

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast
Microsoft Mechanics
Made for tech enthusiasts and IT professionals. Expanded coverage of your favorite technologies across Microsoft; including Office, Azure, Windows and Data Platforms. We'll even bring you broader topics such as device innovation with Surface, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 3, 2025 • 8min
Microsoft Security Copilot agents
Take control of security operations and act fast on high priority threats with Microsoft Security Copilot agents. Automate phishing triage, prioritize alerts, streamline access reviews, and close policy gaps while keeping full control through natural language feedback and recommendations. Reduce repetitive work, cut through alert noise, and focus on the most critical risks facing your organization. Stay ahead of vulnerabilities and evolving threats by proactively identifying at-risk devices, deploying patches, and optimizing access policies as your environment changes. Build custom agents tailored to your workflows, connecting tools and data to automate your most time-consuming security tasks. Dilip Radhakrishnan, Microsoft Security Copilot Partner Director, shares how to keep your organization protected with Security Copilot agents. ► QUICK LINKS: 00:00 - Security Copilot agents 01:02 - Phishing Triage Agent 02:17 - Alert Triage Agents 03:24 - Access governance 04:41 - Conditional Access Optimization Agent 05:57 - Vulnerability Remediation Agent 06:57 - Build your own specialized agents 07:54 - Wrap up ► Link References Get started at https://aka.ms/securitycopilotadoptionhub ► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics? As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft. • Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries • Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog • Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast ► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social: • Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics • Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/ • Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/ • Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics

Oct 1, 2025 • 7min
Copilot now included with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook & OneNote | Microsoft 365 & Office 365
Discover the power of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, now integrated into popular apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Learn how it simplifies tasks such as drafting email summaries, generating bullet-point documents, and creating charts instantly. Hear about enhanced productivity features that allow seamless content reuse and intelligent data retrieval. Plus, explore enterprise-grade security measures that keep your information safe while IT admins maintain control. Dive into how these tools can elevate your workflow without leaving your favorite applications.

Sep 23, 2025 • 10min
New collaborative agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot
Discover how Microsoft 365 Copilot's new collaborative agents function as virtual team members. The Knowledge Agent streamlines SharePoint, managing documents and drafting content to keep sites updated. In Teams, agents help organize meetings by managing agendas and notes while summarizing conversations to keep projects on track. Additionally, agents in Viva Engage enhance community interactions by providing data-driven answers, reducing response times. These innovations aim to boost productivity and collaboration in your everyday work.

Sep 19, 2025 • 9min
Choosing the right Virtual Machine on Azure
Build and run everything from simple web apps to AI supercomputing by matching each workload to the right Azure VM in minutes. Find and know exactly what you're provisioning by understanding the naming format to see CPU type, memory, storage, and features before deployment to match what your app or workload needs. Use free tools like Azure Migrate to right-size and plan. Matt McSpirit, Microsoft Azure expert, shows how to choose, size, and deploy workloads such as burstable web apps, massive in-memory databases, GPU-driven AI training, and high-performance scientific modeling, all with automatic scaling and confidential computing when needed. ► QUICK LINKS: 00:00 - Azure Virtual Machines 01:12 - Decode Azure VM Names 01:28 - Right-Size with Azure Migrate 02:15 - B series 02:45 - D series 03:23 - E series 04:14 - F series 04:29 - L series 05:01 - M series 05:23 - Constrained vCPU VMs 05:49 - H series 06:20 - N series 06:55 - Azure Boost 07:24 - Confidential VMs & Deploying your VMs 08:28 - Wrap up ► Link References Get started at https://aka.ms/VMAzure Azure VM naming conventions at https://aka.ms/VMnames ► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics? As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft. • Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries • Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog • Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast ► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social: • Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics • Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/ • Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/ • Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics

Aug 19, 2025 • 9min
Build autonomous agents in Copilot Studio | Your MCPs, your models & multi-agent
Build AI agents to automate complex workflows—like project planning and go-to-market strategies—without writing code, all with Microsoft Copilot Studio. Use triggers to launch processes from signals like approval emails, connect to the right data with Model Context Protocol (MCP) for faster, more accurate responses, and coordinate multiple agents to handle everything from task assignments to inventory planning. Choose AI models that fit each job, prompt agents to generate detailed documents, and test their reasoning in real time. Jeremy Chapman, Director of Microsoft 365, shows how to transform repetitive work into scalable, intelligent systems. ► QUICK LINKS: 00:00 - Build an agent with Microsoft Copilot Studio 00:41 - Automate project planning 01:22 - How agents work 02:47 - Define tools and triggers 03:58 - Model Context Protocol (MCP) 05:44 - Use prompt tools to auto-create key docs 06:22 - Choose the right model 07:13 - Test your agent 08:08 - Wrap up ► Link References To get started building your own agents go to https://copilotstudio.microsoft.com Check out our lab at https://aka.ms/MCSMCPLab ► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics? As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft. • Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries • Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog • Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast ► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social: • Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics • Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/ • Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/ • Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics

Jul 24, 2025 • 9min
New data lake in Microsoft Sentinel
Centralize, retain, and query high-volume, long-term security data across Microsoft and third-party sources for up to 12 years using Microsoft Sentinel's new unified data lake. Correlate signals, run advanced analytics, and perform forensic investigations from a single copy of data—without costly migrations or data silos. Detect persistent, low-and-slow attacks with greater visibility, automate responses using scheduled jobs, and generate predictive insights by combining Copilot, KQL, and machine learning. Vandana Mahtani, Microsoft Sentinel Principal Product Manager shows how to uncover long-running threats, streamline investigations, and automate defenses—all within a unified, AI-powered SIEM experience. ► QUICK LINKS: 00:00 - Microsoft Sentinel Data Lake 01:49 - Data Management 02:46 - Table Management 03:36 - Data Lake exploration 04:17 - Advanced Hunting 05:23 - Query retention data 06:16 - Automate threat detection 07:18 - Move from reactive to predictive 08:50 - Wrap up ► Link References Check out https://aka.ms/SentinelDataLake ► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics? As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft. • Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries • Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog • Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast ► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social: • Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics • Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/ • Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/ • Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics

