What’s New for SharePoint – September 2023

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to keep up with the latest features and updates for SharePoint? You're not alone. With constant changes and new tools being released, it's a challenge for professionals to stay on top of what's new and how it can impact their daily work.

This September 2023, SharePoint has unleashed a fresh batch of enhancements that promise to make your collaborative efforts more intuitive and seamless than ever before.

Interestingly, the recent launch of Microsoft 365 Copilot is set to revolutionize how we interact with our digital workspace by harnessing powerful AI capabilities. Our blog post is here to help decode these developments in plain language.

We'll guide you through each update - from improvements in accessibility all the way through document management refinements - making sure that nothing slips through the cracks. And let’s not forget about those vibrant folder colors now popping up in OneDrive! Get ready for insights that could transform your SharePoint experience.

Keep reading; things just got interesting!

SharePoint Updates in September 2023

In September 2023, SharePoint introduced accessibility improvements to authoring, individual page sharing, change in folder color feature, and browsing files by People or Meetings.

These updates aim to enhance user experience and productivity within the platform.

Accessibility improvements to SharePoint authoring

Making SharePoint easier for everyone is a big deal. Now, people who have trouble seeing or moving can use SharePoint better. They've made it simpler to get around with just the keyboard and if you use a screen reader, things will make more sense.

Think of it like fixing up a house so that friends in wheelchairs can move around easily – they've done something similar with SharePoint!

These updates are not just small changes; they're about including everyone. No matter if your eyes don't work like others' or your hands find keyboards tough, this new SharePoint will help you create and share stuff without a hassle.

It's all about knocking down barriers so that making websites and documents is simple for every person out there.

SharePoint individual page sharing

SharePoint has made sharing easier! Now, you can share just a single page. This is great if you only want someone to see one thing and not everything else. You decide who can look at your page by sending them a link.

They click on it and go straight there.

Sharing pages like this helps everyone stay updated without confusion. If something changes or gets better on your SharePoint site, you can quickly let other people know by sharing the new page with them.

It's simple and keeps everyone on the same page—literally!

Change in folder color feature

Adding to the list of updates, SharePoint is bringing a fresh look to your files with the new folder color feature. This change means you'll have more ways to sort and spot your documents quickly.

Picture opening a library and seeing colors that help you find what you need at a glance.

The update includes better design and choices for customizing your folders' colors. You can make each project stand out or organize your work by topic using different hues. It's not just about looks; this visual organization will help everyone keep track of their files easier than before.

Browsing files by People or Meetings

SharePoint users can now easily browse files based on the people they work with or the meetings they attend. This feature aims to streamline access to relevant documents and enhance collaboration within teams.

By leveraging this functionality, users can quickly locate files associated with specific colleagues or meetings, promoting efficient information retrieval and teamwork. This update aligns with Microsoft's commitment to improving user experience and productivity within SharePoint.

SharePoint Server Update History

Explore the update history of SharePoint Server from the Subscription Edition to SharePoint 2013 and stay informed about the latest developments. Read on for all the details!

SharePoint Server Subscription Edition

SharePoint Server Subscription Edition comes with the latest feature packs, critical updates, and hotfixes for September 2023. This update history also provides insights into the improvements and developments in the software.

Users should review related information about products that SharePoint relies on, such as Windows Server AppFabric and Workflow Management with SharePoint to stay informed.

The update history is essential for understanding the changes made to SharePoint Server Subscription Edition, ensuring users are aware of the latest enhancements in the software and can make informed decisions about their usage.

Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019

Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019 recently received security updates on September 12, 2023. This includes feature packs, critical updates, and hotfixes. These ongoing updates aim to enhance the performance and security of the platform while addressing any known issues.

The latest security measures ensure that organizations can continue to rely on SharePoint Server 2019 for secure and efficient collaboration within their digital workplace environments.

Moving on from Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019, let's delve into new features in Microsoft 365.

Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016

SharePoint Server 2016 offers feature packs, critical updates, and hotfixes for users. It provides a feedback section to gather user input and access more information on software updates for SharePoint and related products.

The update history includes details about new features and enhancements for SharePoint Server 2016, ensuring that users stay informed about the latest developments.

SharePoint 2013 update history

SharePoint Server 2013 received significant security updates in September 2023, enhancing its functionalities and addressing potential vulnerabilities. These updates encompass a wide range of improvements and security enhancements for SharePoint Server 2013.

Specific KB numbers were provided for each update, allowing users to access further information and ensure they stay current with the latest releases.

New Features in Microsoft 365

Use of Python in Microsoft Excel has been introduced, along with the Meet app in Microsoft Teams and new channel discovery feed. These updates aim to enhance productivity and collaboration within the Microsoft 365 suite.

Use of Python in Microsoft Excel

Python integration in Excel for Microsoft 365 allows users to run Python scripts directly in Excel. This feature enhances the capabilities of Excel, enabling more complex data analysis and manipulation within the familiar interface.

Users can leverage Python for advanced data processing and analysis tasks, streamlining workflows and performing intricate data operations.

The integration of Python in Excel reflects the trend of incorporating programming languages into traditional office productivity software, bridging the gap between spreadsheet tools and advanced programming capabilities.

Introduction of the Meet app in Microsoft Teams

The Meet app is now part of Microsoft Teams in the latest update for Microsoft 365. This new feature aims to enhance collaboration and communication within the Microsoft 365 environment, reflecting ongoing efforts by Microsoft to improve productivity for users.

The introduction of the Meet app in Microsoft Teams aligns with the focus on enhancing user-friendly experiences and streamlining communication across various platforms within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Microsoft Teams' new channel discovery feed

Microsoft Teams' new channel discovery feed offers easy access to the latest updates and features in Microsoft 365, specifically for SharePoint. It provides information on feature packs, critical updates, and hotfixes for SharePoint, as well as related product information.

Users can provide feedback on the new channel discovery feed and access additional resources for more information on software updates for SharePoint.

"Archive channels feature in Microsoft Teams" introduces a streamlined approach to managing and organizing team communications efficiently.

Archive channels feature in Microsoft Teams

The Archive channels feature in Teams helps users tidy up their channel list by hiding channels they no longer actively use. This feature does not delete the channels; rather, it simply conceals them from the main channel list.

Users can still access and restore archived channels if needed, making it a convenient way to keep things organized without losing important information. By using this feature, teams can declutter their workspace and easily find the channels that are currently in use.

This function can be especially useful for teams with numerous projects or ongoing discussions, providing a simple way to streamline the interface and focus on active work.

Enhanced Document Management in SharePoint

Leverage out-of-the-box SharePoint library templates and news page templates to enhance document management. Access OneDrive files through OneDrive for the web for improved file management capabilities.

Out-of-the-box SharePoint Library Templates

SharePoint introduced new out-of-the-box library templates in September 2023. These pre-built structures help with document management and organization within SharePoint libraries.

Users can choose from a variety of templates to streamline document storage, retrieval, and collaboration. The templates offer flexibility and customization options to tailor the document management system to specific requirements, improving user experience and making document management processes more efficient.

These new templates are designed to enhance the overall document management experience within SharePoint, providing users with improved tools for organizing and managing documents effectively.

SharePoint news page templates: sending SharePoint News to Outlook

SharePoint news page templates now enable the direct sending of SharePoint News to Outlook, streamlining the process of disseminating important updates and information. This enhancement allows for seamless sharing and distribution of news content across different platforms, ensuring that relevant news reaches the intended audience efficiently.

The capability to send SharePoint to Outlook app from news page templates aligns with the goal of simplifying communication and enhancing accessibility within the SharePoint environment.

This feature facilitates easy access and visibility of crucial updates for users who primarily rely on Outlook for their communications, thereby improving overall engagement with important announcements and information.

