Enterprise Dns
The latest Enterprise Dns coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Microsoft's Store Update Loophole: Why Blocking the Store Won't Freeze Your Apps
Microsoft recently clarified that blocking the Microsoft Store interface does not stop automatic app updates; admins must configure the AllowAppStoreAutoUpdate policy to truly block them. Even then, Intune-assigned Win32 Store apps may still update, creating a maintenance debt. With inbox app experiences now delivered via a separate Store channel, IT teams must treat Store updates as a managed lane with its own rings and monitoring.
Windows 11 26H1 Is Here—But It's a Snapdragon X2 Exclusive for New PCs
Windows 11 version 26H1 became generally available on February 10, 2026, but only for new devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Series processors; it is not offered as an in-place upgrade from 24H2 or 25H2. The May 14, 2026 Release Preview build (28000.2176) added Xbox mode, File Explorer enhancements, haptic feedback, enterprise policy controls, and driver security changes. For consumers, 26H1 is a new-PC exclusive. For IT, it demands a hardware procurement pilot instead of a traditional deployment ring, with existing 24H2/25H2 rollouts continuing unaffected.
Windows Server 2022’s Office Deadline: What IT Teams Must Do Before October 2026
Microsoft 365 Apps and Office LTSC 2021 support on Windows Server 2022 ends October 13, 2026, even though the OS itself gets extended support. This deadline forces organizations using RDS, VDI, or published apps to move their Office delivery to a newer platform. IT teams must inventory session hosts, address complex add-ins and profiles, and pilot migrations now to avoid rushing. The article provides a step-by-step plan, from identifying affected servers to choosing a destination and executing phased rollouts.
The Real Deadline Passed: How Microsoft’s Read-Only VLCM Shift Upends Partner Licensing Workflows
As of July 10, 2026, Microsoft’s VLCM and eAgreements portals went read-only for seven non-Enterprise Agreement volume licensing programs, meaning partners can no longer create, renew, or modify packages there. While the final retirement of the legacy interfaces isn’t expected until August or September, the functional cutover has already happened, and partners must now operate exclusively through VL Central to avoid customer delays and commercial incidents.
Don’t Just Leave Configuration Manager 2503 — Upgrade to 2603 or 2509 with KB37864969 to Avoid Co-Management Issues
Microsoft will end support for Configuration Manager 2503 on September 30, 2026, but a hidden co-management scan-source bug means administrators must choose their upgrade path carefully. The safest target is version 2603, which includes the fix; alternatively, if staying on 2509, you must install a specific rollup (KB37864969) to avoid breaking Windows update delivery for co-managed devices.
Microsoft 365 E3 Users: Don't Cancel Your Endpoint Privilege Management Add-On Just Yet
Microsoft is expanding Intune capabilities in Microsoft 365 E3 and E5/E7 starting July 1, 2026, but Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) remains exclusive to E5/E7. E3 customers must not cancel their EPM add-ons, while E5/E7 organizations can potentially retire standalone subscriptions after careful user-coverage verification. The licensing change requires a population-level review to avoid compliance gaps.
Microsoft Teams’ New Inline Search Will Make Sharing Effortless—But Who Can Actually Open Those Files?
Microsoft plans to add an inline search feature to the Teams compose box by September 2026, enabling users to find and share files, chats, and meetings without leaving the conversation. While convenient, the feature could create confusion about file permissions, as inserting content does not automatically grant access. IT administrators should run permission-focused pilots and update user guidance before the rollout to prevent support headaches.
September 2026: Microsoft Teams Rooms Will Default to Manual PTZ Controls – Are You Ready?
Microsoft will enable native PTZ camera controls by default for Teams Rooms on Windows in September 2026, forcing administrators to choose between manual camera operation and AI-driven Enhanced Framing. Without proactive testing, policy-setting, and user guidance, the default-on setting risks disrupting automated meeting rooms and degrading the remote participant experience. This article explains the change, its operational impact, and the step-by-step actions admins must take to ensure the right experience in every room.
Exchange Online to Block Non-Microsoft Apps Using EWS Starting October 2026
Microsoft will begin blocking non-Microsoft EWS applications in Exchange Online on October 1, 2026, with full retirement by April 2027. Adminstrators must inventory and validate every EWS dependency, then migrate critical apps to Microsoft Graph or face disruptions. The article provides practical steps to build an application register and navigate the transition before the automated fallback list kicks in.
Windows 11 Insider Build 28020.2134 Adds New Controls to Pause, Skip, and Schedule Updates
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.2134 introduces long-requested update controls: skip updates during setup, unlimited pause extensions, and always-visible shutdown-without-updating options. The experimental build also sparks discussion about a possible future coordinated update model, but enterprises should maintain separate testing and approval paths for firmware and drivers.
VLCM Is Now Read-Only: How to Move Your Microsoft Volume Licensing Workflows Before It's Too Late
Microsoft's Volume Licensing Contract Management portal became read-only on July 10, 2026, blocking partners from creating, renewing, or extending non-Enterprise Agreement packages. With full retirement expected in August, a practical five-step migration plan is essential to move all active workflows to VL Central Contracts and preserve historical records before access is lost.
Microsoft Sets a Deadline: Intune Will Drop RHEL 8 Support in July 2026 – Here’s the Migration Playbook
Microsoft Intune will stop supporting Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 in July 2026. IT admins must migrate managed Linux desktops to RHEL 9 or 10 through a user-assisted enrollment process, reconfigure device identities, and validate the entire management stack or risk access disruptions.
The Clock Is Ticking for SharePoint SMAT: Your Migration Strategy Needs a Rethink by October 2026
Microsoft ends support for the SharePoint Migration Assessment Tool (SMAT) on October 1, 2026, directing administrators to use SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) 4.0 instead. Organizations with existing SMAT configurations should run one final baseline and carefully transition; those without SMAT history can start fresh with SPMT.