15 steps to build a digital workplace with Microsoft 365

A good digital workplace lets employees work securely from anywhere, on devices that keep themselves up to date. Microsoft 365 has all the building blocks for that. This article gives you 15 practical steps, with links to the technical how-tos. The workplace described here runs on Windows 11, since Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025.

Devices

1. Deploy PCs automatically with Windows Autopilot. The user unboxes a new PC, signs in and is ready. See Windows Autopilot explained.
2. Windows 11 everywhere. Move old Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11, or replace them if the hardware can't handle it.
3. Updates in waves. Use update rings or Windows Autopatch in Intune so a test group gets updates first. See manage Windows updates with Intune.
4. Deploy Microsoft 365 Apps with Intune. Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams land on every PC automatically. See deploy Microsoft 365 Apps.
5. Microsoft Edge as the company browser. With automatic sign-in and centrally managed settings.
6. Distribute other apps as Win32 apps in Intune, or through the Microsoft Store and the Company Portal.

Collaboration and files

7. Microsoft Teams as the central place for chat, meetings and teamwork.
8. OneDrive for personal files, with folder backup (Known Folder Move) for Desktop and Documents.
9. SharePoint for shared files and the intranet. Move your old network drives to teams and sites.
10. Agreements and governance. Decide who can create teams, how you allow guests and when you clean up.

Identity and security

11. MFA for everyone, preferably with the Authenticator app or passkeys.
12. Conditional Access and compliance. Only secure, managed devices get access to company data.
13. Self-service password reset, so users don't call the helpdesk for every forgotten password.
14. Microsoft Defender for devices, email and identities.
15. Protect data with sensitivity labels and DLP in Microsoft Purview.

How do you start?

• Start with identity and security (steps 11 to 13). They protect everything right away.
• Then work per department or site, with a pilot group.
• Check which license you need. For smaller organizations Microsoft 365 Business Premium covers most steps.
• Measure your progress with Microsoft Secure Score.

Also see start with modern management in Intune and why Microsoft 365 Business Premium.

Read also

Stop traditional management and start modern management with Intune
Five reasons to start with Microsoft 365 Business Premium
The ten most important security measures for remote work

Nederlandstalige versie: 15 stappen om een digitale werkplek te bouwen met Microsoft 365

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