The latest Microsoft price changes and product updates

The way we work is evolving—and so are the tools we rely on. Microsoft is introducing major updates to its product portfolio from 1 July 2026, bringing advanced AI capabilities and enhanced security features to help businesses stay productive and protected. Alongside these improvements, a global price increase means it’s time to review your licensing strategy and plan ahead.

Don’t wait until July!

These changes may seem a long way off but it’s important to act sooner rather than later. Speak to your Softcat account manager today, or our Sales team, to review your strategy and prepare for the changes.

Below, we’ve also outlined the ways Softcat can support your organisation.

Copilot comes to your favourite appsEmpty heading

Microsoft Copilot chat will now be integrated into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote, giving users intelligent assistance right where they work. From drafting documents to analysing data, Copilot will help teams work smarter and faster.

Security reinventedEmpty heading

Security remains a top priority. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 is now included in Office 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E3, delivering advanced phishing and malware protection. In addition, URL checks are now available in Office 365 E1, Business Basic, and Business Standard, helping organisations safeguard against malicious links.

Advanced endpoint management

Device management is becoming more sophisticated. New Intune features such as Remote Help and Advanced Analytics Plan 2 are now part of Microsoft 365 E3 and E5, while Endpoint Privilege Management and Cloud PKI are included in Microsoft 365 E5. These tools give IT teams greater control and visibility, reducing risk and improving compliance.

Security Copilot joins the fight

Cyber threats are growing, and Microsoft is responding with Security Copilot, now included in Microsoft 365 E5. Every eligible customer tenant will receive 400 Security Compute Units (SCUs) per month for every 1,000 licences, pro-rated for smaller deployments, and scaling up to 10,000 SCUs per tenant at no extra cost. This means businesses can harness AI-driven security without additional expense.

New capabilities:

Price increases:

Due to these increased capabilities, Microsoft has announced price increases. The price changes listed below will come into effect as of 1 July 2026.

Enterprise suites:

Frontline suites:

Business suites:

Standalone components:

Pricing shown above is Microsoft's RRP. Full pricing details will be expected closer to the time.

What does this mean for your organisation?

These updates bring powerful AI and security capabilities to help organisations work smarter and stay protected. However, the price changes mean budgeting and licence optimisation are more important than ever. Businesses should review their current Microsoft agreements and consider how these new features align with their strategy

How Softcat can help?

We understand these changes can feel overwhelming. Here’s how Softcat can support your organisation:

• Strategic licensing reviews: ensure you’re on the right plan to maximise value and avoid unnecessary costs.
• Cost optimisation: identify opportunities to offset price increases through smarter licence management.
• Security advisory: help you implement new Defender and Intune features to strengthen your security posture.
• AI enablement: Support adoption of Copilot and Security Copilot with our Copilot services to unlock productivity and insights.
• Budget planning: Work with you to forecast and manage the impact of these global price changes.