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Microsoft is reducing free features for users. Microsoft Whiteboard now requires you to have a Microsoft Business account if you want to continue using it; the meeting preparation feature embedded in Microsoft Outlook asks you to purchase a Microsoft 365 Copilot license and Copilot Podcasts are being discontinued altogether. Now another feature that was once free of charge is being taken away from Microsoft users and replaced by a paid option.The Deep Research feature, once available at no extra cost to Microsoft Copilot users, is now being retired, starting August 18, 2026. And after it’s gone, you’ll be required to get a Microsoft 365 Premium subscription to create the reports and analyses you’re used to doing with Copilot with the all-new Researcher AI tool.While your previously generated Deep Research content won’t be deleted and will be accessible through Researcher, it’s a bit of a bummer to know that you’ll only be able to get back to it via a required payment.If this news disappoints you as much as it did for me, then consider giving these alternative AI tools a try if you’re looking for more ways to conduct your research.Try out these free options to continue generating detailed reports
