Microsoft has announced expanded AI, security, and management features across Microsoft 365 and Office 365, along with a global price increase starting July 1, 2026. If your organisations’ renewals fall in the second half of 2026, now is the time to prepare.  

What’s changing?  

• Global pricing will increase across Microsoft 365 and Office 365. Nonprofit pricing will align with commercial, and the new rates apply at your first renewal on or after July 1, 2026.  
• On the productivity side, Copilot Chat will be integrated into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote – with a new Agent Mode for iterative creation and enhanced admin controls.  
• Security upgrades include Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 added to Office 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E3, URL protection extended to E1, Business Basic, and Business Standard, and Security Copilot included in Microsoft 365 E5.  

As Microsoft is standardising advanced protections and AI capabilities across more tiers, organisations can expect higher costs paired with significant feature enhancements from mid-2026. Early planning helps maximise value while managing budget impact.  

What are your next steps?  

• Begin with a budget and renewal review to map July–December 2026 timelines and model pricing scenarios.  
• Reassess Microsoft 365 E3 vs. E5 based on new inclusions and your Copilot/Security roadmap. Plan Copilot enablement and phased deployment of Defender, URL protection, and Security Copilot, while ensuring AI data security with Purview (M365 E5).  
• Simplify governance with Insight Cloud Care (CSP) or Insight VL Care (EA). As your AI-first Solutions Integrator, Insight provides planning, implementation, and managed services, plus access to Microsoft-funded workshops and pilots as a certified and accredited partner. 
• Read the official announcement here and book a 30-minute review with Insight to map impact and options before your renewal window.  

For any further questions, please reach out to your Insight representative.