Microsoft's recent rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot has sparked widespread criticism from users worldwide, as the tech giant implemented substantial price hikes and forced AI features without proper communication or customer consultation.
The company unexpectedly increased subscription prices by 30% while simultaneously rebranding its flagship productivity suite. The Microsoft 365 app, previously known as Microsoft Office, now carries the Copilot name and comes with a hefty premium that many users say is unjustified.
Customer response has been overwhelmingly negative across online forums and social media platforms. Users particularly criticized the lack of advance notice about the changes and the mandatory inclusion of AI features that many feel are still underdeveloped.
The price increase itself raised eyebrows not just for its magnitude, but also for its execution. While Microsoft hadn't raised prices in over a decade, the sudden 30% jump caught subscribers off guard. The company attributed the increase to AI capabilities, despite many users reporting that Copilot's features remain basic and occasionally unreliable.
Technical issues have also plagued the launch. Users with both personal and work subscriptions report being unable to access Copilot features despite paying premium prices. Some subscribers in France and Spain temporarily saw erroneous charges of €13,000 instead of €10 due to decimal point errors.
The forced installation of Copilot has created additional confusion. Many users were startled to find their Microsoft 365 app automatically rebranded, with limited options to opt out. While Word users can disable Copilot through a hidden checkbox, other applications like Excel and PowerPoint won't have this option until February 2025.
Microsoft has introduced a "Classic" plan as a retention strategy for users attempting to cancel their subscriptions. This plan maintains the original pricing and features but is only available to existing subscribers who specifically request it.
Despite the widespread criticism, Microsoft appears committed to this new direction. Financial analysts suggest the price increase could generate substantial additional revenue, even if 10% of subscribers cancel their plans. With 84 million paid subscribers worldwide, the company stands to gain over $1.7 billion annually from this change, even accounting for potential customer losses.
As users continue to voice their frustrations, questions remain about whether Microsoft will address these concerns or maintain its current course with Copilot integration.