The biggest Microsoft news for most small businesses this year is about price and packaging.

Price increases from July 1, 2026

Microsoft raised list prices for commercial Microsoft 365 suites worldwide on July 1, 2026. Reported increases range from roughly 5% to 43% depending on the plan, with entry-level, frontline, and small-business plans rising the most in percentage terms. Exact prices vary by region, currency, and purchase channel, so ask your provider for your actual quote.

Timing: new customers pay the new list price from July 1. Existing customers see the new price at their next renewal after that date.

What Microsoft says you get

– Copilot Chat folded into most plans, including awareness of your inbox and calendar and agents in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, rolling out through the summer

– Security and management additions: expanded Intune and Defender capabilities in some suites, and URL checks against known malicious sites in lower tiers

– Microsoft 365 Business with Copilot bundles as permanent offers for smaller organizations, and promotional pricing through December 31, 2026 on certain bundles

– Longer purchase options for Microsoft 365 Copilot, including a three-year term

What to do at renewal

1. Map your renewal dates and ask your provider what the new price will be

2. Right-size licenses: remove unused seats, and review which plan each person needs

3. Check what’s now included before buying add-ons you may already have

4. Compare Business Standard with Business Premium. Premium’s security and device management may replace separate tools.

5. Pilot Copilot before buying it for everyone. Measure time saved.

6. Consider term options (monthly versus annual) and price protection

7. Review the security features you already own and switch them on

Related reminders

– Windows 10 reached end of standard support in October 2025. Plan PC replacements.

– Cloud outages can affect Microsoft 365, so have a continuity plan (see our article on cloud outages).

Keep perspective

Software costs are rising across the industry. Managing licenses carefully is now a core IT task.

Sources: Microsoft price announcements (2026).

DBR Soft is a Microsoft partner and can review your licensing before your renewal. Contact us for more information.