If you administer Microsoft 365, sooner or later you will always end up in the same place:
Settings > Organization settings.
This area is the control center for global configurations. Unlike in the specific admin centers (such as Teams or Exchange), here you define policies that often apply across workloads or control fundamental basic functions of the tenant.
To help you find your way through the abundance of options, we have divided this area into three logical focal points. Here you can find our detailed guides to the individual sections.
1. Services
What are your users allowed to use – and how?
The “Services” tab is often the first place to go when it comes to feature flags. This is where you control features for Microsoft Teams, Exchange Online, Planner, Forms, and more on a global scale. Do you want users to be allowed to share external calendars? Should users be able to use Microsoft Forms?
In this guide, we’ll show you which services are configured here and which settings are better to make in the specialized admin centers.
👉 To the article: Services
Security & Privacy
The protective shield for your tenant.
Even though many security functions are now located in Microsoft Defender or Entra ID , essential basics can be found in the organization settings. Configure password policies (expiration date, complexity), sharing policies, and self-service features for your users.
Learn how to balance security and ease of use.
👉 To the article: Security and data protection
3. Organization Profile
Your figurehead and release strategy.
Under the “Organization Profile” tab, you can define who you are and what Microsoft 365 looks like for you. Here you can store support information, define the visual design (custom themes) and – especially important for admins – control the release preferences.
Do you want new features immediately (targeted release) or only when they are mature? In this guide, you’ll learn how to maintain your company’s profile cleanly.
👉 To the article: Organization profile
Conclusion: Everything in one place, but to be enjoyed with caution
The organization settings are powerful. A change here often has an immediate effect on all users. Our series of articles will help you understand the impact of each setting before you flip the switch.
Navigate to the detail articles now and bring order to your tenant!
👉 To the articles about Microsoft 365: MS365 | Sites
