Microsoft 365 Classic: Ditch AI for Affordable Productivity

Microsoft has come a long way in integrating artificial intelligence into its productivity tools, but not everyone is on board with paying extra for just a dash of future-tech sprinkled across their spreadsheets and presentations. Earlier this year, Microsoft introduced its “Copilot AI” features to Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and for just $3 more a month, the feature promises to help users summarize text, suggest Excel formulas, and create presentations in a flash.
But what if you don’t want or need AI-powered helpers telling you how to work? Fortunately, Microsoft is offering an alternative for users who want to stick to the essentials without any Copilot fanfare—it's called Microsoft 365 Classic, and oh yes, it comes with a more affordable price tag.

What’s the Deal with Microsoft 365 Classic?​

The new AI-infused subscriptions have raised the price of Microsoft's standard Personal and Family plans to $99.99 and $129.99 annually, respectively. However, the Microsoft 365 Personal Classic plan remains priced at $69.99 per year, while the Family Classic plan comes in at $99.99 annually. These lower-cost options preserve all of Microsoft’s existing non-AI features but strip away Copilot capabilities.
So what do you get with the Classic plan? A lot, actually:

• Access to Microsoft's popular desktop productivity apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• 1TB of OneDrive storage per user.
• Microsoft Defender security suite, which includes VPN, dark web monitoring, and identity theft protection.
• Ad-free email through Outlook.

You lose Copilot's AI muscle, but otherwise, it's business as usual. If you don't need Excel suggestions or automated PowerPoint slide creation, these plans should feel like home. Let’s dive into how you can make the switch.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Switching to Microsoft 365 Classic​

Switching to the Classic plan isn’t exactly straightforward (kudos to Microsoft for making this fun!). But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a detailed, no-nonsense guide.

Step 1: Start by Cancelling Your Current Subscription​

This might sound terrifying, especially if you’ve got your life stored in OneDrive’s cloud. But here's the good news: Your data isn’t going anywhere unless you outright cancel your account.

• Navigate to your Microsoft Account Subscriptions Page.
• Locate your Microsoft 365 subscription and click Manage Subscription.
• Follow the steps to Cancel Your Subscription (you’re not actually cancelling; more on that below).

Heads-Up: Clicking “Switch Plan” at this stage won’t show you the Classic option. You need to cancel first.

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Step 2: Select a Classic Plan​

Microsoft lets you choose between remaining on the standard pricing tier or downgrading to a slightly stripped-down Classic plan. However, digging through warnings and scary disclaimers is part of the journey.

• Scroll through the cancelation confirmation page. Below the horror warnings about losing access to your OneDrive files, you’ll spot the Classic plans.
• Select the Classic Plan option that matches your needs:
• Personal Classic (for single users priced at $69.99/year).
• Family Classic (supports up to 6 users for $99.99/year).
• Choose the Switch Plan action.

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Step 3: Confirm and Set Up Payment​

Now that you've opted for Classic, you'll need to:

• Provide your preferred payment method.
• Confirm the switch. (Bonus: Microsoft won't charge you until your next renewal date.)

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Temporarily Tired of AI? You Can Turn Copilot Off Without Leaving Your Current Plan​

If your issue isn’t the $3 bump in price but rather concerns over AI in general, it is possible to turn off Copilot without switching plans. Microsoft is working on adding a more user-friendly “Enable Copilot” toggle, but for now, things are a little less intuitive.

Quick Instructions to Turn Off Copilot:​

• Open any Office application (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Navigate to File > Options > Trust Center.
• Go to Trust Center Settings > Privacy Options > Privacy Settings.
• Uncheck the “Connected Experiences” checkboxes.

Keep in mind turning this option off disables features like text prediction. A simple Enable/Disable Copilot switch is expected soon!

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Your Options: What Else Can You Do?​

If you’re still on the fence, here are a few other directions you can explore:

Stick with a Non-Classic Plan​

Those willing to pay for AI may find Copilot offers great value. For an extra $3/month, Copilot Pro grants:

• Higher AI credit limits (for generative tasks like creating text or images).
• Priority access to cutting-edge AI models like GPT-4o.
• Features like Copilot Vision, a sneak peek into AI-driven capabilities!

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Lifetime Office Licenses​

Looking to dump subscriptions entirely? Microsoft offers standalone licenses for Office apps:

• Personal Edition: $149.99
• Business Edition: $249.99

Just remember: No cloud backups, no collaborative features, and only 5GB free on OneDrive.

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Why Microsoft 365 Classic Might Be the Smart Play for Many​

Not everyone needs the metaverse of AI-sprinkled productivity. If you’re fine manually adjusting Excel formulas or creating PowerPoints the old-fashioned way, spending less for the same core features makes Classic an attractive option. You retain storage, security, and the products you’re already familiar with—no frills, just practicality.
We’re in the middle of a pivotal moment for subscription-based tech products. While companies (like Microsoft) push AI as the future, they're also leaving the door open for those who prefer the past—or at least the present, with fewer bells and whistles attached.
Are you planning to keep AI in your life, or is Classic your new cozy home? Let us know what you decide in the comments. Let's discuss!

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Source: PCMag Don't Want to Pay for Copilot AI? Switch to Microsoft 365 Classic