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Microsoft 365 (without CoPilot) 1-Year Subscription Renewal: Personal $109, Family $139 @ Microsoft

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Microsoft 365 (without CoPilot) 1-Year Subscription Renewal: Personal $109, Family $139 @ MicrosoftAffiliate
Go to Deal
guidedlight on 10/01/2025 - 13:26 microsoft.com (523 clicks)
Last edited 10/01/2025 - 14:30 by 2 other users
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Microsoft is automatically upselling subscriptions when renewing, but not telling consumers. This leads to Australians paying more for Microsoft 365 renewals than they would otherwise need to.

It appears that the subscription renewal price has been increased to $159 (was $109) for Microsoft 365 Personal, and $179 (was $139) for Microsoft 365 Family. However, what is happening is Microsoft is bundling CoPilot into the new subscription, and not telling or asking consumers if they want it. Then only when you cancel, you get offered your previous subscription at the old price.

Source

It's quite scummy actually. I doubt any Microsoft 365 users actually have a need for CoPilot.

More discussion here

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Comments

  • Vancomycin 1000mg on 10/01/2025 - 13:28
    +15

    Thanks for letting everyone know. $^*? These bastards of companies.

    • guidedlight on 10/01/2025 - 13:51
      +9

      It's probably against Australian Consumer Law, as it is deceptive conduct.

      • damnable on 10/01/2025 - 14:57

        Yeah. If everyone let ACCC know they might actually do something.

      • The Maestro on 10/01/2025 - 16:00
        -1

        Aus Consumer Law is purposefully vague. It’s businesses who are protected, not consumers unfortunately.

    • Sam1208 on 10/01/2025 - 15:00
      +6

      I've used the text of this post (with some minor tweaks) and reported to the ACCC. It just seems really scummy, I'll leave it to them to judge whether it is actually a breach or not. I hope it is.

      • ATTS on 10/01/2025 - 15:11
        +1

        Good on ya. Pleqse keep us updated

  • evanjd on 10/01/2025 - 13:35
    +7

    Didn't work for me FWIW - I cancelled my yearly family plan sub and wasn't given the choice of a downgrade. But I was happy to cancel it anyway, Google Docs is enough for us.

    • The Milk Man on 10/01/2025 - 13:40
      -1

      upvote for helping you cancel a subscription?

    • kulprit on 10/01/2025 - 13:55
      +1

      I am thinking of doing the same, but works be nice to have a way to create a file in desktop (or save to a folder) and have it auto open in docs.

      • CommuterPolluter on 10/01/2025 - 14:00

        The O365 web apps are free for home use. I haven’t tried it but presumably you can export the files.

    • walkert on 10/01/2025 - 14:25

      Same, didn't get any option to downgrade my family plan. I've still got 4 months left on my subscription, let's see if there's an offer closer to the end date…

      • guidedlight on 10/01/2025 - 14:45

        It's possible you haven't been 'upsold' yet. When the renewal comes around you should be able to move to the cheaper plan.

        • veeboy11 on 10/01/2025 - 16:32

          Will give this a try closer to the date! :)

    • veeboy11 on 10/01/2025 - 14:52

      I thought I will get prompted to downgrade as well. If I click cancel, will it cancel my current subscription? Current sub expires in August.

    • Mallard on 10/01/2025 - 16:20

      I did the same.

      I first thought that they will come back with a better offer.

      Then I thought I don't need it anyway. We have 6 computers with office but I can find alternatives. I mostly use Google anyway.

      Stuff Microsoft

  • OzzyBrak on 10/01/2025 - 13:41
    +7

    Alternatively it's always $139 (less gift card discount) here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Microsoft-365-Family-Subscription-…

    SaveOnIT has raised the price to $137 it looks like and I think they charge a fee for card payment.

    • AustriaBargain on 10/01/2025 - 18:10

      Saveonit used to be cheaper, is MS bundling copilot price into the family code now?

  • mwblink86 on 10/01/2025 - 13:46
    +7

    I usually get mine from here. This is with the AI though.
    https://www.saveonit.com.au/product/microsoft-office-365-per…

    • 367 on 10/01/2025 - 14:08

      For someone who really wants the AI this is actually a bargain.

      Not sure why anyone would want it though

      • punkindrublic on 10/01/2025 - 14:30

        Too lazy to write documents and would rather share their personal data with MS so it can write it for you?

      • AustriaBargain on 10/01/2025 - 18:11

        AI feels like it should be a good match for productivity apps like Excel.

