Microsoft 365 Exchange Online Administration — Beginner-Friendly Guide

📧 Microsoft 365 Exchange Online Administration — Beginner-Friendly Guide

Exchange Online is the cloud-based email and messaging platform in Microsoft 365. Administering it properly is crucial for business email continuity, security, and compliance.

1️⃣ Accessing Exchange Admin Center (EAC)

• Login to Microsoft 365 Admin Center → Admin centers → Exchange
• You’ll see:
• Mailboxes
• Groups
• Compliance
• Protection & rules

Modern admin tasks are mostly done in Exchange Admin Center (EAC) or PowerShell.

3️⃣ Email Routing & Policies

🔹 Domains & DNS

• Ensure MX records point to Exchange Online
• Configure SPF, DKIM, DMARC for email authentication

🔹 Mail Flow Rules (Transport Rules)

• Block/allow emails by conditions
• Forward emails automatically
• Append disclaimers

4️⃣ Permissions & Roles

RolePurposeGlobal AdminFull control, includes Exchange settingsExchange AdminOnly Exchange Online settingsCompliance AdminCompliance & retention managementRecipient AdminMailbox creation & permissionsHelpdesk AdminReset passwords & basic mailbox tasks

5️⃣ Security & Compliance

🔹 Anti-Spam & Anti-Phishing

• Configure policies in Security & Compliance Center
• Block malicious attachments & links

🔹 Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

• Prevent sensitive info leaks (credit cards, personal info)
• Configure rules per department

🔹 MFA & Conditional Access

• Require MFA for mailbox access
• Apply conditional access based on device/location