Changes in Dynamics 365 Licensing Around the Corner

Why Do The Dynamics 365 Licensing Changes Matter?

Changes in Microsoft licenses are not just a formality. They affect how companies actually use business systems. The new rules will impact both existing users and those planning an upcoming deployment. Organizations need to carefully review which Microsoft 365 licenses and Dynamics 365 licenses they currently hold, to avoid overspending and ensure they are making the most of available functionality.

Microsoft Licenses – Key Areas of Change in Dynamics 365

In November, Microsoft will introduce updates for several Dynamics 365 applications. The most significant include:

• clearer separation between base and add-on applications,
• adjustments to subscription pricing,
• deeper integration with Microsoft 365 licenses, enabling tighter collaboration between ERP, CRM, and productivity tools,
• increased focus on security and regulatory compliance.

Each of these areas requires attention. Businesses that ignore the updates risk unplanned costs tied to Microsoft licenses.

Microsoft 365 Licenses – The Impact on End Users

For end users, the new structure will make packages easier to understand. But for IT and finance teams, the new rules will likely require extra work: reviewing subscriptions, adapting system configurations, and re-mapping budgets. In this context, Microsoft 365 licenses will play an even bigger role, as in many scenarios they will serve as the foundation for cloud-based business tools.

How to Prepare Clients for the Changes

The best starting point is a subscription audit: identify which Microsoft licenses are in use and how effectively they're being utilized. Very often, companies pay for modules they don't actually need. Partner consultations can help organizations align their licenses with real-world needs, optimize costs, and build a roadmap for the transition.

It's also important to check how Microsoft 365 licenses are being used alongside Dynamics 365. In many cases, the value of the ecosystem comes from the way the two sets of applications complement each other — enabling seamless teamwork and unlocking advanced functionality.

The Role of Partners in the Transition

Microsoft partners play a crucial role in guiding companies through these changes. Their role goes far beyond reselling licenses: they advise, plan, and help organizations understand which Microsoft licenses are essential and which can be optimized.

Partners can also demonstrate how to combine Microsoft 365 licenses with Dynamics 365 applications to maximize business impact, from aligning licensing models with team requirements, through optimizing subscription budgets, to building a unified work environment where all users operate within the same cloud ecosystem.

Why Act Now?

The licensing updates go into effect in November, but preparing now gives organizations a head start. Companies that proactively review their Microsoft licenses – including both Dynamics 365 and Microsoft 365 licenses – get more time to:

• compare new pricing models and forecast costs,
• align subscription types with real usage in their teams (avoiding under- or over-licensing),
• explore bundled options, like combining Microsoft 365 licenses with Dynamics 365, to optimize both budget and functionality,
• prepare IT departments and end users for new access and management rules.

This preparation will help businesses avoid surprise costs and disruptions while also taking advantage of new opportunities such as automation, AI, and deeper application integrations. With support from Microsoft partners, companies can also assess ROI and plan migration scenarios that make licenses a true driver of growth rather than just an operational expense.

Microsoft Licenses – Get Ready

The upcoming changes to Microsoft licenses for Dynamics 365 are a step toward greater clarity and stronger cloud integration. For organizations, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. The key lies in preparation and proactive subscription management.

If your clients are already using Microsoft 365 licenses or planning to deploy Dynamics 365, now is the right time to start the conversation. By acting early, you can ensure that the new rules deliver tangible benefits – and not unexpected costs.