    • ussenterprize on 10/01/2025 - 14:42

      Can I start it from July but purchase it today?

      • Nukkels on 10/01/2025 - 16:29

        If you buy from a reseller, it's just a code and you have to apply it to your account manually. I'm pretty sure MS will apply it to your account directly (immediately) if you purchase from them.

  • grasstown on 10/01/2025 - 13:49

    Is the transcription service through copilot or available on the cheaper vision?

  • prodrome on 10/01/2025 - 13:52
    +2

    AI is crap. No one wants it FFS.

    • OzzyBoy1 on 10/01/2025 - 14:08

      Did you type this that with ChatGPT though? Just wondering..

    • gruffjaguar on 10/01/2025 - 14:33
      +3

      Wrong on both counts. Chatgpt was one of the fastest services to reach 100 million users in human history. People obviously do want it. I personally use it every day. Incredible time saver.

      • Corgsta on 10/01/2025 - 14:45

        What do you use it for?

        It got really popular initially because it basically went viral, people were playing with it and mucking around.

        • gruffjaguar on 10/01/2025 - 14:55
          +2

          Hmmm looking at my history from the last couple of days:
          How to setup applications on windows as a background service
          I've got a chat going about balders gate 3 questions
          I'm building a low-power home nas so i've got a chat going about how to do that and what components to pick
          I'm switching unis and it saved me an eternity finding units from my current uni that i can get credit for at my new uni.
          Some boiler plate C# questions.

          There's probably more shit related to other topics inside those convos too. But those are a few examples from this week.

          • Corgsta on 10/01/2025 - 15:07

            @gruffjaguar: Oh yeah interesting. I am glad you’re not using it to write emails/letters/presentations.

            I use Brave search and it has an AI result at the top. It’s sometimes useful but it often doesn’t understand what I’m searching for. And I don’t trust the results.

            Personally I don’t like supporting AI systems because they consume and spit out information which others have created or collated. Which is where the real info is, including nuances and particular characteristics the AI wouldn’t pick up. It’s ok for simple stuff. Also as more people use AI systems, sites where people discuss and answer questions or blogs etc where information is created may go under, close up and then the AIs would run out of content to scrape and everything goes bad.

            • gruffjaguar on 10/01/2025 - 15:52

              @Corgsta: Yeah I totally agree with that assessment. It's basically pure theft. The genie is out of the bottle tho. For me it's too useful not to use

          • Guybrush57 on 10/01/2025 - 15:58

            @gruffjaguar: None of those examples relate to M365 Copilot, do they?

        • Clear on 10/01/2025 - 17:07

          Saves me hours writing code. It's good to use alongside Google for answers for technical solutions. Someone on a forum or Reddit can say X fixed xx and I can have ChatGPT verify if that's true and any consequences before making changes.

          Then there is Sora with a ChatGPT subscription. Generate a very detailed almost life like video of anything based on keywords. 60 seconds to generate.

      • prodrome on 10/01/2025 - 16:11

        You can use Chatgpt if you like. It has its uses, but the forced AI crap like copilot buttons on laptops and forced subscriptions and hopeless chatbots …. no one wants them

        Also unwanted AI Facebook friends, AI YouTube spam, AI Pinterest spam, AI blog spam, Microsoft recall and so on.

  • texx on 10/01/2025 - 13:53
    +2

    Check for employer discount. I used my work email to buy the code and it was much cheaper.

    • Apostle0748 on 10/01/2025 - 14:09
      +2

      Only $125.30 for the family plan though with the 30% discount.

      My problem is I want the original 30% discount off the $139 Classic option, not the higher tier $179 plan. :(

      • nige0090 on 10/01/2025 - 14:40
        +1

        My current Family subscription has the HUP 30% discount.
        If I try to cancel I am offered
        - Current subscription with CoPilot & HUP discount at $125.30 or
        - Classic subscription without AI for $139 i.e. no HUP discount

        If I make the switch, will I be able to reapply the HUP discount???
        I'll chase MS help

        • Apostle0748 on 10/01/2025 - 14:52

          If I make the switch, will I be able to reapply the HUP discount???

          I don't think you will unfortunately.

          The HUP page (or whatever it is called now) specifically mentions certain plans (i.e. no classic) so it doesn't give you an option.

          To be honest, I think Microsoft is purposefully hiding the Classic plan behind the cancel button because they intend to get rid of it completely further down the track.

