The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →No. Microsoft is no longer “still facing” the EU antitrust charges described in that headline. The European Commission ended proceedings covering the challenged Teams-bundling conduct on 12 September 2025 by making Microsoft’s commitments legally binding. The Commission did not find Microsoft guilty, but it also did not clear the conduct on its merits.
What the EU actually decided
The European Commission’s September 2025 decision was a commitments decision under Article 9(1) of Regulation 1/2003. It concluded that the final commitments removed the Commission’s preliminary concerns and that there were no longer grounds for action regarding the conduct covered by the decision.
That is different from an infringement judgment. The decision itself says an Article 9 decision is based on a preliminary assessment of the conduct’s anticompetitive nature. In practical terms, the Commission required Microsoft to honor specified remedies without deciding whether Microsoft had violated EU competition law.
The timeline
- 14 July 2020: The Commission received Slack’s complaint.
- July 2023: The Commission opened Case AT.40721.
- 25 June 2024: It issued a Statement of Objections, setting out a preliminary view under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement.
- July 2023 and 25 June 2024: Videoconferencing provider alfaview filed a separate complaint, leading to a second proceeding, Case AT.40873.
- June 2025: alfaview withdrew its complaint.
- 31 July 2025: Slack withdrew its complaint.
- 12 September 2025: The Commission adopted the binding commitments decision.
What Microsoft was accused of doing
The Commission’s 2024 Statement of Objections was a preliminary assessment, not a final finding. It concerned Microsoft’s distribution of Teams with Microsoft 365 and Office 365 business and enterprise suites, which include applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
#1 Best Overall
- SUPPORT WORK FROM ANYWHERE WITH SYNC: Whether employees are in the office, at home, or somewhere else, Sync device management software helps everyone stay connected by letting you ensure their Logitech video collaboration personal devices are being used and up to date.
- Open workspaces are great for collaboration, but not so great when the noise around you makes it hard to concentrate. Active noise cancellation substantially reduces unwanted ambient sound, so you can get focused and stay focused.
- Great for Music and Talking with immersive sound for listening to music and a noise-canceling mic that ensures that your voice is heard on the other end of a call—not the noise around you.
- On ear controls to adjust volume, start/end calls, and invoke Teams. Plus button controls for power, active noise cancellation (ANC), wireless Bluetooth pairing, and mute on/off or use the flip-to-mute mic feature.
- Certified for Microsoft Teams ensures it’s easy to pick-up or answer Teams meetings, calls, messages, and notifications with a single press to the Teams button. Or apply a longer touch to invoke Cortana voice skills.
The Commission was concerned that bundling Teams could give it a distribution advantage and make it harder for rival collaboration services to compete. Microsoft disagreed with those preliminary conclusions. The proceedings ended through commitments rather than a ruling that the bundling was unlawful.
What Microsoft committed to change
Duration and enforcement
The commitments are binding for seven years generally. Provisions covering interoperability and data portability apply for ten years. If Microsoft fails to comply, the Commission decision allows a daily penalty of 5% of Microsoft’s average daily turnover in the preceding business year. That is a potential enforcement penalty, not a fine already imposed.
Rank #2
- Digital Stereo Sound: Fine-tuned drivers provide enhanced digital audio for music, calls, meetings and more
- Rotating Noise Canceling Mic: Minimizes unwanted background noise for clear conversations; the rotating boom arm can be tucked out of the way when you’re not using it
- Handy In-line Controls: Simple in-line controls on the headset cable let you adjust the volume or mute calls without disruption
- Plug-and-Play USB Computer Headset: Simply plug the USB-A connector into your computer and you’re ready to talk or listen without the need to install software
- Padded Comfort: Comfortable headphones with adjustable headband features swivel-mounted, leatherette ear cushions for hours of comfort and is easy to clean
Separate suite choices
Microsoft’s 12 September 2025 implementation announcement said that, beginning 1 November 2025, new business and enterprise customers worldwide could choose Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites with Teams or without Teams. Microsoft also said standalone Teams pricing would be at or above the corresponding required difference between the two suite versions.
Microsoft listed minimum price differences by suite segment in its announcement. Those commercial figures and licensing terms can change, so a buyer should confirm the current offer and contract language before budgeting. The announcement also described transition and discount guarantees for some existing EEA customers on multi-year contracts; those guarantees are geography- and contract-specific.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- CRYSTAL-CLEAR CALLS: Hear and be heard clearly with advanced noise-canceling microphones for seamless communication.
