Free Copilot Chat now has fair use limits, and Microsoft is the only one who can see the speed signs

What are the new Copilot Chat limits?

The new Copilot Chat limits are fair use caps on some features for people using Copilot Chat without a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence. Image generation already works this way. Microsoft says this now covers more features and may spread further.

Microsoft's notice doesn't give a number. Access can vary through the day, and when you hit a limit the app tells you and asks you to try again later. An answer already in progress won't be cut off. It's a bit like a car park that tells you it's full but never how many spaces it has.

Who is affected, and when?

Anyone in a commercial Microsoft 365 tenant using Copilot Chat without a paid Copilot licence is affected, on web, desktop and mobile. One Microsoft notice says the new limits start rolling out on 9 November. A second notice published the same day says they're already rolling out.

Admins can't view or adjust the limits, so your IT person can't fix this one. Microsoft suggests warning the help desk, which in a small business may be you.

What should your business do about it?

Your business should work out who leans on Copilot Chat every day and stop treating the free version as a guaranteed tool.

My advice: for the occasional question, carry on. If someone's weekly report or client replies run through it, give them a fallback or budget for a licence. Microsoft's Australian pricing page lists the Microsoft 365 Copilot Business add-on from AU$26.91 per user a month paid yearly, down from AU$31.40, before GST. Start with the people who'd actually notice. Small teams should care more here, because in a team of five one stalled person is a fifth of the office.

Free tools are lovely. Just don't put them on the roster.