In what seems to be an era of AI-first thinking, Microsoft is about to make major changes to its Microsoft 365 subscription offerings. Starting January 2025, Microsoft 365 Family and Personal subscribers will gain access to Microsoft Copilot—a productivity-boosting AI tool integrated right into popular apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While this sounds futuristic and fantastic, it comes at the small price of an increased subscription rate. If you’re feeling less-than-thrilled about paying more for a feature you might never use, don’t worry. There’s a way out: downgrading to the "Classic" version of the subscription.
Though this might sound like a quick fix, there’s a fair bit of nuance here. Let's unpack what this shift means, how you can take action, and why Microsoft seems to be making this move.
Sounds good, right? But here’s the kicker: not everyone wants or needs those features. The inclusion of Copilot is set to automatically bump up your subscription fee by around $3/month (amounts vary depending on your region)—and that’s for the premium Microsoft 365 Family or Personal plans. It’s not an obscene leap, but why pay extra for something you won’t use?
This is where the "Classic" subscription swoops in. Renamed to signify its non-Copilot nature, this tier provides the same functionality you’re used to—minus the AI bells and whistles—at the old price. However, you’ll need to manually switch to it before your next renewal if you want to keep your costs steady. Otherwise, it’s Copilot or bust.
To do so:
But think about the tech industry’s track record: Do you remember when Windows forced users into telemetry sharing in Windows 10? Or Skype’s notorious pivot to mobile-first features, alienating desktop loyalists? Microsoft tends to play the long game with bold rollouts—and Copilot appears to follow that mold.
Have you tried Copilot already? Are you planning to stick with Classic? Share your thoughts in the comments, and as always, keep checking back with WindowsForum.com for the latest news and deeper dives into the evolving world of Windows and Microsoft software.
Source: How-To Geek https://www.howtogeek.com/avoid-paying-for-microsoft-365-copilot-downgrade-to-classic/
Though this might sound like a quick fix, there’s a fair bit of nuance here. Let's unpack what this shift means, how you can take action, and why Microsoft seems to be making this move.
What’s the Deal with Copilot and the Price Hike?
Before diving into the "how," let’s talk about the "why." Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated directly into apps you’re probably already using—but let’s break this down. Say you’re wrestling with an Excel sheet. Copilot can automate tasks like data summarization or creating complicated formulas. Using Word for a business document? Copilot can draft table-laden reports by pulling context-sensitive information directly from your project. The pitch boils down to this—Copilot is supposed to save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on creativity and strategy over repetitive tasks.Sounds good, right? But here’s the kicker: not everyone wants or needs those features. The inclusion of Copilot is set to automatically bump up your subscription fee by around $3/month (amounts vary depending on your region)—and that’s for the premium Microsoft 365 Family or Personal plans. It’s not an obscene leap, but why pay extra for something you won’t use?
This is where the "Classic" subscription swoops in. Renamed to signify its non-Copilot nature, this tier provides the same functionality you’re used to—minus the AI bells and whistles—at the old price. However, you’ll need to manually switch to it before your next renewal if you want to keep your costs steady. Otherwise, it’s Copilot or bust.
Why "Classic" Isn’t as Simple as It Sounds
Before you rush to downgrade, there are a few things to keep in mind. Microsoft isn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for the "Classic" tier. Here’s why:- Naming Confusion: The default plans have inherited the same monikers as the old subscription packages (e.g., "Microsoft 365 Family" or "Personal"), but these now come preloaded with Copilot—and the higher price. The "Classic" tag is only added to the older-style plans that don’t include Copilot. This means your default package name might not hint that your renewal will be pricier.
- Temporary Lifeline? Microsoft describes the "Classic" plans as a "limited-time option." While there’s no end date on availability just yet, it’s wise to treat this as a stopgap measure rather than a permanent solution. Translation? One day, "Classic" might vanish entirely, leaving Copilot as your only option—like a tech industry version of "The Hunger Games."
- Renewal Timing: Here’s the sneaky part—Copilot becomes mandatory with your next renewal date, not Microsoft’s general rollout timeline. That means you might not see an immediate price increase until your annual or monthly renewal hits. It's easy to forget your renewal date and unexpectedly pay a higher fee.
Step-by-Step: How to Downgrade to Microsoft 365 "Classic"
If you’re one of those practical-minded users who’d rather ditch Copilot than pay the extra fee, here’s exactly what you need to do.1. Get the Lay of the Land
- Head over to Microsoft’s Services and Subscriptions page via your Microsoft account.
- Review your current subscription to identify your renewal date and expected price adjustment. If your plan already reflects Copilot pricing, it’s a telltale sign: Time to act.
2. Switch to "Classic"
- Locate your subscription and click "Manage."
- On the management page, hit "Cancel Subscription." Yes, this feels extreme—but don’t panic. This doesn’t immediately terminate your account. It’s a prerequisite step to open the switching menu.
3. Choose Your "Classic" Plan
- After cancellation confirmation, scroll down to "Choose a Plan That’s Right For You."
- Select the "Microsoft 365 Personal Classic" or "Microsoft 365 Family Classic" plan (depending on your current subscription).
4. Confirm Your Selection
- Carefully review the terms—especially notices about when the downgrade takes effect. The change might not occur until your scheduled renewal date.
- Enter your payment details to confirm. You’re officially locked into the Classic plan and spared from Copilot upcharges.
5. Revisit Your Decision Later (Optional)
- If you later change your mind about Copilot’s usefulness, you can always opt back into the AI-based subscription under the new terms. You’ll merely need to select "Don’t Switch to Classic" on the same cancellation page.
Wait—Does "Classic" Have a Catch?
One big point to note: Until your next renewal, you’ll remain enrolled in the Copilot-linked package. Downgrades only occur when your prepaid subscription term ends, meaning you’re effectively stuck with Copilot until then. In the meantime, you’re welcome to disable Copilot entirely in individual apps (e.g., Word or Excel) if AI integration feels intrusive.To do so:
- Open any Microsoft 365 app.
- Navigate to settings and hide Copilot from the ribbon or UI. Problem solved—for now.
What Does This Tell Us About Microsoft’s Bigger Strategy?
Microsoft isn’t just selling Office anymore—it’s selling a productivity ecosystem, designed to anticipate the needs of a working world increasingly powered by AI. While innovative, this move uncomfortably forces Copilot adoption onto users who may not want it. Offering a limited-term "Classic" downgrade is likely Microsoft’s way of easing the AI transition—and reducing outright backlash—without shelving their long-term AI ambitions.But think about the tech industry’s track record: Do you remember when Windows forced users into telemetry sharing in Windows 10? Or Skype’s notorious pivot to mobile-first features, alienating desktop loyalists? Microsoft tends to play the long game with bold rollouts—and Copilot appears to follow that mold.
Final Thoughts: Should You Downgrade?
If Copilot’s shiny capabilities don’t appeal to you—or if you’d just rather avoid the AI tax—it’s absolutely worth downgrading to "Classic." But keep a close eye on this space. Microsoft could throttle back these options or roll out even stricter AI-centric features in future versions. For now, "Classic" is your best bet to keep productivity affordable without sacrificing functionality.Have you tried Copilot already? Are you planning to stick with Classic? Share your thoughts in the comments, and as always, keep checking back with WindowsForum.com for the latest news and deeper dives into the evolving world of Windows and Microsoft software.
Source: How-To Geek https://www.howtogeek.com/avoid-paying-for-microsoft-365-copilot-downgrade-to-classic/
