UK regulator launches probe into Microsoft’s business software

The UK competition watchdog has opened a new investigation into how Microsoft sells its office tools to companies. The probe, called an SMS investigation, will look at how the firm licenses software like Windows, Word, Excel and Teams. More than half a million UK firms and government bodies rely on these programs daily, so any unfair practice could hurt many users. The regulator says it wants to make sure the market stays fair, especially as AI features such as Copilot become common in business apps.Microsoft has said it will cooperate and address the concerns quickly, but it also warns that further reviews may come. The investigation could affect how Microsoft packages and charges for its cloud services, which are a key part of the company’s revenue. If problems are found, the regulator could force changes to pricing or licensing rules. The outcome will be closely watched by competitors and customers who depend on Microsoft’s software for everyday work.