Copilot Chat: Microsoft introduces usage limits for customers without an AI subscription

Microsoft has already restricted certain Copilot features, such as image generation. This policy, referred to by Microsoft as «Fair Use», is now being extended to other features of Copilot Chat. This affects users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence.
This is not a fault. Microsoft explicitly states that reaching a limit is expected behaviour.

Who is affected?

Users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence in business, school and university accounts (commercial tenants)
when using Copilot Chat on the web, on your desktop and in mobile apps

Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence are not affected. They have access to additional features.

What will remain free?

Copilot Chat is still included in your Microsoft 365 subscription and doesn’t cost anything extra. According to CRN, even without a Copilot licence, you still have:

• Access to AI models
• web-based reasoning
• Limited reasoning based on work data (Work IQ)
• restricted access to agents
• Enterprise-level security

What do you notice in your day-to-day life?

Note within the product: If you reach a limit, Copilot will show you when the feature will be available again.
No interruptions: A response that is already in progress will not be interrupted.
Fluctuating limits: The limits may change throughout the day.
No figures: Microsoft does not publish specific figures, as these may change as the product is further developed.

In particular Frequent users We’ll be seeing this message more often in future.

What can admins do?

• No action required: No action is necessary.
• No configuration option: Admins can neither view nor change the limits.
• Notify the helpdesk: Microsoft recommends informing support in advance about the limits and alternatives.
• Check licence requests: The settings for licence requests should be checked.
• Managing direct purchases: If users are allowed to purchase licences themselves, they will see this option alongside the limit notification. Admins can disable direct purchases on a per-product basis.
  
  

The upgrade path

In most organisations, the limit notification includes an upgrade option. Users can use this to request a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence from their administrator, who can then approve or reject the request in the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre. Microsoft 365 Copilot Business is also available for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Classification

This change is a clear incentive to switch to the paid licence. Copilot Chat remains sufficient for occasional use. Those who use AI intensively on a daily basis are likely to reach their limits in future. You should therefore identify who in your organisation really does use Copilot frequently and allocate licences specifically to those individuals.

In short:

• Copilot Chat remains included in the Microsoft 365 subscription.
• New, unpublished usage limits apply to users without a Copilot licence.
• Admins cannot change this, but should inform their support team.
• If you need more, request a Copilot licence.