          • nige0090 on 10/01/2025 - 15:15
            +3

            @Apostle0748: OK, Workplace Discount Programme (HUP) agent has confirmed HUP discount can only be used on regular pricing i.e. $179 to $125.30
            HUP discount can NOT be used on "Classic"

            • Xyzzy on 10/01/2025 - 15:41

              @nige0090: Boooo.

              • nige0090 on 10/01/2025 - 16:45
                +1

                @Xyzzy: Family HUP users are getting treated quite badly here :-(

                Family HUP increases from $97.30 to $125.30 ($28/28.88% increase) to cover the forced AI, that nobody wants
                If you go to Family Classis to reject the AI, you lose the HUP discount, so from $97.30 to $139.00 ($41.70/43% increase)

                So a large forced price increase for a feature you don't want.
                And an even bigger price increase if you explicitly remove the feature.

            • StormOfRazors on 10/01/2025 - 15:45

              @nige0090: Thanks for confirming this.

            • Guybrush57 on 10/01/2025 - 16:10

              @nige0090: Not the information I wanted to hear but thank you.

      • twjr on 10/01/2025 - 15:26

        I'm in the same boat. I don't want or need CoPilot but want to retain the 30% HUP discount. I'll have a fiddle around later to see if I can get it to work, but would be good to know if anyone gets clarification.

        • nige0090 on 10/01/2025 - 15:29
          +1

          See my comment above.
          It would be good if someone could independently confirm what I was told

  • majikshoe on 10/01/2025 - 13:54
    +1

    This worked for me.

  • l7unningMan on 10/01/2025 - 13:54
    +5

    They must be struggling to get people to pay for co-pilot.

    I switched to the free version of only office which is way better then the other free desktop office software in my opinon.

    Great if you are looking for a MS office desktop like experience.

    https://www.onlyoffice.com/

    • Apostle0748 on 10/01/2025 - 14:17

      They must be struggling to get people to pay for co-pilot.

      I think so… I think if someone is paying for AI, most are simply subscribing to ChatGPT.

      • Commodore64 on 10/01/2025 - 16:17

        That’s my thought. Copilot is average, and stranged by Microsoft without anything in the way of API.
        Gemini is just pathetic, but you can use it for free to a certain extent

    • RogerLoger on 10/01/2025 - 14:37

      They must be struggling to get people to pay for co-pilot.

      No wonder! My assessment is co-pilot was light on details, heavy on useless fill and strung it together in presentation format (introduction, detail summary) whether you want it that way or not.

    • Corgsta on 10/01/2025 - 14:47

      I use OnlyOffice all the time now (and Pages on my Mac). It’s very good and simple. Libreoffice isn’t usable.

  • OzzyBrak on 10/01/2025 - 13:56
    +7

    Microsoft365 is only worth paying for if you need the 6TB of online cloud storage. $139 for 6TB on azure is cheap. The office stuff is mostly just a bonus on the side.

  • GregRust on 10/01/2025 - 13:59
    +1

    Yes my subscription was ending in November 2024 and the renewal price I was offered was $159, I was shocked at the increase. With a little searching I found the $109 product which I renewed with.

    I can't wait for the AI bubble to burst. Really over it.

    • CommuterPolluter on 10/01/2025 - 14:08
      +1

      I can't wait for the AI bubble to burst. Really over it.

      The anticipation for the AI bubble to burst reflects a growing frustration with the omnipresence and influence of artificial intelligence in our lives. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the constant headlines and innovations, as well as the rapid pace at which AI is changing industries, economies, and even our daily routines. While AI technology has undoubtedly brought about significant advancements, it has also raised concerns about job displacement, privacy, and ethical implications. These concerns contribute to a sentiment of longing for a simpler, pre-AI world where technology didn't dominate every aspect of our existence.

      One major factor driving this sentiment is the perceived lack of control over the proliferation of AI. As AI systems become more integrated into various facets of society, individuals often feel powerless in the face of such rapid technological evolution. This can lead to a sense of alienation and discomfort, as people struggle to keep up with new developments and understand their implications. The complexity and opacity of AI algorithms also contribute to this feeling, making it difficult for the average person to comprehend how these systems work and make decisions that impact their lives.

