Downgrading Your Microsoft 365 to Avoid the Copilot Surcharge: A Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft has recently integrated its Copilot AI features into its Microsoft 365 subscription plans, leading to an increase in the subscription price. This change has been implemented for all new and renewing subscribers, regardless of whether they want or intend to use Copilot. Many users feel they are essentially paying for a feature they didn’t ask for and may not even utilize. Fortunately, there’s a temporary workaround: Microsoft is offering "classic" versions of its Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family plans, which exclude Copilot and its associated surcharge. However, these Classic plans are available for a limited time, so it’s crucial to act quickly if you wish to revert to the original pricing.

This article will guide you through the process of switching back to a Classic Microsoft 365 plan and explore alternative options if the Classic plan doesn’t meet your needs in the long run.

Understanding the Copilot Surcharge

The introduction of Copilot into Microsoft 365 has resulted in a price increase for the subscription plans. For example, you might now see options to pay $12.99/month or $9.99/month, which reflect the higher rates with Copilot included. This automatic inclusion has frustrated many users who feel they are being forced to pay for a feature they don’t need or want.

How to Downgrade to a Classic Microsoft 365 Plan

The process for downgrading to a Classic plan involves canceling your current Microsoft 365 subscription and then resubscribing to the Classic version. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Cancel Your Current Subscription:

   • Go to the Microsoft account services page: https://account.microsoft.com/services
   • Sign in to your Microsoft account.
   • You will see a list of your Microsoft subscriptions.
   • Find your Microsoft 365 subscription in the list.
   • Select "Manage" next to your Microsoft 365 subscription.
   • Choose "Cancel subscription," as recommended by Microsoft’s support documentation.

2. Confirm Cancellation:

   • Microsoft will likely present you with options to keep your subscription, such as offering a discount. Carefully read these options and proceed with cancellation if you are certain you want to downgrade.
   • You may be asked to provide a reason for canceling your subscription.

3. Wait for Cancellation to Complete:

   • Your subscription might not be canceled immediately. Check the cancellation confirmation to see when your subscription will officially end.

4. Subscribe to the Classic Plan:

   • After your current subscription is canceled, visit the Microsoft 365 website.
   • Look for the option to subscribe to the "Classic" version of the Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plan. Keep in mind that this option might not be prominently displayed and could be available for a limited time only.
   • If you don’t see the Classic plan listed, try contacting Microsoft support to inquire about its availability.
   • Select the desired Classic plan and follow the steps to complete your subscription.

Important Considerations

• Limited Time Offer: Microsoft has stated that the Classic plans are available for a limited time. There is no guarantee that they will remain an option indefinitely.
• Renewal at the Higher Price: If you do nothing, your Microsoft 365 subscription will automatically renew at the higher price with Copilot included.
• Amazon Purchases: If you purchased your Microsoft 365 subscription through a third-party retailer like Amazon, the process might be slightly different. Check your order details to see if you are currently being charged the old price. However, new purchases from Amazon might include the Copilot surcharge.

Alternatives to Microsoft 365 with Copilot

If the Classic plan is no longer available or you’re looking for other options, consider these alternatives:

• Office 2024: This is a one-time purchase version of Office that includes the core Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) but does not include cloud services or Copilot. It will receive security updates but will not gain new features over time and will eventually reach its end of support date.

• Free Office Suites: Several free office suites are available, such as LibreOffice and FreeOffice. These suites offer similar functionality to Microsoft Office but are open-source or freemium.

• Google Workspace: Google Workspace is a suite of online productivity tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It’s a cloud-based alternative to Microsoft Office and offers collaborative features.

• Standalone Applications: You can purchase individual licenses for Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel) if you only need specific programs.

The Value of Copilot

Microsoft is positioning Copilot as a value-added feature, similar to Netflix price hikes where users get more content for a higher price. However, if you don’t need or want Copilot, you’re essentially paying for a feature you won’t use.

The version of Copilot included in the new Microsoft 365 plans is not the same as the standalone Copilot Pro subscription, which costs $20 per month. The Microsoft 365 version provides a limited number of "credits" for AI use, such as using Copilot to write emails or create Excel formulas. If you exceed these credits, you’ll need to pay extra for the full Copilot Pro experience. Many sources say that the credits limit is 60 actions.

Using Alternative AI Services

If you’re interested in AI assistance but don’t want to pay for Copilot, consider using alternative AI services such as Google Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, or Meta’s AI services. These services offer similar functionalities and may be a suitable replacement for Copilot.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s integration of Copilot into Microsoft 365 has led to a price increase that many users are unhappy with. While the Classic plans offer a temporary solution, it’s essential to consider your long-term needs and explore alternative options if necessary. By understanding the available choices and taking action, you can ensure that you’re paying only for the features you need and want. Be sure to check the terms of agreement before cancelling any service so that you won’t lose any of your work or current benefits.