Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Microsoft Sentinel platform – Unified, Graph-enabled, and AI-ready Security Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Unify your security data and use AI to reason over your entire digital estate with Microsoft Sentinel. See how threats evolve in real time, map attack paths, and understand which assets are most at risk. Visualize relationships across users, devices, and resources to pinpoint vulnerabilities and focus your response where it matters most. Using natural language, you can investigate faster. Ask questions, get context, and act on insights without writing complex queries. Build and extend your own identity graphs to include multicloud systems like Salesforce, enriching your view of risk.

Vandana Mahtani, Microsoft Sentinel Principal PM, shares how to detect, investigate, and disrupt threats in one connected experience with Microsoft Sentinel.

You can find more info on custom graphs: https://aka.ms/sentinel/graph/ignite and sign-up for preview at: https://aka.ms/sentinel/graph/customsignup

► QUICK LINKS:

00:00 - Microsoft Sentinel SIEM and AI-ready security platform

01:37 - Blast radius integration

02:34 - Investigate using AI with the Sentinel MCP server

03:40 - Advanced hunting

04:53 - Custom graphs

07:07 - Build your own custom graph

08:51 - Wrap up

► Link References

For more information, visit https://aka.ms/sentinelplatform

Custom graph public preview signup at https://aka.ms/sentinel/graph/customsignup

► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics?

As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft.

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Replace your VPN - Global Secure Access in Microsoft Entra Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Connect users to on-premises resources while enforcing Conditional Access policies, including MFA, and eliminate the need for VPNs using Secure Access Service Edge with Microsoft Entra. Route authentication through Microsoft Entra before granting resource access, even within legacy on-premises systems. Boost performance with intelligent local access that keeps internal traffic local while routing only authentication to the cloud. Protect sensitive data from being uploaded to AI apps, and stop prompt injection attacks—without modifying your applications or AI models.

Ashish Jain, Microsoft Entra Principal GPM, shares how to strengthen your zero trust architecture while simplifying the access experience for users.

► QUICK LINKS:

00:00 - Secure Access Service Edge

01:12 - Conditional Access controls

01:35 - See it in action

02:21 - Windows client on same network

04:00 - Private Access - Intelligent Local Access

06:21 - Block AI file uploads

07:32 - Prompt injection attacks

09:46 - Wrap up

► Link References

Check out https://aka.ms/SASEwithEntra

► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics?

As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft.

• Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries

• Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog

• Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast

► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social:

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Synced Passkeys in Microsoft Entra for Phishing-resistant MFA Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Secure sign-in across all your devices without relying on passwords or extra apps using passkeys in Microsoft Entra. Register, sync, and use passkeys with just your device's camera and biometrics, making authentication seamless, fast, and phishing-resistant. As an admin, control who uses which passkey type, streamline recovery with Verified ID, and automatically remediate risk in real time.

Jarred Boone, Identity Security Senior Product Manager, shows how users can access work apps safely, confidently, and efficiently while reducing help desk overhead.

► QUICK LINKS:

00:00 - Passkeys in Microsoft Entra ID

01:19 - Register your passkey

02:12 - Authenticate into apps & services

03:34 - Sync passkeys on updated devices

04:16 - Configure passkeys as an admin

05:51 - Account recovery

07:18 - Conditional Access policies

07:53 - Wrap up

► Link References

Check out https://aka.ms/PasskeysInEntra

► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics?

As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft.

• Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries

• Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog

• Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast

► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social:

• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics

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New Data Security Posture Management | Microsoft Purview Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Locate, assess, and prioritize high-risk data across Microsoft and non-Microsoft services using Microsoft Purview Data Security Posture Management (DSPM). Identify sensitive files, understand emerging data risks, and focus remediation efforts where they matter most without slowing down productivity. You can also remediate oversharing, enforce data loss prevention policies, and monitor AI agent activity with full visibility into their interactions with sensitive data.

Talhah Mir, Microsoft Purview Partner GM, shares how to take control of your data security posture, act on top priorities, and build a sustainable discipline for protecting your organization's information at scale.

