Users of Microsoft Office have expressed dissatisfaction with the recent rebranding of the popular software suite. The suite, which was initially launched by Bill Gates’ global corporation in 1990, boasts a substantial user base of 400 million worldwide.
Last week, users were surprised by a notification informing them of the new name. The dialogue box welcomed them to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which was previously known as Office. This revamped app allows users to create, share, and collaborate seamlessly with various integrated apps, now including Copilot.
Copilot, introduced in 2023 as a replacement for Cortana, is an AI chatbot designed to enhance user productivity by automating tasks and generating content.
In response to the rebranding, software creator and entrepreneur Peter Dedene criticized the move, stating, “RIP MS Office. RIP Microsoft 365. Now it’s ‘Microsoft 365 Copilot’.”
Another individual expressed frustration, comparing the renaming to a hypothetical scenario of renaming Twitter to X and questioning the decision-making process behind the change.
A different perspective was shared by a third person, highlighting that the brand’s transformation began in 2020 when Office was renamed Microsoft 365, independent of the AI integration.
One user remarked on the irony of Microsoft’s shift towards an AI-focused branding strategy, emphasizing the enduring association users have with the Office suite.
Microsoft clarified the rationale behind the rebranding, emphasizing the enhanced integration of Copilot within the Microsoft 365 app and the app’s expanded functionalities for work, education, and personal use.
Gareth Oystryk, Senior Director of Marketing at Microsoft 365, addressed the criticism by affirming that the core Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint remain unchanged, with only the hub app transitioning to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app in January 2025.
Existing users were advised by Microsoft to ensure internet connectivity and restart the Microsoft 365 Copilot app to see the changes reflected across web, mobile, and Windows platforms.