Month: October 2024
Unlocking ROI: Forrester TEI Study Insights on Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs webinar
Join our webinar with @GabeHo and @KaylaPatterson to discover the results of the Forrester Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study on Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs. Learn about the significant business value and ROI that SMBs can achieve with Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Key Highlights:
Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot: See how AI enhances productivity across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Forrester TEI Study Findings: Understand the projected ROI for SMBs using Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Making it Real: Hear practical examples of SMBs successfully implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot to drive growth.
Interactive Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by our experts about the study and the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for your business.
Join our webinar with @GabeHo and @KaylaPatterson to discover the results of the Forrester Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study on Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs. Learn about the significant business value and ROI that SMBs can achieve with Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Key Highlights:
Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot: See how AI enhances productivity across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Forrester TEI Study Findings: Understand the projected ROI for SMBs using Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Making it Real: Hear practical examples of SMBs successfully implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot to drive growth.
Interactive Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by our experts about the study and the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for your business.
RSVP now! Read More
Unlocking ROI: Forrester TEI Study Insights on Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs webinar
Join our webinar with @GabeHo and @KaylaPatterson to discover the results of the Forrester Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study on Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs. Learn about the significant business value and ROI that SMBs can achieve with Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Key Highlights:
Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot: See how AI enhances productivity across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Forrester TEI Study Findings: Understand the projected ROI for SMBs using Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Making it Real: Hear practical examples of SMBs successfully implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot to drive growth.
Interactive Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by our experts about the study and the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for your business.
Join our webinar with @GabeHo and @KaylaPatterson to discover the results of the Forrester Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study on Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs. Learn about the significant business value and ROI that SMBs can achieve with Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Key Highlights:
Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot: See how AI enhances productivity across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Forrester TEI Study Findings: Understand the projected ROI for SMBs using Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Making it Real: Hear practical examples of SMBs successfully implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot to drive growth.
Interactive Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by our experts about the study and the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for your business.
RSVP now!
Unlocking ROI: Forrester TEI Study Insights on Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs webinar
Join our webinar with @GabeHo and @KaylaPatterson to discover the results of the Forrester Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study on Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs. Learn about the significant business value and ROI that SMBs can achieve with Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Key Highlights:
Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot: See how AI enhances productivity across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Forrester TEI Study Findings: Understand the projected ROI for SMBs using Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Making it Real: Hear practical examples of SMBs successfully implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot to drive growth.
Interactive Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by our experts about the study and the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for your business.
Join our webinar with @GabeHo and @KaylaPatterson to discover the results of the Forrester Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study on Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs. Learn about the significant business value and ROI that SMBs can achieve with Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Key Highlights:
Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot: See how AI enhances productivity across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Forrester TEI Study Findings: Understand the projected ROI for SMBs using Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Making it Real: Hear practical examples of SMBs successfully implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot to drive growth.
Interactive Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by our experts about the study and the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for your business.
RSVP now!
Changing Entra\Azure Sign In As Email
Change Entra\Azure Sign In As Email is a critical process in the context of professional environments that rely heavily on Microsoft Azure services for their daily operations. By leveraging this feature, users can seamlessly sign in to their Azure accounts using their corporate email addresses for enhanced security and convenience. This not only simplifies the log-in process but also ensures that sensitive organizational data remains safe from unauthorized access. Furthermore, it streamlines user management processes by centralizing login credentials and permissions within the corporate email domain, leading to improved efficiency and control over resource allocation. Overall, implementing Change Entra\Azure Sign In As Email showcases a commitment to best practices in cybersecurity and access control within an enterprise setting, promoting a more secure and productive work environment.
Change Entra\Azure Sign In As Email is a critical process in the context of professional environments that rely heavily on Microsoft Azure services for their daily operations. By leveraging this feature, users can seamlessly sign in to their Azure accounts using their corporate email addresses for enhanced security and convenience. This not only simplifies the log-in process but also ensures that sensitive organizational data remains safe from unauthorized access. Furthermore, it streamlines user management processes by centralizing login credentials and permissions within the corporate email domain, leading to improved efficiency and control over resource allocation. Overall, implementing Change Entra\Azure Sign In As Email showcases a commitment to best practices in cybersecurity and access control within an enterprise setting, promoting a more secure and productive work environment. Read More
Marketplace Summit sessions now available on-demand
Microsoft recently hosted a one-day Marketplace Summit in London, which included more than 300 partners in attendance and provided a deep dive on how partners can work together to accelerate business—using the benefits of the marketplace and ecosystem opportunity. The sessions from this event are now available on-demand here.