► QUICK LINKS:

00:00 - Unified solution with DSPM

01:48 - Day-to-day DSPM use

03:36 - Prevent oversharing

05:52 - AI observability

07:42 - Longer-term view of DSPM

08:25 - How to get DSPM working in your org

09:28 - Wrap up

► Link References

Try it out at https://aka.ms/DSPM

► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics?

As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft.

• Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries

• Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog

• Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast

► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social:

• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics

• Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/

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Windows 365 updates | AI‑Ready Work, Apps on Demand, Resilient Access Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Automate real work, modernize app delivery, and keep users productive from any device with Windows 365 for Agents. Assign AI agents their own Cloud PCs to complete tasks in your apps and workflows using natural-language instructions to eliminate fragile UI-based automation and accelerate scalable, resilient processes across your organization.

Publish individual Cloud Apps instead of full desktops to simplify management, modernize legacy applications, and deliver consistent experiences to any device. And if a device breaks, is lost, or needs repair, Windows 365 Reserve lets you instantly provide users with a secure, temporary Cloud PC, restoring productivity in minutes while reducing IT overhead.

Scott Manchester, Windows 365 Vice President, joins Jeremy Chapman to show how you can streamline automation, app delivery, and business continuity with the latest Windows 365 updates.

► QUICK LINKS: 00:00 - Updates for Cloud PCs with Windows 365 00:47 - Computer-using agents 02:27 - Build a computer-using agent 04:46 - Managing Windows 365 for Agents 05:26 - Windows 365 Cloud Apps 08:16 - Access published Cloud Apps in Windows 365 09:53 - Windows 365 Reserve 11:13 - Provisioning 12:24 - Deprovision and Self-Provision 13:12 - Wrap up

► Link References

Check out https://aka.ms/windows365blog

► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics?

As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft.

• Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries

• Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog

• Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast

► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social:

• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics

• Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/

• Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/

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Microsoft Excel Power User Updates | Agent Mode, Copilot Function & Formula AI Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Turn raw Excel data into actionable insights, visual dashboards, and KPIs in minutes. With Agent Mode, automate complex analysis, create pivot tables, and build interactive dashboards without manual setup. Streamline text analysis, formula generation, and complex calculations right inside Excel. Use the Copilot function to categorize feedback, score sentiment, or automate repetitive tasks, and leverage Formula AI to generate accurate formulas from plain language prompts.

Jeremy Chapman, Microsoft 365 Director, shares how to work smarter and make faster, data-driven decisions in Microsoft Excel.

► QUICK LINKS:

00:00 - Excel and Microsoft 365 Copilot updates

01:24 - Agent Mode

03:55 - Copilot function

06:02 - Formula completion

07:13 - Formula AI

08:41 - Wrap up

► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics?

As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft.

• Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries

• Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog

• Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast

► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social:

• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics

• Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/

• Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/

• Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics

How to move Active Directory Source of Authority to Microsoft Entra ID and why Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Strengthen your security posture by moving groups and users from Active Directory to Microsoft Entra. This gives you seamless access for your teams, stronger authentication with MFA and passwordless options, and centralized visibility into risks across your environment. Simplify hybrid identity management by reducing dual overhead, prioritizing key groups, migrating users without disruption, and automating policies with Graph or PowerShell.

Jeremy Chapman, Microsoft 365 Director, shows how to start minimizing your local directory and make Microsoft Entra your source of authority to protect access everywhere.

► QUICK LINKS:

00:00 - Minimize Active Directory with Microsoft Entra

00:34 - Build a Strong Identity Foundation

01:28 - Reduce Dual Management Overhead

02:06 - Begin with Groups

03:04 - Automate with Graph & Policy Controls

03:50 - Access packages

06:00 - Move user objects to be cloud-managed

07:03 - Automate using scripts or code

09:17 - Wrap up

► Link References

Get started at https://aka.ms/CloudManagedIdentity

Use SOA scenarios at https://aka.ms/usersoadocs

Group SOA scenarios at https://aka.ms/groupsoadocs

Guidance for IT Architects on benefits of SOA at https://aka.ms/SOAITArchitectsGuidance

► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics?

