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Microsoft teaches schools that free email was just a phase

Microsoft is retiring its free education email service, leaving schools, colleges, and universities facing new licensing bills if they want to keep students' mailboxes.

✦ Extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting•From 1 source•1 min read•Updated November 10, 2026, 9:29 AM UTC
Key points
  • However, we are pleased to have successfully negotiated some additional concessions for the UK, giving schools, colleges and universities the time they need to be able to successfully transition to new licensing agreements." An industry insider said the loss of free Microsoft-hosted email could add thousands to institutions' bills.
  • "Microsoft is updating the portfolio now to provide a clearer path from foundational access to advanced capabilities, while enabling institutions to adopt technology according to their needs and readiness.
  • This evolution reflects both the value Microsoft 365 Education has gained since the last pricing change nearly a decade ago and the structure of the new portfolio.

Asked why it was removing those services from the free tier, Microsoft framed the overhaul as a response to institutions' changing needs.

The Windows giant is also changing storage entitlements and introducing Microsoft 365 Education A7, its "most advanced education offering," which adds AI, security, governance, and device-management features.

Additional details
  • The company announced plans last week to retire Office 365 A1, the Student Use Benefit program, and free Exchange Online for Alumni.
  • A spokesperson for the UK's Department for Education told The Register: "We are disappointed that Microsoft has made this decision.
  • Office 365 A1 provides eligible institutions with web-based Office applications, Teams, and email at no charge.
  • Its replacement, Microsoft 365 Education A0, excludes Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Teams.
  • A spokesperson told The Register: "Education institutions are evaluating AI, security, privacy, governance, and teaching and learning as connected priorities rather than separate technology decisions.

How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →

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The RegisterNovember 10, 2026, 9:29 AM UTC →

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