Sessions offered at this event included:
Maximizing marketplace success
Co-sell and enterprise sales
Cloud marketplaces and GTM tools
Manage your listings
Activating the channel
To learn more about key takeaways from this event, including themes such as the marketplace as a partner-focused business platform, and marketplace investment as being rooted in customer demand, check out this recap blog: Showcasing the potential of the Microsoft partner ecosystem at the Marketplace Summit
Microsoft recently hosted a one-day Marketplace Summit in London, which included more than 300 partners in attendance and provided a deep dive on how partners can work together to accelerate business—using the benefits of the marketplace and ecosystem opportunity. The sessions from this event are now available on-demand here.
Sessions offered at this event included:
Maximizing marketplace success
Co-sell and enterprise sales
Cloud marketplaces and GTM tools
Manage your listings
Activating the channel
To learn more about key takeaways from this event, including themes such as the marketplace as a partner-focused business platform, and marketplace investment as being rooted in customer demand, check out this recap blog: Showcasing the potential of the Microsoft partner ecosystem at the Marketplace Summit Read More
Creating an FAQ with Associated Training and Inline Quiz All with Copilot – Copilot Snacks
I was recently asked by a customer how they could build some departmental level training and materials, along with leave behind supportive collateral, all using the power of Microsoft 365 Copilot.
In this Copilot Snack I walk you through the generation of a leave behind reference Word doc FAQ, then creating the corresponding training PowerPoint deck, and finish off with building an inline quiz in the deck using Forms. In each instance (Word, PowerPoint, and Forms) I will leverage the power of Microsoft 365 Copilot to generate the content.
After watching the video check out the resources below where I also include the prompts used.
Resources:
Check out ALL the Copilot Snacks published to Date
Prompts Used:
For Word – Create an FAQ around the importance of proper handwashing and sterilization after a clinician is finished visiting a patient
For PowerPoint -the importance of proper handwashing and sterilization after a clinician is finished visiting a patient
Forms – I’d like to create a quiz for clinicians at Smartter Health that tests their knowledge around the importance of proper handwashing and sterilization after a clinician is finished visiting a patient. Include questions concerning on types of pathogens handwashing addresses, modes of pathogen transmission, proper handwashing techniques, the four steps of effective handwashing, sterilization protocols for clinicians
Microsoft 365 Copilot – Microsoft Adoption
Copilot in Word help & learning
Copilot in PowerPoint help & learning
Welcome to Copilot in Forms – Microsoft Support
Thanks for visiting – Michael Gannotti LinkedIn
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More
FSlogix ODFC container and Outlook OST file
Hi All,
There is a host pool with a couple of session hosts.
Users’ profiles are stored in file share by means of FSLogix with Microsoft apps separated with ODFC container.
Having all that set up the way I described is it normal that users’ Outlook OST files are stored in C:UsersusernameAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook?
For some reason a user periodically gets this error although the path is reachable.
(All AVD users have their OST files stored in local path).
Hi All, There is a host pool with a couple of session hosts.Users’ profiles are stored in file share by means of FSLogix with Microsoft apps separated with ODFC container. Having all that set up the way I described is it normal that users’ Outlook OST files are stored in C:UsersusernameAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook? For some reason a user periodically gets this error although the path is reachable. (All AVD users have their OST files stored in local path). Read More
Filtering for multiple items
Hello!
I have a set of data in which I need to filter for 97 items. How do I filter a different data set for 97 items so that I don’t have to filter it 97 times?
Thanks!
