft’s updated clarified documentation explicitly lists Intel’s 8th, 9th, and 10th-generation processors among the CPUs that are supported CPUs, along with a few other models.

The clarity also re states the restrictions are for OEMs, ensuring that users are not “conned” into buying value priced new devices built on old and aging chipsets.

What this means for Users.

In short, “Keep Calm and Carry on”. The updated support document is primarily intended for OEMs, guiding their decisions for new hardware production. Although it’s unlikely that manufacturers will or would priotise older CPUs for upcoming Windows 11-capable PCs, the list ensures flexibility for scenarios where such hardware might still be utilised and also gives consumers and buyers better confidence.

For users with existing devices running on these processors, this clarification provides the following reassurance: older yet reliable and compatible hardware will continue to be supported in the Windows 11 24H2 ecosystem.

Windows 11 hardware requirements

The link below takes you to Microsoft’s official communications and compatibility requirements for Windows 11.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/minimum-hardware-requirements-overview?source=recommendations

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Windows 11 UI Updates: New Features & Start menu design

If you are a WindowsInsider then the  latest update to Windows 11 (which will soon become mainstream) brings a mixture of  new features and subtle, but important redesign. Let’s taken a look.

New File Sharing Tools

One of the standout features in the new update is an enhanced file-sharing menu. This new tool appears at the top of the screen whenever you drag a file out of a folder.

New native file sharing in Windows 11

It presents an array of icons for apps like WhatsApp, My Phone, and Microsoft Teams, allowing for seamless sharing directly through these platforms. Additionally, you can now share files from jump lists on the taskbar, making it even easier to send documents, images, and PDFs.

Redesigned Start Menu

The Start Menu, which was relocated to the center of the taskbar with Windows 11, has received several layout options in this update. Users can now choose between grid or category views for the All Apps page.

New desktop grid view in Windows 11

As you can see if the image above, the new grid view maintains alphabetical ordering, but extends the layout sideways to fit more apps on screen, reducing the need for scrolling. The category view groups applications under headings like social, productivity, and entertainment, with the most-used apps highlighted for quick access.

This is much easier to use and more pleasing on the eye in my option. What do you think?

Multiple App Access to Webcam

In response to feedback from users, Microsoft will now allow multiple apps to access a webcam simultaneously (though there are some hardware limitations).

One of the primary benefits of this new feature is that, for the first time you can leverage video streaming for both a sign language interpreter and the end audience at the same time, enhancing accessibility.

It can also of course be used for multiple apps using the same camera without having to close the other app or turn the camera off.

Summary

The changes to the Windows 11 desktop in my opinion provide some really useful features and redesigns.

To test these now you need to be a WindowsInsider and being pre release their may be bugs and refinements before the updates hit mainstream users.

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