What's New in Microsoft 365 and What You Should Know!
As of December 4, 2025, Microsoft has announced a major upgrade to Microsoft 365, adding new AI, security, and device-management capabilities, plus updated pricing. The changes roll out in 2026 and are designed to help businesses stay secure, boost productivity, and manage devices more efficiently.
Here’s what’s coming and why it matters:
1. Expanded AI & Productivity Features
The integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote means teams can finally access secure, AI-powered chat directly inside the tools they already use.
At Microsoft Ignite 2025, Microsoft introduced “Agent Mode,” letting Copilot act like a smart assistant to help compile documents, build spreadsheets, or design presentations, making workflows faster and smoother.
Enterprises now have access to integrated, enterprise-grade controls to manage and secure Copilot Chat usage across their organization.
2. Better Security & Threat Protection
Email security is being strengthened: Microsoft Defender for Office Plan 1 will now be included for Office 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E3 users, helping detect phishing, malware, and malicious links in emails and collaboration tools.
For organizations using Office 365 E1, Business Basic, and Business Standard — URL-checks will now be enforced, giving extra protection against known malicious websites when users click links inside emails or Office apps.
3. Enhanced Device & IT Management
Additional endpoint management tools are coming to Microsoft 365 E3 and E5: features like Microsoft Intune Remote Help, Intune Advanced Analytics, and Intune Plan 2 — helping IT teams resolve device problems faster, track issues proactively, and keep devices secure and running.
For those on Microsoft 365 E5, there’s even deeper control: Privilege Management, Enterprise Application Management, and Cloud PKI giving stronger safeguards for AI use, compliance, and overall security posture.
On top of that, Microsoft Security Copilot agents built to work across Defender, Identity, Intune, and Compliance tools are becoming available to E5 customers, helping organizations strengthen their security operations through automation and smarter workflow integration.
4. New Pricing Effective July 1, 2026 — Time to Plan Ahead
With all these added capabilities, Microsoft will update its commercial pricing globally starting July 1, 2026. This means businesses using Microsoft 365 should review their current subscriptions and evaluate which plan best fits their needs, especially if they value the new AI, security, and management features.
💡 What You Should Do with Guidance from the C1st Technologies Microsoft Experts
As Microsoft rolls out major updates across AI, security, and device management, now is the perfect time for organizations to reassess their Microsoft 365 environment. Our certified team is here to help you navigate these changes strategically.
Review Your Current Microsoft 365 Licensing
Work with the C1st Technologies Microsoft Experts to audit your existing subscription, whether you’re on Business Basic/Standard, Office 365 E1/E3, or Microsoft 365 E3/E5. We’ll help you understand which new capabilities align with your business goals and daily workflows.
Prepare for the July 2026 Pricing Changes
Microsoft’s updated pricing takes effect on July 1, 2026. C1st will guide you through cost evaluations, renewal planning, and smart licensing decisions so your organization can stay optimized and budget-ready.
Maximize the Power of Copilot & AI
With Copilot Chat, Agent Mode, and new AI-driven productivity features expanding across Microsoft 365, now is the time to develop an adoption plan. Our team can help you integrate Copilot securely and effectively across your environment.
Strengthen Security & IT Management
Take advantage of enhanced Defender protections and the newest Intune management capabilities. Our security specialists will help you improve your threat protection strategy and device governance based on your organization’s needs.
Why Work with C1st Technologies
C1st is a trusted Microsoft partner with 8 Solution Partner Designations, demonstrating our deep expertise across Microsoft’s ecosystem:
C1st Technologies Microsoft Solution Partner Designation
With certified engineers and proven implementation experience, C1st is positioned to help you adopt these new Microsoft capabilities with confidence.
Book a consultation with the C1st Microsoft Experts today and let our team help you plan, secure, and modernize your Microsoft 365 experience.
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Source: Advancing Microsoft 365: New capabilities and pricing update | Microsoft 365 Blog
