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May 2026 Microsoft Cloud & OS Round‑Up

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What our customers need to know and what we are doing for them

May 2026 delivered a significant wave of updates across Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, with major enhancements in cloud performance, security, AI capabilities, and developer tooling. Below is a concise, business‑focused summary of everything relevant released

Microsoft 365 — Key Updates

1. Microsoft 365 Copilot: ISO 42001 Audit Pass (Expanded Scope)

Microsoft 365 Copilot achieved a clean ISO/IEC 42001 surveillance audit, with zero non‑conformities. The certification scope now includes Copilot Studio, strengthening Microsoft’s AI governance posture for enterprise customers.

2. Exchange Web Services (EWS) Deprecation Reminder

Microsoft reiterated that EWS requests will be blocked from October 1, 2026, urging organisations to update or replace legacy integrations.

3. Microsoft 365 Apps Update Channel Unification

Beginning July 2026, the Semi‑Annual Enterprise Channel and Monthly Enterprise Channel will merge into a single enterprise update channel. This simplifies update management and aligns feature/security releases.

4. Microsoft Teams: New Chat Sections

Teams introduced two new system chat categories:

Muted Chats (enabled by default)
Meeting Chats (optional)

These help users organise conversations more effectively. Rollout began early May and completes mid‑May 2026.

5. Security Copilot Included in Microsoft 365 E5

Security Copilot is now included in Microsoft 365 E5 subscriptions, with:

  • 400 SCUs per 1,000 users
  • Agentic experiences across Entra, Intune, Purview, Defender
  • Developer tools for custom agents

Rollout runs April 20 – June 30, 2026.

6. FBI Warning: New AI‑Powered Attack Targeting Microsoft 365 Accounts

The FBI issued a May 2026 alert about Kali365, a phishing‑as‑a‑service platform that steals Microsoft 365 access tokens and bypasses MFA by tricking users into entering device codes on legitimate Microsoft verification pages. This attack enables long‑term access to Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive.

Microsoft Azure — Key Updates

1. Azure Backup: Snapshot Backups for SQL Server (Public Preview)

Microsoft introduced snapshot‑based backup support for SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines, enabling near‑instant full backups with minimal performance impact. This combines Azure Disk Snapshots with SQL transaction log backups, improving backup speed and reducing load on production systems.

2. Azure Functions: Node.js 24 Now Generally Available

Azure Functions added full GA support for Node.js 24, allowing developers to build and deploy modern JavaScript apps across Linux and Windows hosting plans, including Flex Consumption. Remote Build support is rolling out across all public regions.

3. Azure AI: Metrics Advisor Retired (May 18, 2026)

Microsoft officially retired Azure Metrics Advisor on May 18. Customers are directed to Azure Monitor and open‑source anomaly detection tools for equivalent functionality.

4. Azure Cloud Growth & AI Revenue Momentum

Microsoft reported that its AI business surpassed a $37 billion annual revenue run rate, driven by increased Azure usage and deeper integration of AI across cloud services. This reinforces Azure’s position as a leading AI‑enabled cloud platform.

5. Azure Security: Patch Tuesday (May 2026)

Microsoft’s May Patch Tuesday delivered 120 security fixes, including:

  • 29 Critical RCE vulnerabilities
  • Major fixes across Windows, Office, Azure services, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365 apps
  • Security patches for Azure Machine Learning notebooks, Logic Apps, Azure Monitor Agent, and Connected Machine Agent

This was one of the most enterprise‑impactful security updates of the year.

Want a tenant‑specific May 2026 impact report?

If you’d like, we can:

  • Review your Microsoft 365 tenant,
  • Audit your Windows/SharePoint estate, and
  • Map your Azure footprint

against these May 2026 changes and produce a short, tailored impact report with priorities for the next 30–60 days.

