License & Subscription Issues

How to Cancel an Unintended Microsoft 365 Purchase

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user was unexpectedly charged $75 for a Microsoft 365 subscription and needs to know how to resolve the transaction or find alternative options.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user received an unwanted subscription renewal or purchase charge and is seeking ways to reverse the transaction and access office software without a recurring fee.
Observed behavior: A $75 charge was applied to the user's account for a Microsoft 365 subscription they did not intend to purchase or maintain.

Before you start

Gather your Microsoft account login credentials and the billing statement showing the $75 charge before navigating the refund portal or reaching out to support.

Solution 1Recommended

Cancel the Subscription and Request a Refund

The most direct way to handle an unwanted charge is to cancel the subscription through your Microsoft account billing dashboard.

If you cancel the subscription shortly after the purchase or renewal date, Microsoft usually prorates the charge or offers a full refund.

Sign In

Go to the Microsoft Account website and sign in with the email address associated with the unintended purchase.

Navigate to Services

Click on the 'Services & subscriptions' tab located at the top of the dashboard.

Manage Subscription

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

Cancel and Refund

Select 'Cancel subscription' or 'Turn off recurring billing'. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the cancellation and request a refund if eligible.

Refund Eligibility: Refunds are typically granted if you cancel within 30 days of the initial purchase or renewal. If the automated system denies the refund, contact Microsoft Support directly.

Solution 2

Use Alternative Microsoft Office Options

If you still need Office applications without the recurring $75 yearly fee, consider Microsoft's free or perpetual license alternatives.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Avoid Subscription Fees with WPS Office

Instead of paying a $75 annual fee for Microsoft 365, you can use WPS Office. It provides a robust, lightweight, and completely free alternative that seamlessly handles all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs without recurring charges.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the download button for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office to instantly open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without any subscription fee.

100% free to use with no forced annual subscriptions.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and Linux.Familiar tabbed user interface, ensuring a zero learning curve when switching.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Microsoft to process a subscription refund?

Once a refund request is approved, it typically takes 3 to 5 business days for the funds to return to your original payment method, depending on your bank.

Will I lose my files if I cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription?

No, your local files will remain on your device. However, your OneDrive cloud storage limit will revert to the free 5GB tier, and you will lose the ability to edit files using the premium desktop apps.

Can I dispute the $75 charge with my bank or credit card provider?

While you can dispute the charge with your financial institution, it is highly recommended to request a refund through Microsoft Support first. A direct bank chargeback may result in your Microsoft account being permanently suspended.

Login & Account Issues