What's New in Microsoft 365 Business Premium for 2026
August 13, 2026
Microsoft has been adding features to Business Premium that used to be reserved for enterprise customers. Learn about the recent updates, from the 100 GB mailbox increase to advanced security add-ons like Defender and Purview suites. Your organization should review your licensing because if you haven’t in the last year, you are likely missing out on tools that are already available to you.
Microsoft has a habit of dropping new capabilities into subscriptions without much noise. Business Premium is no longer just a "basic" option for small teams and Austin Kelly highlights why. The most immediate gain is the increase to a 100GB mailbox, which removes a long-standing frustration for heavy email users and eliminates the need for extra Exchange Plan 2 licenses.
The conversation moves to the security and compliance side of the house. Business Premium now serves as a base for advanced tools like Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Purview, bringing XDR, identity protection, and data governance within reach of smaller organizations. Austin explains how these tools provide visibility into threats and sensitive data, creating the necessary foundation for anyone looking to adopt AI.
Finally, the focus turns to Copilot for Microsoft. Austin describes the value of AI in a small business environment where employees often wear multiple hats. He clarifies that the business version of Copilot offers the same functionality as the enterprise version while maintaining the security boundaries already established in your Microsoft 365 tenant.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why the 100GB mailbox update eliminates the need for separate Exchange licenses
- How Business Premium now supports enterprise-grade security via Defender suite add-ons
- The role of Microsoft Purview in classifying data and preventing oversharing
- Why a secure Microsoft 365 environment is a prerequisite for AI adoption
- The ways Copilot for Microsoft helps small teams reclaim time from repetitive tasks
About the Host:
Austin Kelly is a Client Success Manager at Sourcepass MCOE, a company focused on helping organizations simplify, secure, and optimize their Microsoft environments. He works closely with businesses to evaluate licensing, improve security posture, and align Microsoft investments with real operational needs.
Episode Highlights:
[00:03:30] The 100GB Mailbox Update
One of the biggest differences between business and enterprise plans has finally disappeared. Austin explains why moving from 50GB to 100GB is a massive win for IT management and user experience.
[00:06:15] Accessing Advanced Security
Prevention is only half the battle. This section covers how the Defender Suite add-on allows smaller organizations to detect and respond to threats using tools that were previously only for E5 customers.
[00:09:30] Data Visibility with Purview
AI is only as good as the data it accesses. Austin details how Purview helps organizations find their sensitive info and apply protection policies automatically.
[00:10:45] AI for the Multi-Hat Employee
Small businesses don't always have the luxury of hiring more people. Austin describes how Copilot for Microsoft 365 handles drafting, summarizing, and analysis so your current team can focus on higher-value work.
Episode Resources:
Are you paying for add-ons that are now included in your base subscription? Our team can help you optimize your set-up to find cost savings. Get in touch today: https://sourcepassmcoe.com/demystifying-microsoft-contact
Austin Kelly on LinkedIn
Demystifying Microsoft is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so