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M365 E3 License Deep Dive: 15 Must-Know Features for Enterprise Success

Discover the essential features of the Microsoft 365 E3 license. This article details 15 key functionalities that boost enterprise-level productivity, security, and compliance, making it a strategic investment for modern businesses looking to scale their operations efficiently.

M365 E3 License Deep Dive: 15 Must-Know Features for Enterprise Success
03 Oct

M365 E3 License Deep Dive: 15 Must-Know Features for Enterprise Success

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As businesses consider their Microsoft 365 licensing options, the Enterprise E3 plan frequently emerges as the sweet spot. It is not as expensive as the E5 tier, yet far more capable than the Business plans—M365 E3 offers a compelling blend of productivity, security, and compliance.   

But what exactly do you get in E3, and which functionality offers a difference to your enterprise?   

Here’s a deeper exploration of the 15 features of M365 E3 that every organisation should be aware of and that are redefining work in 2025. 

 

What is Microsoft 365 E3? 

Microsoft 365 E3 serves as a bundled subscription offering an enterprise license along with:  

  • 1. The full desktop versions of Microsoft Office software.  

  • 2. Email, collaboration tools, and their corresponding enterprise-grade functions.  

  • 3. Enhanced capabilities in identity and access management.  

  • 4. Basic compliance as well as management of devices.  

  • 5. Support for hybrid work models for teams that are distributed geographically.  

Essentially, the balance of value, flexibility, and security E3 provides makes it a preferred choice for mid to large organisations. 

 

Contact:- sales@bminfotradegroup.com +919314508367 +919829189200 

 

15 Must-Know Features of Microsoft 365 E3 (2025 Edition) 

1. Full Office Apps on 5 Devices per User 

Now, you can acquire desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher. You can also install on PC, Mac, tablets, and phones—all under a single user license. 

 

2. Outlook & Exchange Online (100 GB Mailbox) 

Utilise a huge storage of 100GB for emails along with shared calendar, contacts, retention policies, and protective features of Exchange Online. 

 

3. 1 TB OneDrive for Business Storage 

Automatic syncing, version control, and sensitive data scanning offer secure cloud storage. Essential for document distribution in hybrid workplaces. 

 

4. Microsoft Teams (With Live Events) 

Collaboration tools for the enterprise level allow meetings, chat, calls, and webinars all through Teams. Other Office applications are integrated, and Live Events are included. 

 

5. SharePoint Online for Intranet & Document Management 

Easily manage collaborative internal sites, document libraries and knowledge hubs with advanced sharing, co-authoring controls, and granular permission levels. 

 

6. Microsoft Stream for Video Content 

With the new integration of Stream with SharePoint and OneDrive in 2025, managing and sharing internal videos, such as training sessions and company announcements, will be easier than ever. 

 

7. Azure Active Directory Premium P1 

Activation of single sign-on (SSO), conditional access, multi-factor authentication (MFA), as well as dynamic groups. Works perfectly with third-party applications and hybrid Active Directory configurations. 

 

8. Microsoft Purview (Compliance Centre Features) 

Also covers DLP for Exchange, Teams and OneDrive as well as Information Governance and Content Search. 

 

9. Device Management with Microsoft Intune 

You can now directly from the cloud manage and deploy devices, applications and even security policies on the following operating systems:  Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

 

10. Windows 11 Enterprise Licensing 

Update qualifying devices to Windows 11 Enterprise to unlock features like BitLocker, AppLocker, and advanced group policy functions. 

 

11. Sensitivity Labels & Email Encryption 

Use Microsoft Information Protection to classify data. Send sensitive emails with an automatic or user-driven encryption policy. 

 

12. Office Online & Mobile Apps 

Perfect for remote, travelling, or frontline staff, core Office tools can be accessed through browsers and mobile apps. 

 

13. Power Automate for Business Process Automation 

Automate monotonous workflows spanning Microsoft and other third-party services with no coding required. Ideal for generating approvals, alerts, and notifications. 

 

14. Microsoft Loop Integration (2025 Update) 

Utilise Microsoft Loop’s newly acquired E3 full support to establish real-time collaborative workspaces. Foster agility across Teams and Outlook. 

 

15. Service-Level Agreements & Enterprise Support 

E3 features an economically supported 99.9% uptime SLA, enterprise-level support, as well as consolidated administration dashboards. 

 

Contact:- sales@bminfotradegroup.com +919314508367 +919829189200

 

M365 E3 vs E5 Compatison | Cloud vendors in india

 

What’s NOT Included in E3? (Compared to E5) 

E3 does not offer a few premium features only available on the E5 tier, which include: 

  • 1. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (Advanced Security).   

  • 2. Microsoft Purview Premium Compliance & Insider Risk.   

  • 3. Microsoft Sentinel and Defender for Identity.   

  • 4. Power BI Pro.   

  • 5. Teams Phone System with PSTN calling.   

  • 6. Copilot access included (requires add-on in E3).   

Therefore, if your organisation seeks advanced AI, analytics, and security features, then E5 is worth considering. 

 

When Should You Choose M365 E3? 

E3 is well-suited for: 

  • 1. Mid-sized to large organisations looking for a balance between value and cost.  

  • 2. Businesses requiring control over devices and data, but not requiring a comprehensive full-scale security package. 

  • 3. Information Technology departments supporting hybrid or BYOD models. 

  • 4. Businesses transitioning from older versions of Office licenses. 

  • 5. Organisations intending to integrate Copilot subsequently as an add-on. 

 

Ready to Deploy Microsoft 365 E3? 

We assist businesses in fully realising the value of M365 E3 with custom implementation, license optimisation, and focused adoption training.  

The Microsoft 365 E3 license stands out as a balanced solution - with a comprehensive suite of apps, management tools, and compliance features that do not shift the cost burden to an E5 license. It achieves immense value to enterprise IT teams, productivity across the workforce, and regulatory compliance. It, of course, needs to be properly configured to deliver the value outlined. 

Q1: Is Microsoft Copilot included in E3? 

No. Restricted to E3 users as part of a purchasable add-on. Included solely within E5 plans. 

 

Q2: Can I mix E3 with other licenses in my organisation? 

Indeed. You may designate E3 for certain users, while Business Premium or E5 may be assigned to others depending on their roles. 

 

Q3: Does E3 include Microsoft Defender for Endpoint? 

No. Defender is included in E5. You will need to acquire it separately with E3. 

 

Q4: What happens if I exceed 5 device installs per user? 

Each user has a limit of 5 PCs or Macs, 5 tablets, and 5 phones. Microsoft has a policy whereby devices beyond the stipulated limit will need to be released. 

 

Q5: Is there a student/nonprofit version of E3? 

Indeed, Microsoft also oftentimes provides E3 equivalents for Education and Nonprofits, sometimes for free or at a discount, conditional on eligibility. 

 

 

Anshul Goyal

Anshul Goyal

Group BDM at B M Infotrade | 11+ years Experience | Business Consultancy | Providing solutions in Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Digitization, Data and AI | IT Sales Leader

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