January 2025

Hey there, Microsoft 365 Insiders! As we glide through January, it's time to celebrate Awards Season with some exciting updates to boost your productivity and creativity. ??

This month, we're thrilled to introduce the new Dark Mode in Excel for Windows, giving your eyes a well-deserved break during those marathon work sessions. Plus, Teams is stepping up its game with pop-out chat, Copilot, and notes panes to keep your meetings sharp and on point.

And don't miss out on the highlight of the season—the 2024 Microsoft 365 Insider Blog Awards! Check out which posts and features took the spotlight last year.

So, as you wrap up your January projects, let Microsoft 365 be your trusted sidekick for a smoother, more efficient workflow. Here's to a year filled with innovation and success! ??

The 2024 Microsoft 365 Insider Blog Awards

Celebrate the best of the best with the 2024 Microsoft 365 Insider Blog Awards. See which posts and features took the spotlight this year. ?? Check out the winners.

Microsoft Teams: A Year in Review - AI-Powered Customization and Upgraded Presentations

Reflect on a year of AI-powered customization and presentation upgrades in Microsoft Teams. See how these features can elevate your collaboration and productivity. ?? Ready to be impressed?

Microsoft OneNote: A Year in Review - AI Innovation and Enhanced Creativity

Reflect on a year of AI innovations and creative enhancements in Microsoft OneNote. See how these updates can boost your productivity and creativity. ?? Ready to be amazed? Explore the year in review.

Get the Most Out of SharePoint

Unlock the full potential of SharePoint with these tips and tricks. Enhance your collaboration, document management, and overall productivity by joining our online event on January 29th. ?? Ready to be SharePoint savvy? Unlock the secrets now!

Customize the Location of Notifications in Teams

Tailor your Teams notifications to suit your workflow. Stay informed without the distractions. ?? Ready to be a notification ninja? Learn how to personalize your notifications.

Track Your New Year’s Resolutions with Microsoft 365

Kickstart your New Year’s resolutions with Microsoft 365. From setting goals to tracking progress, we’ve got the tools to keep you on track. ?? Ready to crush those goals? Let’s get started!

Reduce Eye Strain with Dark Mode in Excel for Windows

Switch to dark mode in Excel for Windows to reduce eye strain and work comfortably for longer periods. ?? Ready to give your eyes a break? Find out how to switch to dark mode.

• Disabling Immersive Reader for Protected Documents in Word for the Web Lock down your sensitive info by disabling Immersive Reader for protected documents in Word for the web. Because some things are meant to stay private. ?? Dive into the details and keep your secrets safe.
• Add Images to Your Copilot Prompts in Word and PowerPoint Spice up your Copilot prompts with images in Word and PowerPoint. Make your documents and presentations pop with visual flair. ??? Ready to add some pizzazz? Get creative now!
• Caption Videos in PowerPoint with SRT Files Make your PowerPoint videos accessible to everyone by adding captions with SRT files. Because everyone deserves to be in the know. ?? Ready to caption like a pro? Find out how!
• Choose a Breakout Room as a Teams Meeting Participant Take control of your breakout sessions in Teams meetings. Choose and join breakout rooms like a pro and make the most of your meeting time. ??? Ready to be a breakout star? Learn more!
• Pop Out Chat, Copilot, and Notes Panes in Teams Meetings Streamline your Teams meetings by popping out chat, Copilot, and notes panes. Keep everything organized and efficient. ??? Ready to pop it like it’s hot? Discover how!

Our team is busy crafting the latest updates on Microsoft 365 preview features. We hope "The Monthly 365 Insider Round-Up" hits the mark! Got feedback? We'd love to hear it—drop us a comment and share your thoughts. Can't wait for the next issue? Follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, X, Threads, or drop by the Microsoft 365 Insider blog for your fix of the freshest releases.