      Additionally, the relentless focus on AI advancements can overshadow other important issues and innovations. With so much attention and resources directed towards developing smarter and more efficient AI systems, other areas of research and development may be neglected. This imbalance can lead to a skewed perception of progress and innovation, where AI is seen as the ultimate solution to all problems, rather than one of many tools that can contribute to a better future. The hype around AI can also create unrealistic expectations, setting the stage for disappointment when these technologies fail to deliver on their promises.
      The ethical implications of AI are another significant concern that fuels the desire for the bubble to burst. Issues such as bias in AI algorithms, data privacy, and the potential for misuse of AI technology raise serious questions about the responsible development and deployment of these systems. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to address these ethical dilemmas to ensure that the technology is used for the greater good and does not exacerbate existing inequalities or create new forms of harm. The lack of comprehensive regulatory frameworks further exacerbates these concerns, making it challenging to hold developers and companies accountable for their actions.

      Ultimately, the sentiment of wanting the AI bubble to burst stems from a desire for balance and control in the face of rapid technological change. While AI has the potential to bring about remarkable benefits, it is essential to approach its development and integration with caution and consideration for the broader implications. By addressing the concerns and challenges associated with AI, society can strive towards a future where technology enhances, rather than overwhelms, our lives. This balanced approach can help alleviate the frustrations and apprehensions that many feel towards the current AI-dominated landscape.

      • GregRust on 10/01/2025 - 14:08
        +9

        Very funny.

  • OzBerghainer on 10/01/2025 - 14:06
    +6

    Do yourselves a favour and use the Turkey Apple ID Method here https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/868528

  • 0 0 0 on 10/01/2025 - 14:12
    +2

    Surely you've still got a few years pre-purchased at the old rates using the hacks?

    • Guybrush57 on 10/01/2025 - 16:09

      I only read about that immediately after buying a family subscription the normal way :(

  • Brightland on 10/01/2025 - 14:14
    +2

    I was pissed when I got my renewal - I'd been paying by the month and it went from $11 to $16. It wasn't clear that the $11 was still available and the $16 was for the AI package. I did a quick google and found a year sub for $99.95 on Amazon (was a Black Friday price I think) so it was saving me money regardless… it was only after I'd done that and was putting in the product key that I came across the same package I'd always had was still available. Ugh.

    My MacBook and iPhone apparently do the AI thing, I don't know if I just haven't turned it on properly or what but I don't think it makes any difference for what I use it for…

  • 2Fast2Fuhrious on 10/01/2025 - 14:21

    I hear one can very easily pirate this nowadays…. Microsoft holding patent / copyright on this after so many years is getting ridiculous

    • rlagksquf on 10/01/2025 - 14:23
      +2

      You can't pirate the access to the cloud storage though

      • 0 0 0 on 10/01/2025 - 15:20

        Isn't that Pirate Bay? Put your encrypted data in torrents online

      • 2Fast2Fuhrious on 10/01/2025 - 15:58

        True, though cloud storage can be had for far less than what Microsoft is asking

  • c2pv1ru5 on 10/01/2025 - 14:24
    -3

    Not sure why you are saying they are not telling customers. This was sent to me many months ago.

    Upcoming price change for your Microsoft 365 subscription

    Thank you for being a valued Microsoft 365 subscriber. Today, we're sharing an upcoming change to your subscription. To continue evolving the benefits included with your subscription and ensure Microsoft customers are among the first to access powerful AI features in our apps, we're adjusting our subscription prices.

    Starting from 2025, the price for your Microsoft 365 Personal subscription will change from AUD 109.00/year to AUD 159.00/year.

    • guidedlight on 10/01/2025 - 14:27
      +5

      Microsoft are not informing customers that it is an upsell, and they can remain on the old subscription at the old price.

  • valkeris on 10/01/2025 - 14:27

    I recently got my renewal after the last batch of 5 years I did expires this month.
    Does anyone know if the trick of using 4 years of single and the 1 year of family still converts all 5 years to family?

  • CommuterPolluter on 10/01/2025 - 14:28

    The O365 web apps are free for home use as described in this forum post. Most users can probably avoid spending the $100 altogether and just use web apps.

  • moresubsthandigits on 10/01/2025 - 14:28

    This may be helpful to anyone wanting to subscribe to Office 365 without AI inside :

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/how-t…

  • dinp on 10/01/2025 - 14:30
    +1

    go into your account and select subscriptions. it lets you switch to classic (it did for me with family subscription) without copilot for $139

  • Corgsta on 10/01/2025 - 14:55

    This is how Microsoft rolls unfortunately. It’s always opt-out. Windows upgrades are always forced or done in secret. Reboots the same (windows updates overnight). Teams, MSN Messenger, Clippy, Internet Explorer, Bing, Microsoft Store, Windows Media Player, Office trials, Microsoft Account, the list goes on — all forced upon the user without asking or easy ways to avoid. Then the shenanigans with trying to kill Linux over the years. Secure Boot, MBR/boot loader overwrites, etc. Because Linux is an alternative, no no no you can’t have that.