Jul 24, 2025 • 5min
New Surface Laptop 5G for Business, Copilot+ PC
The Intel® Core™ Ultra (Series 2) processor powered Surface Laptop 5G for Business is a Copilot+ PC. Integrated Intel® AI Boost supports up to 48 TOPS with Foundry Local for on-device AI inferencing. Stay securely connected with rearchitected 5G design—including six smart-switching antennas, eSIM and Wi-Fi 7—without relying on hotspots. As the first Surface Laptop to feature 5G, it enables enterprise-ready AI features for deeper insights, productivity boosts, and powerful local inferencing wherever work happens. ► QUICK LINKS: 00:00 - Microsoft Sentinel Data Lake 01:49 - Data Management 02:46 - Table Management 03:36 - Data Lake exploration 04:17 - Advanced Hunting 05:23 - Query retention data 06:16 - Automate threat detection 07:18 - Move from reactive to predictive 08:50 - Wrap up ► Link References Check out https://surface.com/business ► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics? As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft. • Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries • Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog • Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast ► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social: • Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics • Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/ • Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/ • Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics

Jul 15, 2025 • 9min
NEW Conditional Access Optimization Agent in Microsoft Entra + Security Copilot in Entra updates
Troubleshoot identity issues, investigate risky users and apps, and optimize Conditional Access policies using natural language—with built-in AI from Microsoft Security Copilot in Microsoft Entra. Instead of switching between logs, PowerShell, and spreadsheets, Security Copilot centralizes insights for faster, more focused action. Resolve compromised accounts, uncover ownerless or high-risk apps, and tighten policy coverage with clear insights, actionable recommendations, and auto-generated policies. Strengthen security posture and reclaim time with a smarter, more efficient approach powered by Security Copilot. Diana Vicezar, Microsoft Entra Product Manager, shares how to streamline investigations and policy management using AI-driven insights and automation. ► QUICK LINKS: 00:00 - Microsoft Entra with Security Copilot 01:26 - Conditional Access Optimization Agent 03:35 - Investigate risky users 05:49 - Investigate risky apps 07:34 - Personalized security posture recommendations 08:20 - Wrap up ► Link References Check out https://aka.ms/SecurityCopilotAgentsinMicrosoftEntra ► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics? As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft. • Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries • Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog • Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast ► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social: • Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics • Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/ • Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/ • Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics

Jul 7, 2025 • 8min
How SharePoint Embedded works and how to build AI apps on it
Build AI-powered apps that connect directly to Microsoft 365 content without moving files or compromising security, using SharePoint Embedded. SharePoint Embedded is a fully managed, cloud-based, API-only document management system that lets you securely integrate your custom web or mobile apps, whether built on Azure or other clouds, with Microsoft 365 file storage. It's especially ideal for ISVs building multi-tenant apps because content stays within each customer's Microsoft 365 tenant. Design apps that include Microsoft 365 Copilot and agent capabilities, connected Office experiences like Word, and Microsoft Purview compliance and data protection, all within your own user experience. Use built-in retrieval augmented generation (RAG) or bring your own models to create intelligent, secure solutions that reason over your business content, support real-time co-authoring, and scale with granular permissions and storage control. Jeremy Chapman, Microsoft 365 Director, shares how to build intelligent, secure solutions that integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 content and services. ► QUICK LINKS: 00:00 - Keep content secure & compliant without moving it 01:21 - Build fully custom experiences 02:11 - Use built-in vector indexing and RAG 02:55 - Use your models with Copilot's vector search 04:34 - How it works 05:23 - How the app is built 06:19 - Microsoft Copilot retrieval API 06:58 - Security and compliance 08:02 - Wrap up ► Link References Build your first agent at https://aka.ms/SPEAgent ► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics? As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft. • Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries • Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog • Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast ► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social: • Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics • Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/ • Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/ • Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics

Jun 26, 2025 • 9min
Secure your AI apps with user-context-aware controls | Microsoft Purview SDK
Build secure, compliant AI apps with code-based controls that dynamically respond to user context using Microsoft Purview for AI app developers. With built-in protections, prevent data leaks, block unsafe prompts, and avoid oversharing without rewriting your app. As a developer, focus on innovation while meeting evolving security and compliance requirements. And as a security admin, gain full visibility into AI data interactions, user activity, and policy enforcement across environments. Shilpa Ranganathan, Microsoft Purview Principal GPM, shares how new SDKs and Azure AI Foundry integrations bring enterprise-grade security to custom AI apps. ► QUICK LINKS: 00:00 - Microsoft Purview controls for developers 00:16 - AI app protected by Purview 02:23 - User context aware 03:08 - Prevent data oversharing 04:15 - Behind the app 05:17 - API interactions 06:50 - Data security admin AI app protection 07:26 - Monitor and Govern AI Interactions 08:30 - Wrap up ► Link References Check out https://aka.ms/MicrosoftPurviewSDK Microsoft Purview API Explorer at https://github.com/microsoft/purview-api-samples/ For the Microsoft Purview Chat App go to https://github.com/johnea-chva/purview-chat ► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics? As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft. • Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries • Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog • Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast ► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social: • Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics • Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/ • Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/ • Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics


