How Do I Enable Advanced Reporting in Microsoft 365 E3?

Dec 17, 2024
Benjamin Gbolaru
3 min read

To enable advanced reporting in Microsoft 365 E3, ensure you have admin privileges and access the Microsoft 365 Admin Center or the Security & Compliance Center. Enable advanced features like usage analytics, audit logs, and threat reports through the appropriate settings.


Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling Advanced Reporting

Microsoft 365 E3 provides a range of built-in reporting features, including usage reports, audit logs, and security analytics. Here’s how to enable and access them:


1. Usage Analytics in Microsoft 365

Usage reports help monitor user activity and app adoption.

  • Steps to Enable:
    1. Go to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
    2. Navigate to Reports > Usage.
    3. Review and customize the available dashboards for data insights.
    4. Export reports to analyze app usage and user activity trends.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Monitor app adoption rates.
    • Identify inactive accounts or underutilized tools.

2. Enabling Audit Logs

Audit logs track user and admin actions across Microsoft 365.

  • Steps to Enable:
    1. Go to the Microsoft Purview Compliance Portal.
    2. Select Audit under Solutions.
    3. Click Start Recording User and Admin Activity.
  • Tips:
    • Use advanced search filters to pinpoint specific actions.
    • Retain logs for up to 90 days or longer with specific configurations.

3. Advanced Security and Threat Reporting

Microsoft 365 E3 includes tools for threat management and risk analytics.

  • Steps to Enable:
    1. Access the Microsoft Defender Portal or the Security & Compliance Center.
    2. Configure Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) settings for email, documents, and links.
    3. Review reports under Threat Management > Dashboard.
  • Features to Explore:
    • Threat Explorer for real-time monitoring.
    • Attack simulation training for proactive defense strategies.

4. Power BI Integration for Custom Reporting

Power BI allows you to create tailored reports using Microsoft 365 data.

  • Steps to Set Up:
    1. Install Microsoft 365 Usage Analytics in Power BI.
    2. Connect to your Microsoft 365 account to import data.
    3. Customize visuals and share insights across teams.
  • Advantages:
    • Create comprehensive dashboards.
    • Gain deeper insights into productivity and security metrics.

Features Available with Advanced Reporting

FeaturePurposeHow to Access
Usage ReportsTrack app usage and user activity trends.Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Audit LogsMonitor actions for compliance.Purview Compliance Portal
Threat AnalyticsIdentify and respond to risks.Microsoft Defender Portal
Custom DashboardsCreate tailored visualizations.Power BI with Microsoft 365 Data

Benefits of Advanced Reporting

  1. Enhanced Visibility
    • Gain insights into user behavior and system performance.
  2. Improved Compliance
    • Monitor sensitive actions for regulatory compliance.
  3. Informed Decision-Making
    • Use data-driven insights to optimize app usage and security strategies.
  4. Proactive Security
    • Identify and mitigate potential threats quickly.

Conclusion

Advanced reporting in Microsoft 365 E3 provides organizations with critical insights for productivity, compliance, and security. By enabling these features, businesses can streamline workflows, ensure compliance, and enhance decision-making processes.

Ready to unlock the full potential of advanced reporting in Microsoft 365 E3? Medha Cloud can guide you through every step.

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