Get Ready: A Guide to Navigating Microsoft Dynamics 365’s Bi-Annual Release Waves

Staying ahead in today’s fast-paced business environment requires continuous innovation, and for organizations leveraging Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, that innovation comes in the form of bi-annual updates called "Release Waves." These updates, released in two cycles each year (April–September and October–March), bring significant new features and capabilities designed to help businesses optimize operations and drive success.?

Here’s a quick overview of what these Release Waves are, how to get early access, and why it's important to prepare your organization for these changes.?

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What is a Release Wave??

A Release Wave is Microsoft’s way of rolling out new features and updates across Dynamics 365 applications—like Marketing, Sales, Finance, and more—as well as the Power Platform. Every six months, these updates bring hundreds of new innovations, allowing organizations to streamline processes and enhance productivity.?

This year, we’re also seeing key updates in industry-specific cloud offerings like Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Financial Services, Sustainability, and Nonprofit sectors. Keeping an eye on these updates can help ensure your business is leveraging the latest technology advancements to stay competitive.?

What is Early Access and How Does it Work??

For each release, Microsoft allows you to opt in for early access updates approximately two months before the official rollout. This means that if the release is scheduled for early April, you can begin exploring new features as early as February. Similarly, for the October release, early access begins in August.?

Early access is enabled by default, meaning the updates will automatically apply unless manually postponed. You can opt for updates in trial, sandbox, or production environments, although it’s best practice to start in a non-production (sandbox) environment to avoid potential disruption.?

Early access to new features lets you test and validate updates well in advance of the full release. This not only minimizes the risk of issues in production environments but also allows your team to become familiar with new functionalities before they are mandatory.?

By enabling early access in a sandbox environment first, you can simulate how the updates will impact your business processes. This approach allows for any necessary adjustments, ensuring your team is fully prepared when the updates go live.?

How to Prepare for a Release Wave: A Quick Checklist?

• Review the release plan as soon as early access becomes available.?

• Create a sandbox environment from production to test upcoming changes.?

• Opt-in to early access from the Power Platform Admin Center for the sandbox environment.?

• Validate key scenarios to ensure everything works as expected post-update.?

• Enable updates in production once you’re confident the changes won’t disrupt operations.?

Setting Up Early Access for Your Organization?

Only certain roles—like Global Admins, Dynamics 365 Admins, and Power Platform Admins—can manage updates in the Power Platform Admin Center. Here’s a quick guide:?

1. Navigate to the Power Platform Admin Center.?
2. On the environment’s admin page, click Manage.?
3. Select Update Now to enable early access.?

Once enabled, all new features will be active and cannot be rolled back. The update process may take a few hours, so it’s recommended to schedule it during off-hours to minimize any disruptions.?

Where to Find a Detailed List of Updates?

Microsoft publishes a detailed PDF document outlining all new features and updates prior to each Release Wave. For example, you can access the full list for the 2024 Wave 1 release on Microsoft’s Documentation page. You can also participate in discussions and ask questions in the Power Apps Community forums.?

Don’t miss the opportunity to dive deeper into the latest updates with Western Computer’s upcoming Release Wave Launch Events! We’ll be hosting exclusive sessions for key areas of Microsoft Dynamics 365, including a Business Central (BC) Release Wave Launch Event, a Customer Engagement (CE) Release Wave Launch Event, and a Finance and Supply Chain Management (FSCM) Release Wave Launch Event. These events will give you an inside look at the new features, how they can benefit your organization, and expert tips on how to implement them effectively. Register now to secure your spot and ensure your business stays ahead with the latest innovations!?

Maximize the Benefits of Release Waves with Expert Support?

Navigating Microsoft’s Release Waves can seem overwhelming, but staying ahead of these updates ensures your business remains competitive and efficient. At Western Computer, we offer Managed Support Services to help you make the most of these updates. With our proactive support and expert advice, we ensure that your systems are always up to date and operating smoothly, allowing you to focus on innovation rather than system maintenance.?

Stay tuned for our upcoming Release Wave Launch Events to get an exclusive preview of the latest updates. Reach out to Western Computer to learn more about how our Managed Support Services can help your organization thrive through every Release Wave.

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