In my journey towards obtaining the MS-900 certification, I embarked on setting up a Microsoft 365 E5 sandbox on the Microsoft website. This certification focuses on Microsoft 365 fundamentals, a crucial component of modern business operations. It equips individuals with essential knowledge about Microsoft 365, which businesses widely use to access resources, collaborate, and streamline their workflows.

In my lab, I delved into various aspects of Microsoft 365, gaining hands-on experience that is invaluable for this certification:

  • Admin Center Exploration: I navigated through the Microsoft Admin Center, honing my skills in managing Microsoft 365 environments.
  • Intune Proficiency: I became proficient in configuring Intune settings and managing devices, understanding their pivotal role in modern workplaces.
  • Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) Mastery: Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) plays a crucial role in user management and access control. I explored Azure AD settings, including user and license management.
  • User Management: I learned to perform essential user management tasks such as adding, deleting, restoring users, and resetting passwords, all of which are vital in maintaining a secure and efficient Microsoft 365 environment.
  • License Control: Effective license management is key in optimizing resources. I efficiently managed licenses, ensuring they align with organizational needs.
  • Group Operations: I became adept at creating, deleting, and editing groups, a fundamental aspect of collaboration within Microsoft 365.
  • Monitoring & Reporting: Utilizing activity reports and service health insights, I gained insights into monitoring and maintaining the health and performance of Microsoft 365 services.
  • Device Management: I tackled device management tasks, from setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to managing app access and device settings.
  • Logging & Auditing: I delved into user sign-in and audit logs, understanding their significance in security and compliance.
  • Windows 10 Deployment: I explored Windows 10 deployment through Azure AD, a vital skill in modern workplace management.

This hands-on experience in my home lab not only prepared me for the MS-900 certification but also equipped me with practical knowledge that can be applied in real-world scenarios. It underscores the growing importance of Microsoft 365 in today’s businesses, where it serves as the gateway to accessing resources, enhancing collaboration, and driving productivity.