If you’ve been using Microsoft Copilot inside Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, your access is about to change — and fast. Starting April 15, Microsoft is requiring a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription to keep using AI features in those apps. The deadline is five days away, and it’s time to decide if it’s worth it for your team.
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What Happened
Microsoft has announced it is removing free access to Copilot features inside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. As of April 15, 2026, you’ll need to upgrade to a Microsoft 365 Copilot license — priced at $21 per user, per month. That’s a yearly commitment, which works out to roughly $300 per user per year. The features covered include AI-assisted writing, data analysis, and document summarization inside the Microsoft 365 apps your team uses every day.
What This Means for Your Business
We understand that free access to new AI tools has been a great way to experiment without financial risk. Now Microsoft is converting those experiments into a budget line item. Before April 15, ask yourself: which employees genuinely use Copilot enough to justify $300 per year? For most small businesses, the right answer is selective — a few power users may absolutely benefit, while others won’t miss it. We can help you review your Microsoft 365 usage data and identify exactly who is getting real value from Copilot before you commit to additional licenses.
The Bottom Line
The Copilot paywall takes effect April 15. If you want to keep AI access in Word and Excel, the cost is $21/user/month ($252/year). If you’re unsure who on your team needs it, call us before the deadline and we’ll help you sort it out.
Ready to talk through your Microsoft 365 licensing? Schedule a conversation with ACS.
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