Hello!I have a set of data in which I need to filter for 97 items. How do I filter a different data set for 97 items so that I don’t have to filter it 97 times?Thanks! Read More
Mute Edge as a taskbar action
Lot of people watch movies, streaming etc. using notebook connected to TV (by HDMI), as a second display. In this situation, you want sometimes to mute edge (stream going in Edge), but there is no “Mute” action on right-button when you click on taskbar Edge button (just New Window and New InPrivate Window). So you must de-fullscreen video on the TV, mute tab, later un-mute tab and fullscreen video on the TV again. Mute action on taskbar would really improve that experience (I would consider even putting small clickable icon directly on taskbar Edge button, if possible).
Lot of people watch movies, streaming etc. using notebook connected to TV (by HDMI), as a second display. In this situation, you want sometimes to mute edge (stream going in Edge), but there is no “Mute” action on right-button when you click on taskbar Edge button (just New Window and New InPrivate Window). So you must de-fullscreen video on the TV, mute tab, later un-mute tab and fullscreen video on the TV again. Mute action on taskbar would really improve that experience (I would consider even putting small clickable icon directly on taskbar Edge button, if possible). Read More
How to Join a Teams Meeting using Only the Meeting ID without password or user sign-in
Dear all,
We are working on a project that involves integrating Microsoft Teams into a web application. I have two requirements, and we are seeking guidance on how to implement them:
Join a Teams meeting using only the meeting ID: Is it possible to allow users to join a Teams meeting by entering just the meeting ID, without requiring a password or sign-in? If so, what would be the best approach to achieve this?Bypass the lobby from the client side: Is there a way to automatically bypass the Teams meeting lobby from the client side, allowing users to join the meeting directly without needing host approval?
Any help or direction on how to implement these features would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance!
James from Shared Studios
Dear all,We are working on a project that involves integrating Microsoft Teams into a web application. I have two requirements, and we are seeking guidance on how to implement them:Join a Teams meeting using only the meeting ID: Is it possible to allow users to join a Teams meeting by entering just the meeting ID, without requiring a password or sign-in? If so, what would be the best approach to achieve this?Bypass the lobby from the client side: Is there a way to automatically bypass the Teams meeting lobby from the client side, allowing users to join the meeting directly without needing host approval?Any help or direction on how to implement these features would be greatly appreciated!Thank you in advance!James from Shared Studios Read More
Enviar archivo PDF a contacto de WhattsApp con C Sharp.
Hola, una consulta, tengo desarrollada una aplicación de escritorio Windows Forms con C Sharp y me están requiriendo que desde la misma se pueda enviar documentos PDF a contactos de WhttsApp. Estuve buscando información en la web, pero no encontré información certera. Desde ya muchas gracias. Saludos.
Hola, una consulta, tengo desarrollada una aplicación de escritorio Windows Forms con C Sharp y me están requiriendo que desde la misma se pueda enviar documentos PDF a contactos de WhttsApp. Estuve buscando información en la web, pero no encontré información certera. Desde ya muchas gracias. Saludos. Read More
Start reference date not refreshed in report
Hi Community,
I’ve created a Power BI report based on data from Project online.
I changed few dates for certain projects in Project online.
When I refresh the data in PBI Report, all project dates update correctly except for one specific project, where the reference date still show the old value.
Any suggestion would be appreciated.
Hi Community,I’ve created a Power BI report based on data from Project online.I changed few dates for certain projects in Project online.When I refresh the data in PBI Report, all project dates update correctly except for one specific project, where the reference date still show the old value.Any suggestion would be appreciated. Read More
Blog about: How to Use Microsoft Stream: A Beginner’s Guide
Microsoft Stream is a video-sharing service designed for businesses and organizations to upload, manage, and share videos securely within their enterprise. It’s part of the Microsoft 365 suite, making it easy to collaborate with your team using video content. Whether you’re sharing training videos, presentations, or meetings, Microsoft Stream offers an intuitive platform for video management. Here’s how to get started.
https://dellenny.com/how-to-use-microsoft-stream-a-beginners-guide/
Microsoft Stream is a video-sharing service designed for businesses and organizations to upload, manage, and share videos securely within their enterprise. It’s part of the Microsoft 365 suite, making it easy to collaborate with your team using video content. Whether you’re sharing training videos, presentations, or meetings, Microsoft Stream offers an intuitive platform for video management. Here’s how to get started.
https://dellenny.com/how-to-use-microsoft-stream-a-beginners-guide/
Read More
New Outlook 2024 Group Mailing
I am new to the New Outlook having used Outlook 2010 for years. Recently I changed ISP and email account to discover I lost Contacts and Calendar. Imported both to New Outlook and then struggled to restore Group Mailing Lists.
