Microsoft 365 Setup Checklist for Small Businesses

Use this checklist to avoid the most common setup mistakes.

1) Verify your domain. Confirm DNS records in Microsoft 365 admin so email and services are tied correctly to your business domain.

2) Create user accounts with least privilege. Give admin access only where necessary and use separate admin/user accounts when possible.

3) Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). This is one of the highest-impact security steps you can take immediately.

4) Configure mailbox basics. Set signatures, aliases, forwarding rules (if needed), and retention defaults.

5) Set sharing policies. Define who can share files externally and what link types are allowed in OneDrive/SharePoint.

6) Confirm backups and retention. Validate retention policies and make sure critical data is protected for recovery scenarios.

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