The “Warning units” column in the “Subscriptions Center” report is crucial for effectively managing your Microsoft 365 licenses. This guide explains what warning units are, why they matter, and how to use this information to prevent service disruptions.
What are warning units?
In Microsoft 365 licensing, "warning units" refer to licenses in a grace period following the expiration of a subscription of a service SKU. These units are close to being suspended or canceled, signaling the need for timely renewal or adjustment of the subscription.
Why warning units matter
Warning units serve as an essential alert for administrators:
- Prevent service disruptions: they provide early notification, enabling actions to prevent disruptions once licenses expire.
- Ensure continuity: by addressing warning units promptly, organizations can maintain uninterrupted access to essential services and applications.
How to monitor warning units
Step 1: Access the subscriptions center
Navigate to the subscriptions center in your management portal by using the search bar or going through “Reports > Licenses > Subscriptions Center”.
Step 2: Locate the warning units column
On the “Active subscriptions” tab, observe the “Warning units” column. If this number is greater than 0, it requires attention.
Step 3: Review detailed information
By examining the second tab, “Subscriptions history”, you can identify specific subscriptions and their associated orders.
Action steps
- Renew or adjust subscriptions: upon noticing warning units, take immediate steps to renew or adjust your subscriptions to maintain service continuity.
- Stay informed: regularly check the subscriptions center to manage your licenses proactively.
For more detailed information, refer to the official documentation: Microsoft Graph API - License units detail.
Taking a proactive approach in managing your Microsoft 365 licenses using the “Warning units” column will help prevent unnecessary interruptions in service access, ensuring smooth organizational operations.