After using Microsoft Home for several years for basic tools like Word and Excel, I decided to upgrade to their Business Standard plan, hoping to leverage some of the additional features for my small business. As someone who considers themselves fairly computer-savvy—I’ve even built my own website—I figured the transition would be straightforward. Unfortunately, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer confusion, difficulty, and outright lack of support I encountered with Microsoft.The setup process for the programs was unnecessarily complicated, but the real nightmare began with their Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) feature. It’s apparently notorious for breaking after software updates or when switching to a new phone. Since MFA is required for virtually everything, I found myself trapped in an endless loop—unable to access my account, unable to get help, and completely stuck. The lack of live support is infuriating; Microsoft directs you to online support, but you can’t even reach it without getting past the malfunctioning MFA. It’s a catch-22 that leaves you stranded with no resolution in sight.I genuinely feel scammed. I paid for a service expecting it to enhance my business, but instead, I’m left with a product I can’t use and no way to get assistance. Every attempt to contact them loops back to the same inaccessible online portal. It’s unacceptable that a company of this size operates with such disregard for its customers. There has to be some accountability for Microsoft’s practices—this isn’t just poor service; it’s a betrayal of trust for small business owners like me who rely on these tools to function. I’d warn anyone considering this upgrade to think twice and brace yourself for a frustrating, unsupported experience.