As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft.

• Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries

• Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog

• Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast

► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social:

• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics

• Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/

• Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/

• Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics

Microsoft Security Copilot agents Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

Take control of security operations and act fast on high priority threats with Microsoft Security Copilot agents. Automate phishing triage, prioritize alerts, streamline access reviews, and close policy gaps while keeping full control through natural language feedback and recommendations. Reduce repetitive work, cut through alert noise, and focus on the most critical risks facing your organization.

Stay ahead of vulnerabilities and evolving threats by proactively identifying at-risk devices, deploying patches, and optimizing access policies as your environment changes. Build custom agents tailored to your workflows, connecting tools and data to automate your most time-consuming security tasks.

Dilip Radhakrishnan, Microsoft Security Copilot Partner Director, shares how to keep your organization protected with Security Copilot agents.

► QUICK LINKS:

00:00 - Security Copilot agents

01:02 - Phishing Triage Agent

02:17 - Alert Triage Agents

03:24 - Access governance

04:41 - Conditional Access Optimization Agent

05:57 - Vulnerability Remediation Agent

06:57 - Build your own specialized agents

07:54 - Wrap up

► Link References

Get started at https://aka.ms/securitycopilotadoptionhub

► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics?

As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft.

• Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries

• Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog

• Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast

► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social:

• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics

• Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/

• Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/

• Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics

Copilot now included with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook & OneNote | Microsoft 365 & Office 365 Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Work efficiently using Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, now available directly in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote for everyone with an Office 365 or Microsoft 365 subscription. Summarize long email threads, generate bullet-point executive summaries, create charts, and update presentations—all without leaving your familiar apps. Copilot understands your context, remembers your preferences, and helps you reuse content seamlessly across Microsoft 365. IT admins stay in control while you boost productivity. Enterprise-grade protections, Microsoft Purview, and the Copilot Control System ensure your data stays secure.

Jeremy Chapman, Microsoft 365 Director, shares how with premium features like intelligent data retrieval, meeting facilitation, and specialized agents, you can automate routine tasks, generate insights, and stay in the flow without leaving your apps.

► QUICK LINKS:

00:00 - Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat within Microsoft 365 apps

00:45 - Copilot Chat in Outlook

01:29 - Copilot Chat in Word

02:15 - Copilot Chat in Excel

02:59 - Copilot Chat in Power Point

04:58 - Security and Admin Experience

05:38 - Premium experience

06:44 - Wrap up

► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics?

As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft.

• Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries

• Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog

• Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast

► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social:

• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics

• Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/

• Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/

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New collaborative agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

The newest agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot users can now act as virtual members of your team, helping you stay organized, informed, and secure while you work. Watch how these collaborative agents partner with you in real time across your everyday apps.

Knowledge Agent streamlines SharePoint by auto-tagging files, retiring outdated pages, and even drafting new content so your sites stay current and searchable.
Facilitator Agent in Microsoft Teams keeps meetings on track—managing agendas, taking notes, assigning follow-ups, and capturing decisions automatically.
Agents in Teams channels summarize conversations, generate status reports, and handle routine updates so projects move forward without missed details.
Agents in Viva Engage communities draft accurate, data-driven responses to questions, connecting colleagues to the right information and reducing response times.

► QUICK LINKS: 00:00 - Collaborative agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot

01:08 - Knowledge Agent in SharePoint

02:29 - Keep SharePoint site up-to-date

03:41 - Create pages and new posts in SharePoint

04:47 - Agents in Microsoft Teams channels

06:34 - Facilitator in Microsoft Teams meetings

07:58 - Agents in Viva Engage communities

09:12 - Wrap up

► Link References

Find out more at https://aka.ms/HumanAgentTeams

► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics?

As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft.

• Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries

• Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog

• Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast

► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social:

• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics

• Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/

• Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/

• Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics