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The start of a new year is an ideal moment to reassess your Microsoft 365 licensing. Many businesses unknowingly pay for more licenses than they actually need.
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What’s going on?
As we enter January, it's time to evaluate your Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The beginning of the year often brings budget reviews, making it the perfect opportunity to ensure you're not overspending on licenses. Microsoft 365 offers various plans tailored to different needs, and with the introduction of features like Microsoft 365 Copilot, your requirements may have changed.
Why You Should Care
By conducting a licensing audit, you can identify unused licenses and adjust your subscriptions accordingly. This not only helps you save money but also ensures that your team has the right tools for their work. You may find that consolidating plans or switching to a different tier better fits your current needs, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Common Pitfalls
The most common mistake during a licensing audit is overlooking inactive accounts or licenses. Make sure to review all user accounts, including those of former employees, to avoid unnecessary charges.
How to Do It?
Follow these steps to perform your Microsoft 365 licensing audit:
Access Admin Center:: Log into your Microsoft 365 account and navigate to the Admin Center.
Review Users:: Go to the Users section and select Active Users to view all current licenses.
Identify Inactive Accounts:: Look for any users who have left the organization or are no longer using their accounts.
Check License Assignments:: Click on each user to see their assigned licenses and identify any that are not being utilized.
Consolidate Licenses:: If you find multiple licenses for similar services, consider consolidating to a single plan that meets your needs.
Adjust Subscriptions:: Remove any unnecessary licenses and adjust your subscriptions as needed through the Billing section.
Document Changes:: Keep a record of the changes made for future reference and budgeting purposes.
Pro Tip
To get the most out of your Microsoft 365 licensing, consider these advanced strategies:
Regular Audits: Schedule audits quarterly to ensure you’re always aligned with your business needs.
Feature Utilization: Familiarize yourself with new features like Microsoft 365 Copilot to leverage them effectively in your workflows.
Training Resources: Invest in training for your team to maximize the benefits of the tools available through your subscriptions.
Wrapping up!
Conducting a licensing audit can lead to significant savings and ensure your team has the necessary tools to succeed. Take the time this January to review your Microsoft 365 licenses, adjust as needed, and set your organization up for a productive year ahead.