License & Subscription Issues

How to Cancel Automatic Microsoft 365 or Excel Subscription Payments

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to stop automatic recurring payments for a Microsoft 365 or Excel subscription.

Product: Microsoft 365 / Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing software subscriptions and preventing unwanted recurring billing charges.
Observed behavior: Recurring billing remains active and continues to charge the user even if the Excel or Office applications are uninstalled from the device.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct email address and password for the Microsoft account that was originally used to purchase the subscription.

Solution 1Recommended

Turn Off Recurring Billing via Microsoft Account

This is the standard and most effective method to stop future charges for your Microsoft 365 subscription.

Uninstalling the Microsoft Office applications from your computer or mobile device does not cancel your subscription. You must manage your billing preferences directly through the Microsoft account management portal online.

Sign in to Microsoft Services

Open your web browser and navigate to account.microsoft.com/services. Sign in using the Microsoft account associated with your subscription.

Locate Your Subscription

Scroll through the list of services and subscriptions to find the active Microsoft 365 or Excel subscription you wish to cancel.

Manage Subscription Settings

Click on 'Manage' next to the relevant subscription, then select the option to 'Turn off recurring billing' or 'Cancel subscription'.

Confirm Cancellation

Follow the on-screen cancellation prompts until you reach the confirmation page. Take note of the date when your current subscription benefits will expire.

Subscription Expiration: After turning off recurring billing, you can continue to use the Microsoft 365 applications until the end of your currently paid billing cycle.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Support for Unrecognized Charges or Refunds

Use this solution if you have already been charged unexpectedly, do not recognize the charge, or wish to request a refund.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office and Say Goodbye to Subscription Fees

If you are cancelling your Microsoft 365 subscription to avoid expensive recurring fees, WPS Office is the perfect replacement. It offers a powerful, free, and lightweight suite for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without the burden of mandatory monthly payments.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the setup file and follow the quick installation prompts to set up WPS Office on your computer.
3. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Excel spreadsheets and Word documents without losing any formatting.

Completely free core office features with no mandatory recurring subscriptionsSeamlessly open, edit, and save Microsoft Excel (.xlsx), Word (.docx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) filesLightweight installation that runs smoothly on older devicesFamiliar user interface makes transitioning from Microsoft Office effortless

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling Microsoft Excel cancel my subscription?

No. Uninstalling Excel or the Microsoft 365 app from your computer or mobile device does not stop your subscription. You must log into your Microsoft account online and turn off recurring billing to prevent future charges.

What happens to my files after my Microsoft 365 subscription ends?

Your files will not be deleted. They will remain saved on your local device or OneDrive. However, if your subscription expires, Microsoft Office applications will enter read-only mode, meaning you can view files but cannot edit or create new ones unless you use an alternative like WPS Office.

How do I find out which Microsoft account is linked to my subscription?

If you have the Office app installed, open it and navigate to 'File' > 'Account' (or 'Office Account') to see the email address associated with the software. Alternatively, check your email inboxes for billing receipts from Microsoft.

Can I get a refund if I forgot to cancel my Microsoft 365 trial?

Microsoft may offer a refund if you cancel the subscription within 30 days of the charge, depending on your region and specific billing terms. You must contact Microsoft Support directly to review your refund eligibility.

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