ICT Solutions News Desk

Microsoft is improving the security of Microsoft 365 accounts by making passkeys the default way to verify your identity when signing in.

From September 2026, staff will begin seeing prompts to set up a passkey. Microsoft is also retiring its own text message (SMS) and phone call verification service, as these methods are no longer considered secure enough against modern cyber-attacks.

What it means for you

• You may be asked to set up a passkey the next time you sign in to your Microsoft account.
• You can initially choose to skip the prompt, but Microsoft will increasingly encourage everyone to use passkeys.                                 

What is a passkey?

A passkey is a more secure way to sign in without relying on a text message code.

Instead of entering a code sent to your phone, you confirm it's you using something you already use to unlock your device, such as:

• Your fingerprint
• Face recognition
• Your device PIN

Passkeys are much harder for criminals to steal or trick you into revealing, making your account significantly more secure.

Dates the changes come into effect

• 1 September 2026 – Microsoft begins prompting users to register a passkey when signing in.
• 28 January 2027 – Microsoft will stop providing SMS and voice authentication. Passkeys become the recommended default method. Anyone not configured by then will experience sign in issues.

For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

Google is transitioning desktop photo backups from the Google Drive for desktop interface to a dedicated experience via the Google Photos website or the Google Photos Progressive Web App (PWA).

• Previous behaviour: Google Drive for desktop allowed users to configure desktop folders for backup directly to Google Photos.
• New behaviour: This functionality will be migrated to a new, dedicated experience on the Google Photos website.
  • To continue backing up their folders to Google Photos, users will need to reselect their preferred backup folders in the new Google Photos interface.
  • Any items previously backed up will remain in Google Photos.

When this will happen

• Starting June 15, 2026: In-app notifications will begin prompting users to transition to Google Photos.
  • Configuration of new backup folders in the Google Drive for desktop interface will no longer be available.
  • Existing folders will continue to sync.
• Starting August 10, 2026: Google Drive for desktop will end support for Google Photos backup.

Who is affected

Any users who have used Google Drive for desktop photo backup in the last 30 days.

What you can do to prepare

To ensure uninterrupted service, users must complete the following actions before August 10, 2026:

1. Navigate to the Google Photos website or the Google Photos Progressive Web App (PWA).
2. Reselect the preferred desktop folders for backup.
   Ensure the browser tab for the Google Photos website or the PWA remains open to allow the auto-backup process to complete.

For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or email ict@norfolk.gov.uk

To maintain a high-quality and reliable experience for live Captions & Subtitles in the Microsoft 365 PowerPoint app, Microsoft is upgrading the backend service that supports this capability. As part of this improvement, older Office client versions will no longer be supported. Updating to the minimum required PowerPoint version ensures continued accessibility, performance, and reliability.

When this will happen

Upgrade by the end of September 2026

Who is affected

Organizations using Microsoft 365 PowerPoint app (Win32 or Mac)

Users running PowerPoint versions earlier than:

• Windows (Win32): 16.0.19426.20218
• macOS: 16.103.1207.4

What will happen

Users on unsupported versions will lose access to Captions & Subtitles after the listed dates.

There is no change for users on supported versions.

What you can do to prepare

Review PowerPoint client versions across your organization (Windows and Mac).

Update Office clients to:

• Windows (Win32): 16.0.19426.20218 or later
• macOS: 16.103.1207.4 or later

For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or email ict@norfolk.gov.uk