Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Cancel Microsoft 365 Subscription and Uninstall from Windows

Huda Qurayshi Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to end their Microsoft 365 usage by canceling the active subscription to prevent future charges and removing the software from their Windows PC.

Windows 11 Uninstall Microsoft Office 365

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows 10, Windows 11
Scenario: Leaving the Microsoft ecosystem to stop paying recurring fees or switching to a free alternative office suite.
Observed behavior: The user requires clear, separate instructions for stopping the recurring payment online and uninstalling the desktop applications locally.

Before you start

Ensure you have backed up any important documents stored on OneDrive to your local drive, as canceling your Microsoft 365 subscription will significantly reduce your cloud storage allowance.

Solution 1Recommended

Cancel Your Microsoft 365 Subscription and Turn Off Recurring Billing

Stop future charges by managing your subscription's billing settings directly through your Microsoft account online.

It is crucial to understand that uninstalling the desktop software does not automatically stop your subscription payments. You must manually turn off recurring billing online.

Visit the Microsoft Account Page

Open your web browser and navigate to the Microsoft account Services & subscriptions page.

Sign In

Manage Subscription

Locate your Microsoft 365 subscription in the list of services and click on 'Manage'.

Turn Off Billing

Select 'Cancel subscription' or 'Turn off recurring billing', and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the cancellation.

Retained Access: You will retain full access to your Microsoft 365 features and benefits until your current paid billing cycle officially ends.

Solution 2

Uninstall Microsoft 365 Apps from Windows 10 or Windows 11

Completely remove the Microsoft 365 desktop applications from your Windows computer to free up system space.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Free, Lightweight Office Experience

If you are leaving Microsoft 365 to avoid high subscription costs, WPS Office is the perfect free alternative. It offers powerful Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation tools with zero subscription fees, a lightweight installation, and an intuitive interface that makes migration effortless.

1. Download the Installer: Click the download button on the official WPS website to get the free WPS Office installer.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick, straightforward on-screen setup process.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office to immediately start opening, editing, and creating your documents without any format loss.

Completely free to use with no mandatory monthly or annual subscriptions.Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation that takes up significantly less disk space than Microsoft 365.Familiar tabbed user interface, ensuring a smooth and immediate transition for former Office users.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does uninstalling Microsoft 365 automatically cancel my subscription?

No. Uninstalling the software from your Windows PC only removes the local desktop applications. You must separately log into your Microsoft account online to cancel your subscription and stop recurring billing.

Will I lose my files if I uninstall Microsoft 365?

No, your locally saved documents will remain completely intact on your computer's hard drive. However, if you also cancel your subscription, your OneDrive cloud storage limit will eventually be downgraded to the free 5GB tier, so ensure your cloud files are backed up locally.

What happens to the apps when my Microsoft 365 subscription expires?

Once the subscription expires, the Microsoft 365 desktop applications will enter view-only mode. You will still be able to open and print documents, but you will not be able to edit them or create new ones until you renew your subscription or switch to an alternative suite like WPS Office.

Installation & Activation