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How to Activate Microsoft 365 Trial Without Auto-Billing
Question details
The user wants to redeem a complimentary one-year Microsoft 365 subscription on a new computer without being automatically charged for renewal after the trial period ends.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a new computer that includes a pre-installed, complimentary one-year subscription to Microsoft 365.
- Observed behavior
- Needs to successfully activate the trial license while ensuring recurring billing is disabled to prevent future unwanted charges.
Ensure you have an active Microsoft account ready and that your new computer is connected to the internet before starting the activation process.
Activate the Subscription and Turn Off Recurring Billing
This solution guides you through redeeming your included license and modifying your account settings to prevent automatic renewal charges.
When you activate a trial or included subscription, Microsoft turns on recurring billing by default. You can safely turn this feature off immediately after activation without losing your one-year complimentary access.
Launch any Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel, on your new computer.
Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials when prompted by the application to redeem and activate the included one-year subscription.
Open your web browser and navigate to the Microsoft account Services and subscriptions page (or visit https://support.microsoft.com/office/c7c0bc32-9744-4acf-9818-815d5c96cc59 for direct guidance).
Sign in with the same Microsoft account and look for your newly activated Microsoft 365 subscription under the 'Services & subscriptions' tab.
Click on 'Manage' next to your subscription, then select 'Turn off recurring billing'. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your choice.
Switch to WPS Office for a Truly Free Office Suite
If you want to avoid subscription fees entirely after your Microsoft 365 trial expires, WPS Office provides a lightweight and powerful alternative. It requires no recurring billing, features a familiar user interface, and allows you to continue working seamlessly without a subscription.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button to get the latest version.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the software on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose access to Microsoft 365 immediately if I turn off recurring billing?
No. Turning off recurring billing simply stops the automatic charge for the next billing cycle. You will retain full access to all Microsoft 365 apps and services until your complimentary one-year period reaches its exact expiration date.
How can I check the exact expiration date of my one-year trial?
You can view the exact expiration date by logging into your Microsoft account on the web, navigating to the 'Services and subscriptions' page, and checking the details listed under your active Microsoft 365 subscription.
What happens to my OneDrive files after the one-year trial expires?
If you choose not to renew, your OneDrive storage limit will revert to the free 5GB tier. Your existing files won't be deleted immediately, but you won't be able to upload new files or sync changes until you free up space or purchase additional storage.
Can I use WPS Office to edit files created during my Microsoft 365 trial?
Yes, WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX. You can open, edit, and save your existing files seamlessly without needing an active Microsoft subscription.
