Microsoft Office users are expressing discontent with the company’s recent rebranding of its well-known software suite. The suite, which includes popular applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, was originally introduced by Bill Gates’ global corporation in 1990 and has amassed a large user base of 400 million worldwide.
Recently, users were surprised by a notification indicating a name change. The message greeted them with, “Welcome to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.” This new app, formerly known as Office, enables users to create, share, and collaborate seamlessly with various apps, now featuring Copilot integration.
Introduced in 2023 as a replacement for Cortana, Copilot is an AI chatbot designed to enhance user productivity by automating tasks and generating content.
In response to the rebranding, software creator Peter Dedene criticized the move, lamenting the shift from MS Office to Microsoft 365 Copilot. Another individual expressed frustration, comparing the renaming to a hypothetical scenario where Twitter is renamed to X, emphasizing the iconic status of Microsoft Office.
While some view the rebranding as detrimental to the brand’s identity, others argue that the transformation began in 2020 when Office was rebranded as Microsoft 365. Despite the changes, many users still refer to the suite as Office, underscoring its enduring recognition in the productivity software realm.
Microsoft clarified that the renaming of the app reflects the integration of Copilot within Microsoft 365, emphasizing the app’s role in enhancing productivity across various platforms.
Gareth Oystryk, Senior Director of Marketing at Microsoft 365, addressed the criticism, emphasizing that the core Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint remain unchanged. The transition to Microsoft 365 Copilot app in January 2025 aimed to consolidate Copilot and Microsoft 365 experiences within a unified platform.
Microsoft advises existing users to ensure they are connected to the internet and restart the Microsoft 365 Copilot app to see the changes reflected across web, mobile, and Windows platforms.