Now restored, I tried to send a Group email which failed for the message “try again or try later” . Neither suggestion worked. Even closing and reopening OPutlook didn’t help.
Any advice would be helpful.
Thank you
I am new to the New Outlook having used Outlook 2010 for years. Recently I changed ISP and email account to discover I lost Contacts and Calendar. Imported both to New Outlook and then struggled to restore Group Mailing Lists. Now restored, I tried to send a Group email which failed for the message “try again or try later” . Neither suggestion worked. Even closing and reopening OPutlook didn’t help. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you Read More
Passed MS AZ-900 Exam but No Certificate
I passed the MS AZ-900 exam two weeks but I have no certificate.
I passed the MS AZ-900 exam two weeks but I have no certificate. Read More
Median of a column of all numbers in the column that are greater than zero
I have a column of 10 dollar amounts. A certain number of those cells are filled with dollars over zero; the remainder, if any, are always filled with zero dollars. How can I find the MEDIAN of only the amounts greater than zero in a single formula without having to modify the range of the formula every time I need the MEDIAN value of the amounts greater than zero dollars?
I used the MEDIAN formula applied to all ten values in the column and was returned a median value that didn’t return the correct value because 4 of the entries were zero dollars. So, I adjusted the range in the MEDIAN formula for only the 6 entries that were greater than zero and it returned what I expected. Is there a formula that would allow the MEDIAN to only consider values over zero$?
I have a column of 10 dollar amounts. A certain number of those cells are filled with dollars over zero; the remainder, if any, are always filled with zero dollars. How can I find the MEDIAN of only the amounts greater than zero in a single formula without having to modify the range of the formula every time I need the MEDIAN value of the amounts greater than zero dollars? I used the MEDIAN formula applied to all ten values in the column and was returned a median value that didn’t return the correct value because 4 of the entries were zero dollars. So, I adjusted the range in the MEDIAN formula for only the 6 entries that were greater than zero and it returned what I expected. Is there a formula that would allow the MEDIAN to only consider values over zero$? Read More
मीशो ऑनलाइन पर शिकायत कैसे करें?
ग्राहक सहायता टीम (08102↑611↑817} तक पहुंच सकते हैं और जितनी जल्दी हो सके अपनी शिकायत दर्ज कर सकते हैं।
ग्राहक सहायता टीम (08102↑611↑817} तक पहुंच सकते हैं और जितनी जल्दी हो सके अपनी शिकायत दर्ज कर सकते हैं। Read More
Announcing Windows Server Preview Build 26311
Announcing Windows Server Preview Build 26311
Hello Windows Server Insiders!
Today we are pleased to release a new build of the next Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview that contains both the Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition (for VM evaluation only). Branding has been updated for the upcoming release, Windows Server 2025, in this preview – when reporting issues please refer to Windows Server 2025 preview. If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically.
What’s New
Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC)
Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) for business is a software-based security layer that reduces attack surface by enforcing an explicit list of software that is allowed to run. For Windows Server 2025, we have provided Microsoft defined ‘default policy’ which can be applied to the server via PowerShell cmdlets, powered by our ‘Security configuration platform called ‘OSconfig’.
To learn more, please review Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC) – Microsoft Community Hub.
Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview
Beginning with build 26296, we are pleased to announce the availability of the Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview. You can enable security right from the start by applying the recommended security posture for your device or VM role through application of a tailored security baseline, with over 350 preconfigured Windows security settings that help you apply and enforce granular security settings that support best practices recommended by Microsoft and Industry standards. We have organized the Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline content into three categories based on server role:
Domain Controller (DC)
Member Server
Workgroup Member
Note: You should preview the security baseline only on test systems. While there is a ‘Remove’ command, not all configurations can be reversed.
