MC1508148 - Microsoft 365 Copilot offer and name updates

Microsoft 365 Message Center announcement MC1508148.

MS Message Center's Summary

Microsoft is updating subscription names for Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Business to clearly indicate base licensing requirements. Starting mid October 2026, existing qualifying subscriptions will include add on text in their names. From December 2026, new purchases will be available without this base requirement. Administrators should review internal documentation and update any automated scripts relying on explicit string names rather than SKU identifiers before the rollout begins.

Administrator impact
Review scripts and internal documentation that reference specific subscription names rather than SKU identifiers.
End user impact
No direct end user impact is expected.
Importance
3/10: This is a nomenclature and purchasing model update requiring minor administrative awareness to prevent script failures.

Microsoft Summary

Starting October 16, 2026, Microsoft 365 Copilot subscriptions requiring a base Microsoft 365 subscription will include "(add-on)" in their names. From December 1, 2026, new subscriptions can be purchased without this requirement and won't have "(add-on)" in their names. Existing subscriptions remain unchanged except for the name update. No migration is needed.

Message Center ID
MC1508148
Category
stay Informed
Severity
normal
Services
Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365)
Tags
Admin impact
Published
2026-10-14
Last updated
2026-10-14
Expires
2026-11-23

[What and Why:] 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 1 6 , 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.