Cowork in Frontier: New Value + Usage-based Billing

Starting June 16, 2026, Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork moves to general availability with usage-based billing for Frontier users, who retain early access to new features like OpenAI GPT 5.5. A grace period runs until June 30; billing setup is required by July 1 to maintain access. What and WhyStarting June 16, 2026, Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork will move to general availability (GA) worldwide (Tier 1 languages), while Frontier remains the early access channel for new capabilities.   This post is specific to managing the experience for Frontier users of Cowork. Frontier-specific updates for June 16, 2026: This update introduces usage-based billing, enabling organizations to scale responsibly and align costs with actual usage, while maintaining enterprise-grade controls and governance. Frontier users will continue to receive early access innovations, including a new model (OpenAI GPT 5.5). Rollout Schedule June 16, 2026 – GA begins; usage-based billing becomes available June 16–June 30, 2026 – Grace period for existing Cowork users in Frontier July 1, 2026 – Usage-based billing required for continued access for Cowork users in Frontier Impact on Your Organization Who is affected: Admins managing Copilot and billing configurations Existing Frontier Cowork users New Frontier users accessing Cowork after June 16 Platforms/Services: Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork (Frontier and GA experiences) Microsoft 365 Admin Center (billing and contriols) What will happen: Grace period (June 16–June 30): Existing Cowork users (installed before June 16): Continue to use Cowork through June 30 (no billing setup required) Receive end-user in-app notifications (June 23–June 30) notifying the expiration date Admins: Can onboard additional Frontier users to Cowork at no cost during the grace period (tenant must already have at least one active user) Notifications in the M365 Admin Center to configure billing Experience changes starting June 16, 2026: Cowork experience shifts from an “agent” model to a toggle-based entry point Frontier continues to provide early access to new capabilities, including updated model access After July 1, 2026: If usage-based billing is enabled: Users continue without interruption If usage-based billing is not enabled: End users will lose access starting 7/1 Existing chat history and artifacts are retained and accessible […]

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