Microsoft 365 Copilot settings check for a small team: billing, work insights and what staff can see

By Jason Sibley

What this is for, and who it's for

This is for the owner, or the person who "does the IT", in a firm of roughly 2 to 50 people that uses or is considering Microsoft 365 Copilot. Two defaults are changing this month. Both are worth fifteen minutes. Defaults usually get noticed only when a bill or a staff question turns up.

Everything below comes from Microsoft's notices as they stood on 14 October 2026. Rollouts shift, so check your own admin centre before acting. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Ask your accountant how any new charges should be booked. Microsoft or your reseller can answer contract questions.

If you're still deciding whether Copilot suits you, start with our Microsoft 365 Copilot guide for small businesses.

Two default changes in a fortnight

1. Pay-as-you-go billing on new Copilot Business purchases

Microsoft message centre notice [MC1476200](https://