Summary
- Microsoft is renaming existing Microsoft 365 Copilot subscriptions that require a qualifying base Microsoft 365 license to make the add-on dependency clearer.
- Affected subscriptions will keep the same service, pricing, licensing rights, and renewal eligibility; only the product name changes.
- No license migration or reassignment is required, and Copilot capabilities are unchanged.
- Existing PowerShell scripts, automation, or internal documentation that reference product names may need updates to use product or SKU IDs instead of names.
- New purchases introduced later will no longer use the add-on naming for the non-base-dependent offer, while existing add-on subscriptions keep the add-on label.
Primary Service: M365 Copilot
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Low
Release Start: 14 Oct 2026
Release End: 14 Oct 2026
Services: M365 Copilot
Category: Stay informed
Tags: Admin Action
History
10/14/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
We’re updating Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription names to make purchasing requirements clearer.
Beginning October 16, 2026, existing Microsoft 365 Copilot subscriptions that require a qualifying Microsoft 365 base subscription will include “(add-on)” in their names. Examples include Microsoft 365 Copilot (add-on) and Microsoft 365 Copilot Business (add-on).
The “(add-on)” designation reflects the qualifying Microsoft 365 base subscription requirement for these existing subscriptions. Beginning December 1, 2026, new Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot Business subscriptions can be purchased without a qualifying Microsoft 365 base subscription.
Rollout Schedule
- October 16, 2026: Microsoft 365 Copilot subscriptions that require a qualifying Microsoft 365 base subscription will include “(add-on)” in their names.
- December 1, 2026: New Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot Business subscriptions can be purchased without a qualifying Microsoft 365 base subscription and will not include “(add-on)” in their names.
- December 1, 2026: Existing add-on subscriptions will reach end of sale for new purchases. This is not end of life: You can continue to renew your subscriptions and add or reduce seats as you do today.
- Existing subscriptions will retain “(add-on)” in their names.
Impact on Your Organization
Who is affected
Organizations with Microsoft 365 Copilot or Microsoft 365 Copilot Business subscriptions that require a qualifying Microsoft 365 base subscription.
Platforms/Services
Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot Business subscriptions.
What will happen
- Existing subscriptions that require a qualifying Microsoft 365 base subscription will be renamed:
- Microsoft 365 Copilot (add-on)
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Business (add-on)
- Your subscription, service, pricing, licensing rights, and renewal eligibility remain unchanged.
- No migration or license reassignment is required.
- The name update does not change Copilot capabilities, which continue to depend on the apps and services you’re licensed for.
- Self-service purchase (SSP) and end-user trials within Microsoft 365 products will continue to be available with this update.
- Beginning December 1, 2026, new subscriptions without the qualifying Microsoft 365 base subscription requirement will be available without “(add-on)” in their names.
Action Required/Recommendations
No action is required for most organizations.
- Do not migrate subscriptions or reassign licenses solely because of the name update.
- If you use PowerShell scripts or license management processes that reference product names, update them to use product or SKU IDs before October 16, 2026.
- Consider updating internal documentation that references the current subscription names.
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.