Competition regulators launched a major investigation into Microsoft for bundling Windows, Office, Teams, and Copilot AI.
The probe examines whether packaging these services unfairly restricts customer choice or blocks competitors from integrating their own applications.
Investigators are scrutinizing if the software ecosystem prevents enterprise and government clients from switching to alternative providers.
Regulators suggest these practices may limit access to more affordable or effective competing products.
The inquiry could classify Microsoft as having strategic market status.
This designation allows regulators to impose stricter conduct requirements and competition measures on the company.