Microsoft 365 offers far more than Word, Excel and Outlook. Many features remain unused, although they could significantly ease daily work. Here are our best tips.

Outlook: Increase Email Productivity

1. Focused Inbox

Automatic sorting by importance

Enable under: Settings → Focused Inbox

2. Quick Steps

Perform frequent actions with one click

Example: Forward email, categorize and archive

3. Automate Rules

Automatically sort and mark emails

Move newsletters directly to folders

Mark CC emails as low priority

4. Schedule Emails

Write emails and send later

Right-click on Send → Send Later

Teams: Efficient Collaboration

1. Master Keyboard Shortcuts

`Ctrl + E`: Search

`Ctrl + .`: Show shortcuts

`Ctrl + Shift + M`: Mute

`Ctrl + Shift + O`: Camera on/off

2. Use Status Message

Out-of-office note directly in status

Make availability visible to colleagues

3. Breakout Rooms

Split large meetings into small groups

Ideal for workshops and brainstorming

4. Loop Components

Insert interactive elements in chats

Edit together in real-time

SharePoint & OneDrive: Smart File Management

1. Version History

Restore previous versions of files

Right-click → Version History

2. Offline Access

Make important files available offline

OneDrive sync with folder synchronization

3. Sharing Links with Expiration

Automatically deactivate links

Safer for external collaboration

4. Metadata Instead of Folders

Use columns for categorization

Faster finding through filters

Excel: Power Features

1. Flash Fill

Automatically detect patterns

`Ctrl + E` after entering the first value

2. Power Query

Merge data from different sources

Automatic refresh

3. Conditional Formatting

Visually highlight important values

Traffic light systems for KPIs

4. Pivot Tables

Quickly analyze large amounts of data

Drill-down for details

Word: Professional Documents

1. Use Styles

Consistent design throughout the document

Automatically generate table of contents

2. Dictate

Enter text by voice

Surprisingly good recognition

3. Editor

AI-powered writing suggestions

Grammar, style and clarity

Hidden Gems

Microsoft To Do

Create tasks from Outlook emails

My Day for daily planning

Bookings

Automate appointment booking for customers

Integration with Teams meetings

Forms

Create surveys and quizzes

Automatic evaluation

Planner

Project planning with Kanban boards

Integration in Teams

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 is a powerful tool – if used correctly. Even small changes in daily work can save hours per week. Invest time in learning – it's worth it!

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Microsoft 365: Tips and Tricks