The Federal Trade Commission announced on February 13 2026 that it is intensifying its antitrust investigation into Microsoft’s cloud, enterprise software, and AI offerings, including the Microsoft 365 Copilot suite. The probe builds on civil investigative demands issued to competitors in recent weeks and a broader inquiry that began in late 2024.
The FTC is seeking information on Microsoft’s licensing practices, bundling strategies, and the integration of AI services. The agency’s focus on Copilot and the company’s partnership with OpenAI reflects concerns that Microsoft’s bundling of AI tools with its core productivity and cloud products may create barriers to entry for competitors and limit consumer choice.
Microsoft’s cloud and AI businesses represent a large share of its revenue. In Q4 2025 Azure held a 20‑21% global market share, while the Intelligent Cloud segment reported $32.9 billion in sales, up 29% year‑over‑year. Enterprise‑focused AI applications are estimated to capture roughly 30% of the market, and Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption has accelerated, with seat usage growing sharply across the organization’s customer base.
The investigation could force Microsoft to alter how it packages and sells cloud services and AI tools. A potential outcome is the requirement to separate bundled offerings or provide greater interoperability, which would reshape competitive dynamics in the cloud and AI markets. Microsoft’s defense cites technical differences and security concerns as reasons for tighter integration, and the company has already made policy adjustments in Europe to ease restrictions on smaller cloud providers.
No direct management commentary was found in the fact‑check report, but the company’s recent policy changes and public statements about technical constraints suggest it is actively addressing the FTC’s concerns while maintaining its strategic focus on AI and cloud growth.
There is no reported immediate market reaction or analyst upgrade/downgrade tied to the announcement, indicating that the news is still developing and its full impact remains to be seen.
The FTC’s intensified scrutiny underscores a broader regulatory trend targeting major technology firms. Microsoft will need to navigate potential changes to its bundling and AI integration practices, which could influence its competitive strategy and reputation among customers and investors.
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