To learn more, please review Announcing Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview – Microsoft Community Hub.
Windows Server Flighting is here!!
If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically later today.
For more information, see Welcome to Windows Insider flighting on Windows Server – Microsoft Community Hub
The new Feedback Hub app is now available for Server Desktop users! The app should automatically update with the latest version, but if it does not, simply Check for updates in the app’s settings tab.
Known Issues
Download Windows Server Insider Preview (microsoft.com)
Flighting: The label for this flight may incorrectly reference Windows 11. However, when selected, the package installed is the Windows Server update. Please ignore the label and proceed with installing your flight. This issue will be addressed in a future release.
WinPE – Powershell Scripts: Applying the WinPE-Powershell optional component does not properly install Powershell in WinPE. As a result, Powershell cmdlets will fail. Customers who are dependent on Powershell in WinPE should not use this build.
If you are validating upgrades from Windows Server 2019 or 2022, we do not recommend that you use this build as intermittent upgrade failures have been identified for this build.
This build has an issue where archiving eventlogs with “wevetutil al” command causes the Windows Event Log service to crash, and the archive operation to fail. The service must be restarted by executing “Start-Service EventLog” from an administrative command line prompt.
If you have Secure Launch/DRTM code path enabled, we do not recommend that you install this build.
Available Downloads
Downloads to certain countries may not be available. See Microsoft suspends new sales in Russia – Microsoft On the Issues.
Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel Preview in ISO format in 18 languages, and in VHDX format in English only.
Windows Server Datacenter Azure Edition Preview in ISO and VHDX format, English only.
Microsoft Server Languages and Optional Features Preview
Keys: Keys are valid for preview builds only
Server Standard: MFY9F-XBN2F-TYFMP-CCV49-RMYVH
Datacenter: 2KNJJ-33Y9H-2GXGX-KMQWH-G6H67
Azure Edition does not accept a key
Symbols: Available on the public symbol server – see Using the Microsoft Symbol Server.
Expiration: This Windows Server Preview will expire September 15, 2025.
How to Download
Registered Insiders may navigate directly to the Windows Server Insider Preview download page. If you have not yet registered as an Insider, see GETTING STARTED WITH SERVER on the Windows Insiders for Business portal.
We value your feedback!
The most important part of the release cycle is to hear what’s working and what needs to be improved, so your feedback is extremely valued. Beginning with Insider build 26063, please use the new Feedback Hub app for Windows Server if you are running a Desktop version of Server. If you are using a Core edition, or if you are unable to use the Feedback Hub app, you can use your registered Windows 10 or Windows 11 Insider device and use the Feedback Hub application. In the app, choose the Windows Server category and then the appropriate subcategory for your feedback. In the title of the Feedback, please indicate the build number you are providing feedback on as shown below to ensure that your issue is attributed to the right version:
[Server #####] Title of my feedback
See Give Feedback on Windows Server via Feedback Hub for specifics. The Windows Server Insiders space on the Microsoft Tech Communities supports preview builds of the next version of Windows Server. Use the forum to collaborate, share and learn from experts. For versions that have been released to general availability in market, try the Windows Server for IT Pro forum or contact Support for Business.
Diagnostic and Usage Information
Microsoft collects this information over the internet to help keep Windows secure and up to date, troubleshoot problems, and make product improvements. Microsoft server operating systems can be configured to turn diagnostic data off, send Required diagnostic data, or send Optional diagnostic data. During previews, Microsoft asks that you change the default setting to Optional to provide the best automatic feedback and help us improve the final product.
Administrators can change the level of information collection through Settings. For details, see http://aka.ms/winserverdata. Also see the Microsoft Privacy Statement.
Terms of Use
This is pre-release software – it is provided for use “as-is” and is not supported in production environments. Users are responsible for installing any updates that may be made available from Windows Update. All pre-release software made available to you via the Windows Server Insider program is governed by the Insider Terms of Use.
Announcing Windows Server Preview Build 26311
Hello Windows Server Insiders!
