If you’ve recently received a Microsoft renewal notice or heard about the latest Microsoft 365 price increases, your first reaction may have been concern.

After all, software costs are already a significant part of most IT budgets.

However, while Microsoft is increasing prices across many Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise plans from July 2026, this isn’t simply a case of paying more for the same service. Alongside the price changes, Microsoft is introducing additional security, AI, management, and storage capabilities that could provide significant value to organisations that make full use of them. 12

For businesses, charities, and nonprofits alike, now is the perfect time to evaluate whether you’re getting the most from your Microsoft investment.

What’s Changing?

Microsoft has announced price increases across a range of Microsoft 365 subscriptions, including Business Basic, Business Standard, Enterprise plans, Frontline licences, and several standalone products. Existing customers will see these new prices applied at their next renewal after 1 July 2026. 12

While the increases vary between plans, Microsoft’s message is clear: the additional cost reflects substantial investments made in security, AI, productivity, and IT management capabilities over the last few years. 21

So What Are You Actually Getting?

The most important question isn’t:

“Why are prices going up?”

It’s:

“What additional value am I receiving?”

Here are some of the biggest improvements Microsoft is bringing into the platform.

More Mailbox Storage

Email storage requirements have grown dramatically over the last decade.

Between larger attachments, file sharing, compliance requirements, and AI-powered search capabilities, organisations are storing more data than ever before.

As part of these changes, Microsoft is increasing mailbox storage allocations for Business licences, including reports of a 50GB mailbox uplift, providing users with more room for email and reducing pressure on mailbox management and archiving processes.

For many organisations, this means less time spent deleting emails and fewer concerns about mailbox limits.

Enhanced Email Security

Email remains one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks.

Microsoft is expanding the inclusion of Defender for Office 365 Plan 1, delivering enhanced protection against:

• Phishing attacks
• Malicious links
• Malware
• Business email compromise
• Suspicious attachments

These capabilities help protect users before threats ever reach the inbox and provide an additional layer of security that many businesses previously purchased separately. 2

More Built-In AI Capabilities

Artificial intelligence is becoming a central part of Microsoft’s strategy.

The latest Microsoft 365 updates introduce expanded access to:

• Copilot Chat
• AI-powered content creation
• Intelligent search
• Productivity enhancements
• Copilot analytics and management tools

While this isn’t the full Microsoft 365 Copilot licence, it does provide organisations with access to useful AI functionality that can improve efficiency across daily business activities. 2

Advanced Device Management

With remote and hybrid working now standard practice, organisations need better visibility and control over their devices.

Microsoft is incorporating additional Intune Suite capabilities into Microsoft 365 subscriptions, including:

• Remote Help
• Advanced Analytics
• Enhanced troubleshooting tools
• Improved endpoint management

These features allow IT teams to support users more effectively, identify issues faster, and maintain security across laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. 3

Stronger Security and Compliance

Beyond specific new features, Microsoft continues to invest heavily in:

• Identity protection
• Compliance management
• Threat detection
• Endpoint security
• IT administration tools

For many organisations, these capabilities are becoming essential rather than optional, particularly as cyber threats continue to evolve. 21

Why This Matters for Charities and Nonprofits

Although these changes apply broadly across Microsoft’s commercial licensing portfolio, charities and nonprofits may feel the impact more acutely because of tighter operating budgets.

The good news is that many nonprofit organisations are already using Microsoft 365 as their primary platform for email, collaboration, security, and productivity. The added functionality may reduce the need for separate third-party solutions, helping to offset some of the increased costs. 2

The key is ensuring you’re actually using the tools included within your subscription.

The Bigger Question: Are You Getting Full Value From Microsoft 365?

Many organisations focus on licence costs but overlook a much bigger issue:

They’re paying for capabilities they aren’t using.

It’s common to find businesses that:

• Purchase third-party security software despite having Microsoft security features available
• Pay for additional remote support tools that overlap with Intune
• Have underutilised licences
• Haven’t implemented the security features included in their subscription

In these situations, the real challenge isn’t the price increase—it’s maximising return on investment.

Free Microsoft 365 Review From Koinos IT

If you’re concerned about the latest Microsoft 365 pricing changes, now is the ideal time to review your environment.

At Koinos IT, we help businesses, charities, and nonprofits understand exactly what they’re paying for and how to get the most value from their Microsoft licences.

We’ll help you:

✅ Review your current licences
✅ Identify unnecessary costs
✅ Improve security and compliance
✅ Take advantage of Microsoft’s latest features
✅ Build a roadmap for AI and modern workplace tools

Ready to see if you’re getting the value you’re paying for?

Book a free Microsoft 365 review with Koinos IT today.

📧 info@koinosit.com
🌐 www.koinosit.com

Let’s make sure your Microsoft 365 investment is working as hard as you are.