Starting January 16, 2025, Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans worldwide will include Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Designer. Existing subscribers will automatically gain access to Copilot within applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, provided they update to the latest version.
TL:DR – Wait, what if I don't want Copilot? Well you can downgrade your Microsoft 365 subscription or move to a perpetual licence of Office.
Contents
- Microsoft 365 Personal Classic & Family Classic Benefits
- Microsoft 365 Personal Classic
- Microsoft 365 Family Classic
- How to Switch to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family Classic
- Do I need to take any action to receive Copilot and Designer?
- Can I switch to a Classic plan and later upgrade to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family?
- Can I disable Copilot without changing my subscription?
- Can I switch to a one-time purchase of Office instead?
Frequently Asked Questions
Important: Subscription pricing may vary based on location. Current subscribers will not see any pricing adjustments until their next renewal. Those with recurring billing enabled have the option to switch to alternative plans, such as Microsoft 365 Basic or, for a limited period, Microsoft 365 Personal Classic and Microsoft 365 Family Classic.
Microsoft 365 Personal Classic & Family Classic Benefits
Both Classic plans retain previous subscription pricing (regional variations apply) and include the following features according to Microsoft:
Microsoft 365 Personal Classic
- Designed for a single user
- Access on up to five devices simultaneously
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices
- 1 TB (1,000 GB) of secure cloud storage
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote with offline functionality and premium features
- Microsoft Defender for enhanced security across personal data, identity, and devices
- Note: Identity theft monitoring is available exclusively in the United States and U.S. territories
- Outlook with ad-free, secure email
- OneDrive ransomware protection for files and mobile data
- Clipchamp video editor with premium effects and filters
- Ongoing technical support
Microsoft 365 Family Classic
- Supports up to six users
- Each user can access up to five devices simultaneously
- Works on Windows, macOS, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices
- Up to 6 TB of secure cloud storage (1 TB per user)
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote with offline access and advanced features
- Microsoft Defender for identity, data, and device protection
- Note: Identity theft monitoring is exclusive to the United States and U.S. territories
- Outlook ad-free, secure email
- OneDrive ransomware protection for files and photos
- Clipchamp video editor with premium filters and effects
- Continuous customer support
How to Switch to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family Classic
To downgrade to Microsoft 365 Personal Classic or Microsoft 365 Family Classic, follow these steps:
- Visit the Subscriptions page.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your current subscription.
- Locate your active subscription and select Manage.
- Click Cancel Subscription.
- Select Microsoft 365 Personal Classic, Microsoft 365 Family Classic, or another preferred plan.
- Follow the prompts to complete the switch.
Your subscription will transition to the new plan upon renewal. No charges will apply until the next billing cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take any action to receive Copilot and Designer?
No action is required. Existing subscribers will gain access automatically once they update to the latest version. Pricing adjustments will only occur at the next billing renewal.
Can I switch to a Classic plan and later upgrade to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family?
Yes, you can upgrade to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family at any time. However, Microsoft 365 Personal Classic and Microsoft 365 Family Classic are limited-time offerings and may not always be available.
Can I disable Copilot without changing my subscription?
Yes. AI tools like Copilot can be turned on or off within key applications, such as Microsoft Word. This feature is particularly useful in academic settings where AI assistance may not be allowed. For instructions, refer to How to Disable Copilot in Microsoft 365 Family and Personal Subscriptions.
Can I switch to a one-time purchase of Office instead?
Yes. Office 2024 is available as a one-time purchase for both Windows PCs and Macs. However, it does not include cloud-based features, advanced security, or Copilot.
To switch to Office 2024:
- Sign in to Subscriptions.
- Turn off recurring billing.
- Once your current subscription expires, purchase Office 2024 from a reputable reseller such as Stacksocial here Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase or Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License
- Open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint and activate your new license.