Today we are pleased to release a new build of the next Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview that contains both the Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition (for VM evaluation only). Branding has been updated for the upcoming release, Windows Server 2025, in this preview – when reporting issues please refer to Windows Server 2025 preview. If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically.
What’s New
Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC)
Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) for business is a software-based security layer that reduces attack surface by enforcing an explicit list of software that is allowed to run. For Windows Server 2025, we have provided Microsoft defined ‘default policy’ which can be applied to the server via PowerShell cmdlets, powered by our ‘Security configuration platform called ‘OSconfig’.
To learn more, please review Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC) – Microsoft Community Hub.
Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview
Beginning with build 26296, we are pleased to announce the availability of the Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview. You can enable security right from the start by applying the recommended security posture for your device or VM role through application of a tailored security baseline, with over 350 preconfigured Windows security settings that help you apply and enforce granular security settings that support best practices recommended by Microsoft and Industry standards. We have organized the Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline content into three categories based on server role:
Domain Controller (DC)
Member Server
Workgroup Member
Note: You should preview the security baseline only on test systems. While there is a ‘Remove’ command, not all configurations can be reversed.
To learn more, please review Announcing Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview – Microsoft Community Hub.
Windows Server Flighting is here!!
If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically later today.
For more information, see Welcome to Windows Insider flighting on Windows Server – Microsoft Community Hub
The new Feedback Hub app is now available for Server Desktop users! The app should automatically update with the latest version, but if it does not, simply Check for updates in the app’s settings tab.
Known Issues
Download Windows Server Insider Preview (microsoft.com)
Flighting: The label for this flight may incorrectly reference Windows 11. However, when selected, the package installed is the Windows Server update. Please ignore the label and proceed with installing your flight. This issue will be addressed in a future release.
WinPE – Powershell Scripts: Applying the WinPE-Powershell optional component does not properly install Powershell in WinPE. As a result, Powershell cmdlets will fail. Customers who are dependent on Powershell in WinPE should not use this build.
If you are validating upgrades from Windows Server 2019 or 2022, we do not recommend that you use this build as intermittent upgrade failures have been identified for this build.
This build has an issue where archiving eventlogs with “wevetutil al” command causes the Windows Event Log service to crash, and the archive operation to fail. The service must be restarted by executing “Start-Service EventLog” from an administrative command line prompt.
If you have Secure Launch/DRTM code path enabled, we do not recommend that you install this build.
Available Downloads
Downloads to certain countries may not be available. See Microsoft suspends new sales in Russia – Microsoft On the Issues.
Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel Preview in ISO format in 18 languages, and in VHDX format in English only.
Windows Server Datacenter Azure Edition Preview in ISO and VHDX format, English only.
Microsoft Server Languages and Optional Features Preview
Keys: Keys are valid for preview builds only
Server Standard: MFY9F-XBN2F-TYFMP-CCV49-RMYVH
Datacenter: 2KNJJ-33Y9H-2GXGX-KMQWH-G6H67
Azure Edition does not accept a key
Symbols: Available on the public symbol server – see Using the Microsoft Symbol Server.
Expiration: This Windows Server Preview will expire September 15, 2025.
How to Download
Registered Insiders may navigate directly to the Windows Server Insider Preview download page. If you have not yet registered as an Insider, see GETTING STARTED WITH SERVER on the Windows Insiders for Business portal.
We value your feedback!
The most important part of the release cycle is to hear what’s working and what needs to be improved, so your feedback is extremely valued. Beginning with Insider build 26063, please use the new Feedback Hub app for Windows Server if you are running a Desktop version of Server. If you are using a Core edition, or if you are unable to use the Feedback Hub app, you can use your registered Windows 10 or Windows 11 Insider device and use the Feedback Hub application. In the app, choose the Windows Server category and then the appropriate subcategory for your feedback. In the title of the Feedback, please indicate the build number you are providing feedback on as shown below to ensure that your issue is attributed to the right version:
[Server #####] Title of my feedback
See Give Feedback on Windows Server via Feedback Hub for specifics. The Windows Server Insiders space on the Microsoft Tech Communities supports preview builds of the next version of Windows Server. Use the forum to collaborate, share and learn from experts. For versions that have been released to general availability in market, try the Windows Server for IT Pro forum or contact Support for Business.
