6 Microsoft 365 Business Premium Apps You’re Not Using (But Should) in 2025
Microsoft 365 powers over 3.6 million businesses worldwide, yet many users barely scratch the surface of its capabilities. Whether you’re using it for cloud storage, security, AI assistance, or IT management, there’s so much more to Microsoft 365 than just Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Microsoft 365 can feel impenetrable, but worry not—we’ve mapped out the top must-use Microsoft 365 applications that you’re probably not using – yet.
But let’s answer one fundamental question first…
What Is Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 (M365) is a subscription-based suite of over 20 applications, designed to help businesses stay connected, organized, and secure. You’re probably familiar with many of these applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
With multiple pricing tiers, Microsoft 365 provides businesses access to their tools at any time they need. In this post, we’re focusing on five essential apps included in the Business Premium plan (or available as add-ons).
Let’s dive in!
1. Windows Autopilot – Simplified Device Setup
You’re ready to set up your new computer, but there’s a lot to get through. Setting up a new computer is time-consuming: logins, software installation, email setup, updates—the list goes on.
Windows Autopilot eliminates the hassle. This Microsoft 365 application allows IT teams to preconfigure devices so users only need to turn on the computer, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in. Everything else? Already set up.
For businesses managing multiple devices across multiple locations, Windows Autopilot is a game-changer, reducing IT workload and provides a smooth, consistent setup experience for every employee.
How to Get Started with Windows Autopilot
- Register your devices with Windows Autopilot through the Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
- Set up deployment profiles that define installation settings.
- Distribute devices to employees—once they sign in, their configurations apply automatically.
Windows Autopilot saves time and boosts security by ensuring every device is set up correctly from day one.
2. Azure Active Directory – Smarter Access Control
Most businesses rely on domain controllers and print servers. Here’s a quick rundown.
- Domain Controller: Acts as the gatekeeper for your organization. It authorizes employee logins and prevents unauthorized access to your resources, ensuring that the people in your company are who they say they are.
- Print Server: Manages and processes all print requests across your organization. Every print job goes through this server.
Managing the money, installation, and maintenance needed to run these servers can be a serious headache, but that’s where Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) comes in.
This cloud-based identity management service eliminates the need for physical servers by offering secure, single sign-on (SSO) access to all Microsoft 365 applications and company resources. This means that you can use a single login across all of your work accounts.
Benefits of Azure AD:
- Centralized user management – IT teams can manage access from a single dashboard.
- Enhanced security with multi-factor authentication – Protects company data from breaches.
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Universal Print – Eliminates the need for physical print servers.
By shifting to cloud-based authentication, businesses can simplify IT management, enhance security, and reduce hardware costs.
3. Azure Virtual Desktop – Work from Anywhere
Remote work is here to stay, and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) makes it easier than ever. This cloud-based virtual desktop solution lets businesses provide employees with secure, fully managed virtual computers that can be accessed from anywhere, on any device.
Why Use Azure Virtual Desktop?
- Access your work computer from any device – Whether you’re on a laptop, tablet, or phone.
- Eliminate expensive hardware costs – No need for high-end desktops.
- Enable secure remote work – Built-in Microsoft security features protect sensitive data.
- Scale easily – Add or remove virtual desktops as your business grows.
If you’re transitioning to hybrid or remote work, AVD can reduce IT costs while maintaining security and performance.
4. Microsoft 365 Copilot – Your AI-Powered Assistant
AI is revolutionizing productivity, and Microsoft 365 Copilot is leading the charge. Integrated directly into Microsoft 365 applications, Copilot automates tedious tasks, enhances creativity, and speeds up workflows.
What Can Copilot Do?
- Generate content – Draft reports, emails, or presentations instantly.
- Analyze data – Summarize trends and create Excel formulas.
- Manage your inbox – Organize emails and suggest quick replies.
- Take meeting notes – Record key points and action items in Microsoft Teams.
- Automate repetitive tasks – Free up time for more important work.
Although Copilot isn’t included in Business Premium, it’s available as an add-on for those interested in using this advanced AI tool.
5. Intune – Secure Device Management from Anywhere
IT security is non-negotiable. But when you have remote workers, getting security updates on their devices can be tricky. Microsoft Intune aims to help with that. This all-in-one endpoint management tool allows IT teams to remotely manage and secure company devices—without employees needing to bring them in for updates.
Key Benefits of Intune:
- Enforce security policies across all company devices.
- Update applications remotely – No need for manual installs.
- Encrypt sensitive data – Prevents unauthorized access.
- Works with Windows Autopilot & Azure AD – Ensures seamless integration and management.
For any business looking to protect devices and data without disrupting workflows, Intune is a must.
6. Share with SharePoint
Many businesses rely on Microsoft Teams for communication and teamwork, but few realize that SharePoint is working behind the scenes to keep everything organized.
Whenever you create a Teams channel, a dedicated SharePoint site is automatically generated, acting as a structured storage hub for your files. Instead of juggling email attachments or searching for lost documents, Teams and SharePoint seamlessly integrate to provide a centralized, easily accessible file management system.
To access these files, simply go to your Teams channel, select “Files,” and you’ll see everything neatly stored. You can organize folders just as you would on your desktop, ensuring that everyone on your team has instant access to the latest documents. Need to dive deeper? You can open SharePoint directly from Teams for additional file management and collaboration tools.
365 Features and Counting
Microsoft 365’s staggering number of features provide businesses with far more than Word and Excel. This simple subscription service is a portal to next-level productivity tools.
The apps we’ve covered here—Windows Autopilot, Azure AD, Azure Virtual Desktop, Copilot, and Intune—are just a fraction of what Microsoft 365 has to offer. By exploring these tools, businesses can unlock hidden efficiencies, enhance security, and make the most of their Microsoft 365 investment.
About The 20 MSP
As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves thousands of businesses nationwide, including single and multi-location organizations, delivering white-glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our clients’ success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth. To learn more, visit the20msp.com.
