In the Microsoft Licensing Terms of August 2025, Microsoft clarified that a Microsoft 365 Unattended License is also required for automated processes in Windows 365 as it was already the case with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) or Windows 11 on a physical device before.
What are the license requirements for unattended or bot-driven processes?
The Microsoft Licensing Terms of August 2025 state:
- If you use Microsoft 365 apps (such as Word, Excel, or Outlook) in Windows 365 Enterprise for unattended or bot-driven processes, you must assign a Microsoft 365 Unattended License.
- Applies to existing and new customers if they use automation.
- Normal user-driven sessions remain unaffected.
What are Microsoft 365 Unattended Licenses?
Unattended licenses are designed for automation and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) scenarios, where processes run without human interaction. These licenses allow bots or service accounts to use Microsoft 365 apps (such as Word, Excel, or Outlook) without being tied to a named user.
- RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is the technology that automates tasks using software.
- A bot is the tool that performs those tasks by mimicking user actions in applications.
- RPA defines the process; the bot executes it.
- Bots follow rules, interact via the UI, and can’t replace software licenses: For example, if a bot interacts with Microsoft Excel, the device still needs a valid Excel license. You can’t use bots to bypass licensing requirements for paid software, they are just automating tasks.
Use Cases
Typical use cases include:
- Automate report generation in Excel
- Having an application use Microsoft Word to automatically open submitted files and extract data to a CRM application
- Schedule email responses or workflows.
Does This licensing requirement only concern bot or automation scenarios?
Yes. The Unattended license is only required for Robotic Process Automation (RPA) or bot-driven workflows where Office apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) run without human interaction. Normal user-driven sessions on Windows 365 Enterprise do not require this license. Each unattended license allows automation in one (1) physical or virtual machine (OSE).
Ensure Compliance with the help of Licensing Experts
Please contact your Account Manager Licensing at SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT to ensure you are properly licensed. This is essential for staying compliant and protecting yourself in the event of an audit.
