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Did Hotmail Plus Become Microsoft 365 Basic? Subscription Explained
Question details
The user is inquiring whether the legacy Windows Live Hotmail Plus service was converted into Microsoft 365 Basic and needs to know the implications of canceling the subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Understanding legacy subscription transitions and managing a current Microsoft 365 Basic account cancellation.
- Observed behavior
- Hotmail Plus benefits were merged into Outlook.com Premium and eventually Microsoft 365 Basic. Canceling the current subscription affects storage limits but retains the core email account.
Before attempting to manage or cancel your subscription, ensure you have the correct Microsoft account email and password ready to log into the billing portal.
Manage or Cancel Your Microsoft 365 Basic Subscription
Use the Microsoft account services portal to review your active billing status and safely cancel your subscription without losing your email address.
Windows Live Hotmail Plus benefits are now officially included in eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions, such as Microsoft 365 Basic.
Canceling this subscription will not delete your Microsoft account or your Hotmail/Outlook email address. However, your cloud storage capacity will revert to the free tier, and premium features (like an ad-free inbox) will be disabled.
Open your web browser and navigate to account.microsoft.com/services.
Log in using the specific Microsoft account associated with your original Hotmail Plus or current Microsoft 365 Basic subscription.
Locate the 'Services & subscriptions' dashboard to confirm which account is actively being billed.
Click 'Manage' next to your Microsoft 365 Basic entry to view your options for turning off recurring billing, canceling the service, or requesting a refund.
Looking to save on subscriptions? Try WPS Office Free
If you are canceling Microsoft 365 Basic to reduce recurring expenses, WPS Office provides a powerful, free, and highly compatible alternative for all your document processing needs without the monthly fees.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the lightweight installation.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Double-click any existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx file to open and edit it instantly in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Hotmail email address if I cancel Microsoft 365 Basic?
No, canceling your Microsoft 365 Basic subscription will not delete your Hotmail or Outlook email address. You will still be able to send and receive emails, though you will lose the premium ad-free experience.
What happens to my OneDrive storage after canceling?
Your OneDrive storage limit will drop from the 100GB provided by Microsoft 365 Basic down to the standard free tier (typically 5GB). If your files exceed this new limit, you will need to free up space to continue uploading new files or sending emails with attachments.
Can I still subscribe to Hotmail Plus or Outlook.com Premium?
No, standalone subscriptions for Windows Live Hotmail Plus and Outlook.com Premium are no longer offered to new subscribers. The benefits of these older services have been integrated into Microsoft 365 subscription plans.