Diagnostic and Usage Information
Microsoft collects this information over the internet to help keep Windows secure and up to date, troubleshoot problems, and make product improvements. Microsoft server operating systems can be configured to turn diagnostic data off, send Required diagnostic data, or send Optional diagnostic data. During previews, Microsoft asks that you change the default setting to Optional to provide the best automatic feedback and help us improve the final product.
Administrators can change the level of information collection through Settings. For details, see http://aka.ms/winserverdata. Also see the Microsoft Privacy Statement.
Terms of Use
This is pre-release software – it is provided for use “as-is” and is not supported in production environments. Users are responsible for installing any updates that may be made available from Windows Update. All pre-release software made available to you via the Windows Server Insider program is governed by the Insider Terms of Use. Read More
Building a WhatsApp AI bot for customer support
Building a WhatsApp AI Bot for customer support
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to build a customer support application that integrates with WhatsApp using Azure Communication Services and Azure OpenAI. This app enables users to interact with a self-service bot to resolve common customer queries, such as troubleshooting errors or checking order status. We’ll walk through the high-level architecture and provide an overview of the technologies involved, pointing you to the code repository for deeper exploration.
Sample Overview
The code sample showcases a customer support scenario for Contoso Electronics, where users can report issues with their calculators via WhatsApp. By typing a simple message such as “Hello,” the bot responds on WhatsApp and assists with troubleshooting, providing real-time guidance based on a custom knowledge base. This helps businesses automate responses to common customer problems without human intervention.
The same sample can be adapted for other use cases, including:
Order Queries: Customers can check order status or track shipments through WhatsApp or SMS.
Booking & Shopping Assistance: AI bots can help customers find products or book travel by querying the relevant databases.
Appointment Scheduling: AI bots can help users reschedule appointments, eliminating the need for human interaction.
Why WhatsApp channel?
Customers today have varied preferences for communication channels. Some might prefer WhatsApp, others SMS, iMessage, or web chat. WhatsApp has more than 2 billion monthly active users globally. By offering WhatsApp as a one of the communication channels for your customer interaction, you ensure your users can connect with your services on their preferred platforms, improving customer satisfaction.
Steps to build your first WhatsApp AI bot
In this section, we walk through the architecture and steps for building a WhatsApp bot. You can check out the full code sample on Github.
High-Level Architecture
An overview of the architecture used for this demo:
WhatsApp Client: The user initiates a conversation via the WhatsApp client.
Azure Communication Services Messaging: Messages are routed through Advanced Communication Messages SDK, which notifies the backend application of incoming messages.
Backend Application: The application receives the message and queries the knowledge base using Azure OpenAI’s language model.
Azure OpenAI Service: The LLM processes the input and returns a response.
Response Delivery: The backend application sends the response back to the Azure Communication Services, which forwards it to WhatsApp.
Frontend: For demo purposes, we spun up a lightweight web app that displays the conversation happening on WhatsApp in a browser. Creating a front-end is optional and you can choose not to add it in your code.
Architecture Diagram
This diagram demonstrates the different technologies used in the sample code and the application flow.
A WhatsApp bot has three main components
Logic to integrate with a generative AI model to produce natural language responses for the bot. We have used Azure OpenAI model.
WhatsApp channel integration with your backend application. We have used Azure Communication Services for this sample.
The application/bot uses a custom knowledge base to comprehend customer issues and provide relevant solutions. In the sample code, we have included the knowledge base in the system prompt. For a production-level implementation, you would need to use Azure AI Search or other indexing services to retrieve information from documents, websites, or any other format in which the knowledge base is stored. Numerous resources on retrieval-augmented search can be found here.
System prompt used in the sample
Steps for adding intelligence to your bot
Create an Azure Open AI resource on the Azure portal
Create an AI model deployment in Azure AI Studio
Write and test a system prompt in Azure AI Studio or use the one in the code repository.
Pass the system prompt and conversation history to a chat completion API in code.
Steps for integrating WhatsApp channel in your app
Create an Azure Communication Services resource.