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT: Experience all-day comfort with its lightweight design and foam or leatherette ear cushions that won't weigh you down during long meetings or calls.
- EFFORTLESS SETUP: Simply plug into your laptop via USB-A or USB-C for instant use, plus easy call and volume controls for smooth call management.
- ONLINE MEETINGS THAT JUST WORK: Works with all leading online meeting platforms and certified for Microsoft Teams.
- SOLID SOUND: Powerful 28mm speakers deliver richer sound for a better audio experience.
| Question | What the record establishes |
|---|---|
| Are EU antitrust proceedings over Teams still open? | Proceedings concerning the conduct covered by the September 2025 decision ended when the Commission made the commitments binding. |
| Did the EU find Microsoft guilty? | No. The Article 9 decision did not determine whether an infringement occurred. |
| Can a new business customer buy a suite without Teams? | Microsoft announced worldwide with-Teams and without-Teams options for new business and enterprise customers from 1 November 2025. |
| How long do the commitments last? | Seven years generally; ten years for interoperability and data portability provisions. |
| Is the 5% figure a fine? | No. It is the daily penalty the Commission may impose for non-compliance, calculated from average daily turnover in the preceding business year. |
What this means for a business choosing Microsoft software
Compare the complete subscription, not just the headline price
A company evaluating Microsoft licensing should compare the current price and features of a suite with Teams, a suite without Teams, and any standalone Teams plan. Check which Office applications, security controls, administration tools, storage limits and support rights remain in each version. The Commission decision establishes the availability and legal framework; it does not set a permanent retail price.
Check customer status and geography
New-customer availability was described by Microsoft as worldwide from 1 November 2025. Existing customers may be governed by renewal dates, multi-year commitments and regional transition terms. EEA-specific guarantees in Microsoft’s announcement should not be assumed to apply to customers elsewhere.
Rank #4
- Microsoft Teams Certified & UC Optimized: Ensure crystal-clear communication with Microsoft Teams Open Office certification and UC platform compatibility, perfect for hybrid workspaces and virtual meetings. Use of USB-A receiver required for all Microsoft Teams functionality.
- Bluetooth 5.3 & Multipoint Technology: Seamlessly switch between two devices with dual Bluetooth connections or use the USB-A receiver for plug-and-play convenience
- Advanced Noise Cancellation: Three-mic noise suppression technology blocks distractions, delivering unmatched audio clarity for professional calls or casual gaming
- Ergonomic & Lightweight Design: At only 140g, the headset features adjustable memory foam earcups and a flexible headband for extended comfort during long workdays or gaming sessions
- Unmatched Battery Life: Stay powered with up to 31 hours of talk time or 60 hours of music playback on a single charge, ensuring productivity and entertainment without interruptions
Budget for a substitute collaboration tool
If a business removes Teams, it may need another meeting, messaging or calling service, plus migration, training and administration. A lower Microsoft invoice is not automatically a lower total cost. Compare the replacement service and switching work with the value of Teams features that the organization would lose.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Could the Commission investigate Microsoft again?
Yes. The decision addresses the conduct within its subject matter and retains the Commission’s discretion to investigate practices outside that scope. Ending these proceedings is therefore not a blanket immunity from future EU competition scrutiny.
Best Value
- Comfortable on-ear design with lightweight, padded earcups for all-day wear.
- Background noise-reducing microphone.
- High-quality stereo speakers optimized for voice.
- Mute control with status light. Easily see, at a glance, whether you can be heard or not.
- Convenient call controls, including mute, volume, and the Teams button, are in-line and easy to reach.
The accurate answer to the headline
Microsoft faced a real preliminary EU antitrust challenge over Teams bundling in June 2024. That challenge was resolved on 12 September 2025 through binding commitments. The Commission did not issue an infringement finding, and the proceedings over the covered conduct are not still pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can businesses still buy Microsoft 365 without Teams?
Microsoft announced that new business and enterprise customers worldwide could choose Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites with or without Teams from 1 November 2025. Existing-customer terms depend on the contract, renewal and region.
Was Microsoft fined over Teams bundling?
No fine was imposed by the commitments decision. It provides for a possible daily penalty equal to 5% of average daily turnover in the preceding business year if Microsoft fails to comply.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