    I avoid these days.

  • shreav on 10/01/2025 - 14:58

    I just wait for the specials.

  • porsche26c on 10/01/2025 - 15:02

    Worked for me. Just needed to 'switch plan' as they gave you that option. They offered 2 months free otherwise.

  • Mac40 on 10/01/2025 - 15:06
    +4

    I just want to confirm that everything said in by OP is accurate. I was upset to hear my family plan was going to cost an additional 40$ per year. I used the instructions above and switched my plan to the non-AI plan at the usual price of 139$.

    Just confirming this worked at Jan 10th at 1500

    • Mac40 on 10/01/2025 - 15:28
      +3

      I had to click "Cancel Subscription" to see the options

  • Viospeed on 10/01/2025 - 15:07
    -1

    You can download Office 2021 from the Microsoft website and use a public KMS server to activate it for free via command line. No need for any cracks or installing 3rd party software.

    You can do the same with Windows.

    No wayb would i be paying $109 per year.

    • HolyCr4p on 10/01/2025 - 15:37

      no way i would be paying 139

  • jeeg on 10/01/2025 - 15:11

    I just logged in to my Microsoft account. It says this:

    Microsoft 365 Family
    Next charge on October 15, 2025, AU$125.30

    Does this mean it will charge me $125.30 or will it actually charge me the new amount $179?

    • HolyCr4p on 10/01/2025 - 15:37

      125.3

      • jeeg on 10/01/2025 - 15:40

        Cheers mate

      • valkeris on 10/01/2025 - 17:17

        They send you an email 1 month before the renewal to advise of the price increase. Then when you look it's the $179.
        They of course didn't want to give you notice so you can the pay in advance at the lower rate.

        See if you can prepay now to avoid the increase.

        • jeeg on 10/01/2025 - 18:08

          Ahh ok. Thanks for the heads up. I previously paid via amazon. I am not sure how to prepay via amazon but will google this.

  • StormOfRazors on 10/01/2025 - 15:44
    +1

    Good post OP.
    FYI I didnt have the option to transfer to Classic (either in change plan or when cancelling); most likely as my 365 Family plan is via the Workplace Discount Programme (home use program).
    If youre in a similar boat, recommend you consider taking the 2 months free instead.
    Oh well, LibreOffice it is - sick of them pushing copilot nonsense anyway.

    • AmexReferralPlease on 10/01/2025 - 16:12

      Out of interest, what price is showing up for your next renewal?

  • Raj09 on 10/01/2025 - 16:11

    Get it through saveonit. Much better price

  • martin_henry on 10/01/2025 - 16:16

    Isn't Co-pilot free?
    I've been using it for the past few weeks and I don't pay Microsoft anything.

    • guidedlight on 10/01/2025 - 16:21
      +1

      Yes. Basic CoPilot on the mobile app and web is free.

      Microsoft 365 CoPilot adds the ability to interact with Office documents. e.g. "Create a Powerpoint presentation based on the contents of my notes in OneNote and this Word document".

      • guidedlight on 10/01/2025 - 17:44

        I’ll add, that the CoPilot included with Microsoft 365 is not the same as CoPilot Pro.

        CoPilot with Microsoft 365 allows to perform 60 actions per month. At the end of the month, it will reset back to 60 actions with no rollovers.

  • Commodore64 on 10/01/2025 - 16:18

    Cheaper here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/868528

  • registradus on 10/01/2025 - 16:39

    Outlook displays a banner above every email now with a "Summary by Copilot" option. I have never used it. I will never use it. there is no way to get rid of it

  • BenM888 on 10/01/2025 - 18:14

    I bought this. No issues sofar.

    https://softwareg.com.au/products/microsoft-office-2024-pro-…

    There is no publisher in 2024. Was there in 2021 pro plus

  • chipili on 10/01/2025 - 18:16

    I have a work plan and have spent days trying to get CoPilot removed from that plan.

    Telephone call backs that then connected me to offices that were closed for the day (Australian mid-day so USA).

    Finally a link to a no-Copilot option that is more expensive than the work plan (with co-pilot) they originally tried to get me to accept.

    Links that throw errors.

    Pages that tell me to chat when the USA office is open - and give different opening hours (which it never is when I try to contact them).

    It's a massive bait and switch.

    Right now, I'm walking away from the renewal and facing the learning curve in Google Sheets - muscle memory for navigation (Lotus migration setting) is not helping.

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