What the changes mean for your organisation and how to prepare during your Microsoft licensing renewal window
Microsoft is introducing a series of important updates effective 1 July 2026.
These improvements strengthen security, enhance device and identity management, and expand AI readiness across Office 365 and Microsoft 365 enterprise suites.
This blog presents the updates clearly based on the information in your document and highlights the business value they unlock. It also explains how we can support you during this time.
Key Enhancements at a Glance
- Global price updates from 1 July 2026
- Defender for Office 365 P1 added to Office 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E3
- URL checks added to Office 365 E1 plus SMB Business plans
- Intune Remote Help, Advanced Analytics and Plan 2 added to Microsoft 365 E3 and E5
- Microsoft 365 E5 gains Endpoint Privilege Management, Enterprise App Management and Cloud PKI
- Microsoft Security Copilot included for Microsoft 365 E5
Full Breakdown of the 2026 Microsoft Capabilities
The table below gives you a simple view of what each suite now includes, helping you see where security, management and AI capabilities have been strengthened.
It is designed to help you quickly identify what you already have access to and where these enhancements can support your strategy for the year ahead.
New capabilities coming in 2026 |
Office 365 E1
|
Office 365 E3
|
Microsoft 365 E3
|
Microsoft 365 E5
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copilot Chat enhancements | • | • | ||
| Security, management and analytics for Copilot Chat | • | • | ||
| URL checks in Outlook and Office apps (web and mobile) | • | |||
| +50 GB email storage (applies to Business plans) | ||||
| Microsoft Defender for Office 365 P1 | • | • | • | |
| Microsoft Intune Remote Help | • | • | ||
| Microsoft Intune Advanced Analytics | • | • | ||
| Microsoft Intune Plan 2 | • | • | ||
| Intune Endpoint Privilege Management | • | |||
| Intune Enterprise App Management | • | |||
| Microsoft Cloud PKI | • | |||
| Microsoft Security Copilot | • |
Notes:
- URL checks apply to Office 365 E1 and SMB Business plans. E3 and E5 gain broader protection through Defender for Office 365
- The +50 GB mailbox uplift applies only to Microsoft 365 Business plans
- Availability may vary by region and tenant configuration
What This Means for Your Security and Productivity Strategy
Stronger protection against advanced attacks
With Defender for Office 365 P1 and expanded URL protection, organisations gain improved defence against phishing, malware and unsafe links that target end users. These updates reduce risk and support better cyber resilience.
Improved governance for devices and identities
Intune Remote Help, Advanced Analytics, Plan 2 and Endpoint Privilege Management give IT teams stronger control of user endpoints and permissions. This improves operational efficiency and helps organisations enforce least privilege access and compliance.
Better readiness for AI adoption
New Copilot Chat enhancements and increased visibility for AI activity help organisations deploy AI securely. Microsoft Security Copilot in M365 E5 adds a new layer of AI powered incident analysis and investigation support.
Optimise Your Microsoft Licensing Ahead of the 2026 Enhancements
A structured and cost efficient way to adopt Microsoft’s July 2026 enhancements
Your Microsoft licensing renewal window is the best time to reassess your plans, activate the new capabilities and ensure you are aligned to your long term security, productivity and AI strategy.
Cisilion provides full support across:
Microsoft licence optimisation We help you understand which plans now provide the greatest value and highlight areas where tools overlap or remain unused.
Security and compliance uplift Our team provides guidance on activating and operationalising new security features such as Defender for Office 365 P1 and the expanded Intune capabilities.
AI and Copilot readiness We support your organisation in preparing for secure adoption of Copilot Chat and Microsoft Security Copilot.
Commercial planning We help you navigate the July price updates and structure your renewal for long term licensing value.
Start Preparing Now
The July 2026 enhancements offer stronger protection, improved management capabilities and a clearer pathway to AI adoption.
Cisilion helps you understand these changes, optimise your licensing choices and maximise the value of your Microsoft investment.