TL;DR
If you’re not regularly reviewing your Microsoft licensing, chances are you’re overspending—often without realizing it. This blog breaks down how unused licenses, outdated plans, and missing conversations add up to unnecessary costs.
We’ll walk you through what to look for, what your partner should be doing, and why switching to a full-stack Microsoft partner like TMC saves you money and stress.
Book a Microsoft Licensing Assessment
Why Are Microsoft Licensing Costs So Hard to Track?
Licensing should be straightforward—buy what you need, pay for what you use. But with Microsoft’s ever-evolving product mix and complex SKUs, it’s easy to lose control.
If you’re wondering “Are we paying more than we should?” or “What are all these line items on our Microsoft invoice?”, you’re not alone. And the answer is: probably, yes.
How Do Businesses End Up Overspending Without Realizing It?
You don’t have to make a mistake to be wasting money on Microsoft licenses. It’s often the result of neglect, not malice.
Here’s what we see again and again:
| Scenario | What Happens | What It Costs You |
|---|---|---|
| Unused licenses stay active | No one’s auditing or reclaiming them | $$$ every month for inactive users |
| Stale SKUs stick around | Teams remain on outdated plans | Higher costs for fewer benefits |
| Over-provisioning | Everyone gets a full license “just in case” | Wasted capacity and inflated bills |
| No partner follow-up | Licensing is treated as “set it and forget it” | Long-term inefficiency |
Are Partners Dropping the Ball—or Is It Just Not Their Focus?
We’re not here to bash other partners. Most aren’t trying to take advantage of you. But here’s what’s more likely happening:
“They focused on implementation—not optimization.”
Many partners are great at setting up your Microsoft environment, but once go-live hits, licensing fades into the background.
“They’re not trained to look for savings.”
Licensing rules change constantly. Without someone owning this area, most of the savings opportunities get missed.
“It’s awkward to admit you’re overspending.”
Even when it’s noticed, it’s easier to leave things as-is than to come back and say, “We could’ve set this up better.”
What Should a Licensing Review Actually Include?
A real licensing assessment isn’t just a license list—it’s a guided evaluation of your environment, usage, and cost-saving potential.
Here’s what a proper review uncovers:
| What We Check | What We Find | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Active users vs. provisioned licenses | Inactive or duplicate users | Savings through deprovisioning |
| Role-based licensing alignment | Mismatched license levels | Right-size to save without impact |
| Subscription history & legacy SKUs | Older, pricier plans still active | Opportunities to modernize |
| Teams/functions vs. tool access | Overlap or underuse | Bundle smarter, streamline services |
What Are the Signs You Might Be Overspending?
If you’re nodding along to any of the below, a licensing assessment is overdue:
- You can’t remember the last time someone audited your Microsoft licenses
- You see users on E5 or Dynamics full users but aren’t sure why
- You’re still paying for tools you no longer use (hello, Project, Visio, or Access?)
- You’ve had staff turnover but didn’t check if licenses were reassigned
- You don’t know who’s handling licensing internally—and your partner hasn’t brought it up either
Is Licensing Just an Admin Task—or a Strategic One?
While licensing may feel like a backend admin topic, it directly affects:
- Monthly and annual spend
- Which tools your teams can use
- Your ability to adopt new tech in the future
And yes, some newer features like Microsoft Copilot require specific license types. But even if AI isn’t on your roadmap yet, your licensing still needs to make financial sense.
Why Stop at the Assessment? TMC Manages Your Entire Microsoft Stack—So You Don’t Have To
When we say we’re more than a licensing check—we mean it.
TMC helps clients manage their entire Microsoft environment, not just audit it. That means once we find the savings and right-size your licensing, we stay with you to manage the bigger picture: your Microsoft roadmap, implementation strategy, and long-term growth.
Because licensing isn’t a standalone issue—it’s connected to everything else you’re using (or planning to use).
| Microsoft Stack Area | How TMC Supports You |
|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 | License optimization, security, collaboration tools |
| Dynamics 365 | ERP/CRM implementation, rescue, and growth planning |
| Power Platform | Low-code solutions, automation, and governance |
| Azure | Hosting, disaster recovery, cost control, security |
| AI & Copilot | Planning, enablement, and change management |
But maybe the biggest benefit? You only need one vendor.
No more bouncing between three different contacts, unclear ownership, or vendor blame games.
With TMC, we handle it all. That’s less stress, fewer handoffs, and a stronger, more aligned partnership.
What Will You Get in a Licensing Assessment?
Book your Microsoft Licensing Assessment
We’ll do the heavy lifting. You’ll get:
- A clear snapshot of your current licenses
- Cost-saving recommendations (with actual math behind them)
- Suggestions on streamlining roles, access, and renewal strategies
- Peace of mind that someone’s finally keeping an eye on this
Key Takeaways
- Most Microsoft users are overpaying simply because no one’s looking closely enough
- Licensing isn’t a static admin task—it’s part of your tech strategy
- Many partners overlook licensing because it’s not their strength or priority
- TMC brings transparency, savings, and full-stack strategy to every licensing review
- When you work with TMC, you reduce cost and complexity by consolidating your Microsoft stack management
FAQs
Q: What types of Microsoft licenses do you assess?
Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure—plus add-ons like Visio, Project, and security bundles.
Q: What if my current partner already manages our licenses?
No problem. We can provide a second opinion or help you transition everything to one trusted partner.
Q: Is there any cost to the licensing assessment?
Nope. It’s free, and there’s no pressure to switch. We believe in leading with value.
Q: How long does the assessment take?
Typically 30–60 minutes. You’ll get a full report with findings and recommendations.
Let’s Make Sure You’re Not Leaving Money on the Table
If your gut says your Microsoft bill is higher than it should be… you’re probably right. Contact us for a licensing assessment today.
“I cannot emphasize enough the incredible impact Brett and the team at TMC have had on our company’s licensing strategy. When we first engaged with TMC, our main focus was on managing our Microsoft licensing more efficiently. Not only did Brett expertly guide us through the migration process to TMC for centralized management, but he also conducted meticulous sessions to review all our existing licenses.
What’s even more commendable is that beyond Microsoft licensing, Brett and his team went above and beyond, streamlining and consolidating various other licenses under a single vendor. This move not only simplified our processes but also ensured a more cohesive and manageable system across the board.
The partnership with TMC has been invaluable, delivering not just savings but a newfound efficiency and clarity in our licensing landscape.”
