Microsoft 365 Business Basic includes access to Power Automate, enabling users to create basic automation workflows. These can include tasks like sending email alerts, setting reminders, or automating file movements between SharePoint and OneDrive. However, it does not include premium connectors or advanced AI-driven features. Users can still build useful automations using standard Microsoft services like Outlook, Teams, Excel (online), and SharePoint.

Business Basic users have access to Excel for the Web, which supports Office Scripts—a TypeScript-based automation framework. Office Scripts allow users to automate repetitive tasks in spreadsheets, such as data formatting, report generation, and calculations. This is a powerful alternative to traditional VBA macros, which are only supported in the desktop version of Excel (not included in Business Basic).

Administrators managing Microsoft 365 Business Basic can use PowerShell to automate tasks such as user provisioning, license assignments, and security settings. This provides significant flexibility and efficiency for IT teams. However, end-users do not typically use PowerShell, and its use requires appropriate permissions and knowledge of scripting commands.

While Microsoft 365 Business Basic does not inherently block access to the Microsoft Graph API, its use is typically reserved for developers and administrators. Scripts and applications using Graph API can interact with user data, Teams, calendars, and more—if properly authorized. However, full use of Graph often requires elevated permissions and is best suited for organizations with IT development resources.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic offers solid scripting capabilities for lightweight automation and admin management, particularly through Power Automate, Office Scripts, and PowerShell. While it lacks the full desktop apps and premium features of higher-tier plans, it still supports meaningful productivity enhancements for small businesses and teams.