check before: 2025-10-02
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Teams
Platform:
Android, iOS, Mac, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Launched
Change type:
Updated message, Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Interpreter licensing now includes 20 interpretation hours per user monthly with Microsoft 365 Copilot, up from 2 hours. Usage monitoring tools will be available after March 31, 2026. No current usage charges apply; future additional hours may be purchasable with advance notice. Changes are effective immediately.
Details:
[Introduction]
Due to recent feedback regarding the licensing of Interpreter, we're updating the licensing terms. We understand that our earlier announcement created frustration and uncertainty, and we sincerely apologize for the disruption this caused. Predictability and transparency are critical, and we are committed to communicating changes more clearly going forward.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 490740.
[When this will happen:]
These changes are effective immediately.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release
Created:
2025-10-02
updated:
2025-10-02
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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linked item details
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Increased Interpretation Hours
The increase from 2 to 20 interpretation hours per user may lead to unexpected usage spikes, potentially overwhelming the system and affecting performance during peak times.
- roles: IT Admins, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/interpreter-agent-teams, https://support.microsoft.com/office/interpreter-in-microsoft-teams-meetings-c7efe2bb-535d-42ab-a5c4-d2d91619b46d
Lack of Usage Monitoring Tools
Without immediate access to usage monitoring tools, IT admins may struggle to manage and optimize the use of interpretation hours, leading to inefficient resource allocation.
- roles: IT Admins, Project Managers
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot--july-2025/4438253, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=490740
User Communication Gaps
Failure to notify users about the changes may result in confusion and misuse of the new interpretation hours, negatively impacting user experience and satisfaction.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/interpreter-agent-teams, https://support.microsoft.com/office/interpreter-in-microsoft-teams-meetings-c7efe2bb-535d-42ab-a5c4-d2d91619b46d
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced Usage Monitoring
The introduction of usage monitoring tools will allow IT admins to track the usage of interpretation hours effectively, helping to optimize resource allocation and avoid potential overages in the future when additional hours may be purchasable.
- next-steps: Prepare to implement usage monitoring tools once they are available in 2026. In the meantime, establish baseline usage patterns and identify key metrics to track.
- roles: IT Admins, Team Managers, Finance Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/interpreter-agent-teams, https://support.microsoft.com/office/interpreter-in-microsoft-teams-meetings-c7efe2bb-535d-42ab-a5c4-d2d91619b46d
Increased Collaboration Opportunities
With the increase from 2 to 20 interpretation hours per user, teams can engage in more multilingual meetings, enhancing collaboration and communication across diverse teams and clients, particularly in global organizations.
- next-steps: Communicate the new interpretation hours to users and encourage teams to leverage these hours for upcoming meetings, especially with international stakeholders.
- roles: Team Leaders, Project Managers, Sales Teams
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot--july-2025/4438253, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=490740
Cost Management and Planning
While current usage does not incur charges, the potential for future costs when purchasing additional hours necessitates proactive planning and budgeting by IT and finance teams to manage these costs effectively.
- next-steps: Develop a budgeting strategy for potential additional interpretation hours based on projected usage and team needs, ensuring alignment with overall IT budget planning.
- roles: Finance Managers, IT Admins, Budget Analysts
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/interpreter-agent-teams, https://support.microsoft.com/office/interpreter-in-microsoft-teams-meetings-c7efe2bb-535d-42ab-a5c4-d2d91619b46d
Potentional Risks**
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Data Protection**
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IT Security**
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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
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DPIA Draft**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 3 months ago ago