OneDrive file access through OneDrive for the web

To enhance document management in SharePoint, OneDrive for the web now enables seamless access to files associated with Enhanced Document Management. This integration allows users to effortlessly manage and work with their documents within the SharePoint environment through OneDrive for the web.

Users can easily access, organize, and collaborate on their files while benefiting from a unified experience that streamlines document management.

This update facilitates a more efficient workflow by providing users with convenient access to their files directly through OneDrive for the web within the SharePoint environment. It simplifies file management and collaboration, promoting productivity and ease of use for all users leveraging these features.

Advancements in SharePoint News Delivery to Outlook Inboxes

SharePoint now allows sending news to Outlook directly from SharePoint pages. This feature enhances the reach of important announcements and updates, ensuring that they're easily accessible in users' inboxes for better visibility and engagement.

Users can now receive and save emails to SharePoint news conveniently alongside their emails, making it easier to stay informed without actively checking the SharePoint site.

Building on this capability, users can also set up subscriptions to specific news sources in SharePoint, allowing them to tailor their inbox content according to their interests. This streamlined process ensures that relevant information reaches the right audience promptly, fostering a more connected and informed organizational culture.

Enhanced communication between SharePoint and Outlook streamlines information delivery directly where users engage with it the most – in their email inboxes.

Around Microsoft 365

Discover the latest features in Microsoft 365 and how they can enhance your productivity and collaboration. Read on to learn more about the exciting updates!

Discover how to view Microsoft Lists, PowerBI, Loop, and Whiteboard

Explore the seamless integration of Microsoft Lists, PowerBI, Loop, and Whiteboard within the Microsoft 365 and SharePoint ecosystem. Leveraging these tools allows for enhanced data visualization through PowerBI, streamlined task management with Microsoft Lists, collaborative workspaces in Loop, and interactive digital whiteboarding with Whiteboard.

These integrations bring efficiency and convenience to project management, data analysis, teamwork collaboration, and brainstorming sessions.

Uncover the potential of these integrated tools to streamline workflows, promote productivity, and foster collaboration across various functionalities within the Microsoft 365 environment.

Coloured folders in OneDrive and SharePoint

When exploring how to view Microsoft Lists, PowerBI, Loop, and Whiteboard, users can also benefit from the new feature introduced in SharePoint – the ability to customize folder colors in OneDrive and SharePoint.

This update offers a simple yet effective way for users to visually organize and identify their files within these platforms. By allowing users to assign specific colors to folders, this enhancement facilitates easier categorization and prioritization of content stored in OneDrive and SharePoint libraries., which ultimately contributes to a more intuitive file navigation experience.

Users can now leverage visual cues for quicker identification of important content, aligning with Microsoft's commitment to continuously enhance user productivity tools within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Recommended Files in OneDrive online

Exploring the recommended files in OneDrive online is a proactive way to stay informed about the latest updates and information related to SharePoint. By accessing these recommended files, users can easily keep track of essential documents, news, and resources available within their organization's SharePoint environment.

Leveraging this feature not only enhances accessibility but also ensures that users are always up-to-date with relevant content, contributing to improved collaboration and productivity across teams.

It aligns with Microsoft's continuous effort to provide a seamless user experience and support efficient knowledge sharing within the digital workplace.

It is important for users to take advantage of the recommended files in OneDrive online as it serves as a valuable tool for staying connected with the dynamic landscape of SharePoint updates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the September 2023 updates for SharePoint bring exciting improvements and features. These enhancements offer practical and efficient ways to streamline document management, maximize collaboration, and enhance accessibility.

Have you considered how these updates can simplify your workflow and boost productivity? Implementing these changes can have a significant impact on optimizing your SharePoint experience.

For further exploration and learning, delve into additional resources available to expand your knowledge in this evolving digital landscape. Take the opportunity to embrace these advancements and elevate your work with confidence and ease.