7 min read
Microsoft 365 Hardening Checklist: 10 Steps to a Secure Tenant
Why M365 Hardening Matters Microsoft 365 is the backbone of modern business productivity and a prime target for cyber threats. Out-of-the-box, M365...
1 min read
Nicole Walker
:
Updated on August 27, 2025
Many businesses start with GoDaddy’s Microsoft 365 offering because it’s fast, convenient, and bundled with other essential services. But as your organization grows, you may find that this setup no longer meets your needs.
In this episode of the Demystifying Microsoft podcast, our SVP of Global Microsoft Practice Leader, Nathan Taylor and Senior Manager of Sales and Business Development, Lindsay Cowan explain what a GoDaddy Defederation is, why it matters, and how moving to a full Microsoft-managed tenant can unlock new capabilities for your team.
GoDaddy’s Microsoft 365 tenants are “federated,” meaning identity and access are managed through GoDaddy’s systems. Defederation is the process of converting that tenant into a fully Microsoft-managed environment. It’s fast, low-risk, and doesn’t require migrating data. The only disruption? A password reset for users.
Here are some of the most common reasons businesses choose to defederate:
Access to More Features: Full Microsoft tenants unlock advanced tools like Intune, Defender, and Azure integrations.
Flexible Licensing: Microsoft offers a broader range of license types, including cost-effective options for frontline workers.
Administrative Control: Organizations gain deeper visibility and control over security, compliance, and user management.
Scalability: A full Microsoft tenant supports long-term IT strategy and integration with other Microsoft services.
Defederation only affects your Microsoft 365 environment. Your website and DNS services can remain with GoDaddy or any other provider without disruption.
Making the move to a full Microsoft tenant isn’t just about unlocking features, it’s about future-proofing your business. As Microsoft continues to roll out new tools and integrations across security, compliance, and productivity, having full access ensures your organization can take advantage of innovations as they happen. Whether you're planning to scale, streamline IT operations, or consolidate tools, defederation sets the foundation for long-term success.
Defederation sets the stage for long-term flexibility, deeper administrative control, and access to the full Microsoft ecosystem. If your organization is ready to explore what this process could look like, reach out to our teams of Microsoft licensing consultants to start a conversation about your options and next steps.
And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more updates and insights from our experts on the Demystifying Microsoft podcast
7 min read
Why M365 Hardening Matters Microsoft 365 is the backbone of modern business productivity and a prime target for cyber threats. Out-of-the-box, M365...
5 min read
In today's threat landscape, a username and password alone are no longer sufficient to protect your organization.
7 min read
Most Microsoft 365 compromises follow a familiar pattern. Access beings through phishing or token theft. Persistence is added quietly. Then attackers...
1 min read
As businesses grow, their Microsoft 365 environment often needs to grow with them. For organizations that began with GoDaddy’s Microsoft 365...
1 min read
Many organizations reach a point where their GoDaddy Microsoft 365 environments no longer support how the business operates today.
1 min read
GoDaddy’s Microsoft 365 offering is a popular starting point for many businesses. It’s quick to set up, easy to manage, and provides the essential...