Connect your WhatsApp business account with Azure Communication resource. You can also create and register a new WhatsApp business account.
Connect your existing number or an Azure Communication Services number with WhatsApp account.
Add code to handle events and send WhatsApp message.
Register your local or server URL in event grid for receiving WhatsApp messages.
Code Flow
The main logic for the WhatsApp bot is in the WebHookController class in the code repository. Here’s an overview of its key functions.
HandleGridEvents : This method handles incoming messages by the customer on your WhatsApp business account phone number. It calls another method “RespondToCustomerAsync” to generate a response and send it via WhatsApp channel.
private async Task<IActionResult> HandleGridEvents(string jsonContent)
{
var eventGridEvents = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<EventGridEvent[]>(jsonContent, _jsonOptions);
foreach (var eventGridEvent in eventGridEvents)
{
if (eventGridEvent.EventType.Equals(“microsoft.communication.advancedmessagereceived”, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
{
var messageData = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<AdvancedMessageReceivedEventData>(eventGridEvent.Data.ToString(), _jsonOptions);
Messages.MessagesListStatic.Add(new Message
{
Text = $”Customer({messageData.From}): “{messageData.Content}””
});
Messages.OpenAIConversationHistory.Add(new UserChatMessage(messageData.Content));
await RespondToCustomerAsync(messageData.From);
}
}
return Ok();
}
RespondToCustomerAsync : This method calls “GenerateAIResponseAsync” to get a response from the Azure Open AI model and then calls “SendWhatsAppMessageAsync” to send the AI generated response to the customer.
private async Task RespondToCustomerAsync(string numberToRespondTo)
{
try
{
var assistantResponseText = await GenerateAIResponseAsync();
if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(assistantResponseText))
{
Messages.MessagesListStatic.Add(new Message
{
Text = “Error: No response generated from Azure OpenAI.”
});
return;
}
await SendWhatsAppMessageAsync(numberToRespondTo, assistantResponseText);
Messages.OpenAIConversationHistory.Add(new AssistantChatMessage(assistantResponseText));
Messages.MessagesListStatic.Add(new Message
{
Text = $”Assistant: {assistantResponseText}”
});
}
catch (RequestFailedException e)
{
Messages.MessagesListStatic.Add(new Message
{
Text = $”Error: Failed to respond to “{numberToRespondTo}”. Exception: {e.Message}”
});
}
}
GenerateAIResponseAsync : This method calls the LLM model and passes the system prompt and conversation history to get a response for the customer.
private async Task<string?> GenerateAIResponseAsync()
{
var chatMessages = new List<ChatMessage> { new SystemChatMessage(SystemPrompt) };
chatMessages.AddRange(Messages.OpenAIConversationHistory);
ChatCompletion response = await _azureOpenAIClient.GetChatClient(_deploymentName).CompleteChatAsync(chatMessages);
return response?.Content.FirstOrDefault()?.Text;
}
SendWhatsAppMessageAsync : This method uses Azure Communication Services to send the response to the customer through WhatsApp.
private async Task SendWhatsAppMessageAsync(string numberToRespondTo, string message)
{
var recipientList = new List<string> { numberToRespondTo };
var textContent = new TextNotificationContent(_channelRegistrationId, recipientList, message);
await _notificationMessagesClient.SendAsync(textContent);
}
Conclusion
By leveraging Azure Communication Services and Azure OpenAI, businesses can create efficient, self-service customer support applications that work across multiple communication channels. Whether it’s troubleshooting technical issues, checking order statuses, or scheduling appointments, these applications can greatly enhance customer experience while reducing the load on human support teams.
To dive deeper into the code, check out the repository linked in this blog, and try building your own WhatsApp bot today! Additionally, you can check out first-party WhatsApp channel if your organization uses Dynamics 365 Contact Center.
Explore related content:
Overview of advanced messaging for WhatsApp in Azure Communication Services
Advanced Messaging for WhatsApp Terms of Services
Trying WhatsApp Sandbox
Get Started With Advanced Communication Messages SDK
Handle Advanced Messaging Events
Messaging Policy
Pricing for Advanced Messaging for WhatsApp
Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More
