With 2026 around the corner, it is time to plan ahead and your endpoints are the centre of it all! Organisations that fail to adapt risk falling behind in security, productivity, and cost efficiency. Here are five essential moves every IT leader should prioritise this year:
1. Say Goodbye to Entra ID Hybrid Join
Hybrid Join has served its purpose, but it’s time to embrace the future: Entra ID Join. Start small—run a proof of concept with a subset of devices. This shift simplifies management, strengthens security, and aligns with a cloud-first strategy. The sooner you begin, the smoother the transition.
2. Windows 365 Reserve: Your Rapid Response Lifeline
Announced at Microsoft Ignite 2026 and now GA, Windows 365 Reserve is a game-changer. It’s a cost-effective way to keep Cloud PCs ready on standby, enabling you to deploy a temporary device in minutes when a user’s laptop fails. No downtime, no disruption—just seamless productivity. The cost of a Windows 365 Reserve Cloud PC is roughly $20 per year. Having a host of these at your disposal just makes sense.
3. Agents Aren’t Coming. They’re Here.
Welcome to the era of AI Agents. Microsoft’s Security Copilot is now free for M365 E5 customers, delivering 400 SCUs per 1000 users enabling organisations to use intelligent automation and proactive threat response. If you haven’t explored these yet, you’re missing out on a major leap forward in security operations.
4. Zero Trust Is Non-Negotiable
Endpoints are often the weakest link as historically EUC teams do not have to think about security. Enforce Zero Trust principles by ensuring every device is enrolled, compliant, and meets your security standards before connecting to corporate resources. In 2026, Zero Trust isn’t a buzzword it's the fundamental.
5. Unlock the Power of Intune Suite
The Intune Suite is now included in Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 licenses. For E3 customers, Remote Help can replace costly third-party tools. For E5 customers, Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) is a game-changer for reducing risk without sacrificing productivity.
Endpoints are the front line of your organisation’s security and productivity. These five strategies will help you reduce risk, cut costs, and empower your workforce in 2026 and beyond.
