Copilot Chat gets usage limits for people without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license
Microsoft is adding fair use limits to more Copilot Chat features for people who do not have a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. The change covers Copilot Chat on the web, desktop and mobile apps in commercial tenants. It started on November 2 for organizations with 2,000 or fewer Microsoft 365 seats, and it starts on November 9 for larger ones. Copilot Chat stays included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Microsoft does not publish the limits, and admins can't see or change them. The limits can vary through the day. When you reach one, Copilot tells you when the feature will be available again, and a response that is already in progress finishes. In most organizations the notice also offers an upgrade, so you can ask your admin for a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Microsoft is telling admins through Message center posts MC1536158 and MC1536163, and it advises them to brief their help desk.
What it means for your work
- If you use the free Copilot Chat: Do long or heavy tasks early, and keep a second tool ready for days when you reach a limit.
- If you run Microsoft 365: Tell your help desk what the limit notice looks like, and decide how you handle license requests before they arrive.
- If you plan a Copilot budget: Use the license requests as a count of who needs more than the free tier.
See our Microsoft Copilot review for how the paid plans compare.