At ITS+ we can review and audit your current stack (M365 plans, on‑prem vs cloud, any Azure use), and can provide a risk based review and project plan to maintain and secure your IT environment whilst informing and training key users on how changes in IT infrastructure impact their systems use or open up opportunities to update processes with new feature releases. Call us or chat to us via our webchat link if you’d like more information

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In today’s workplace, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s the backbone of productivity, communication, and growth. Whether your team is running on Microsoft 365, macOS, or a hybrid environment (as most modern businesses now do), the reality is simple: when IT works, your business works. When it doesn’t, everything slows down.

This blog marks the beginning in helping to demystifying IT support for small and medium‑sized businesses. Over the following months, we’ll break down the issues that matter most—from everyday troubleshooting to long‑term strategic planning—so you can keep your organisation secure, efficient, and resilient.

But before we dive into the specifics, let’s set the stage for what you can expect.

Why IT Support Matters More Than Ever

SMBs face a unique challenge: you need enterprise‑grade reliability without enterprise‑grade budgets. You’re expected to support remote workers, secure sensitive data, manage devices across multiple platforms, and keep everything running smoothly—often without a dedicated IT department.

That’s where we and our blog comes in.

Our goal is to give you clear, actionable guidance on the issues that genuinely impact your day‑to‑day operations. No jargon. No fluff. Just practical insights that help you stay ahead of problems instead of reacting to them.

Microsoft & Mac: A Modern Hybrid Workplace

Gone are the days when businesses chose one platform and stuck with it. Today, it’s common to see:

  • Windows laptops in the office
  • MacBooks in creative teams
  • iPhones and iPads in the field
  • Microsoft 365 powering collaboration
  • Azure AD (Entra ID) managing identity
  • Teams and Outlook driving communication

This blend is powerful—but only when it’s managed well.

Supporting both ecosystems means understanding how they interact, where they differ, and how to create a seamless experience for your users. Through us we’ll explore both sides of the fence and show you how to build a unified, secure, and efficient environment.

There’s a lot that we can help you with, and IT is continually evolving so we will also help cover that evolution and we will try and help with the real‑world challenges that SMBs face every day.

  • Device Setup & Management
    • Windows Autopilot vs. Apple Business Manager
    • Standardising builds and configurations
    • Managing updates without disrupting staff
  • Microsoft 365 Essentials
    • Teams best practices
    • Outlook performance fixes
    • SharePoint vs OneDrive—when to use what
    • Securing accounts with MFA and conditional access
  • MacOS in the Workplace
    • Common macOS troubleshooting
    • Integrating Macs into a Microsoft‑centric environment
    • Managing Macs with Intune or Jamf
  • Cybersecurity for SMB
    • Ransomware prevention
    • Password policies that actually work
    • Email security and phishing defence
    • Backups and disaster recovery planning
  • Networking & Connectivity
    • Wi‑Fi optimisation
    • VPN vs Zero Trust
    • Remote worker connectivity challenges
  • Hardware Troubleshooting
    • Slow PCs and Macs
    • Failing drives and data recovery basics
    • Printer issues (yes, they still matter)
  • Cloud Services & Storage
    • Migrating to Microsoft 365
    • Hybrid cloud setups
    • Managing shared drives and permissions
  • IT Policies & Best Practices
    • Onboarding and offboarding checklists
    • BYOD policies
    • Asset tracking and lifecycle management
  • Automation & Productivity
    • Power Automate basics
    • Shortcuts on macOS and iOS
    • Reducing repetitive tasks across the business
  • Strategic IT Planning
    • Budgeting for IT
    • When to outsource
    • Building a roadmap that supports growth

“Your IT Journey Starts Here”

This blog is a place where you can learn, troubleshoot, and plan with confidence. Whether you’re a business owner, an office manager, or the unofficial “IT person” in your company, you’ll find guidance that helps you work smarter, not harder. Technology shouldn’t be a source of stress. With the right knowledge, it becomes a competitive advantage.

Together, let’s make this the year your IT stops being a headache and starts becoming a strength….