License & Subscription Issues

How to Cancel and Refund Microsoft 365 After Buying a New Laptop

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if they can cancel and get a refund for an existing Microsoft 365 subscription because their newly purchased laptop already comes with a Microsoft 365 license.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Purchasing a new laptop that includes a Microsoft Office license while already having an active subscription.
Observed behavior: Seeking the correct procedure to cancel the redundant subscription and obtain a refund for recent charges.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account tied to your existing subscription and verify that the new laptop actually includes a full Microsoft 365 license, not just a short-term trial.

Solution 1Recommended

Cancel and Request a Refund via Microsoft Account Dashboard

Use Microsoft's official subscription management page to cancel your plan and automatically check your refund eligibility.

Microsoft allows you to manage your active subscriptions directly from your account dashboard. If your subscription is eligible for a refund (typically within 30 days of purchase or renewal), the system will offer the option during the cancellation process.

Sign in to Microsoft

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email address associated with your active Microsoft 365 subscription.

Access Subscriptions

Navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' tab located at the top of the dashboard.

Manage Microsoft 365

Locate your active Microsoft 365 subscription in the list and click on the 'Manage' button next to it.

Cancel Subscription

Select 'Cancel subscription' or 'Upgrade or cancel'. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.

Process Refund

During the final steps, look for a prompt asking if you want a prorated refund or if you want to turn off recurring billing. Select the refund option if it is available.

Refund Eligibility: Refunds are typically only available if you cancel an annual subscription within 30 days of purchase, or a monthly subscription within 30 days of your initial purchase.

Solution 2

Request a Callback from Microsoft Support

If you encounter issues canceling online or need to manually request a refund, contact Microsoft Support for direct assistance.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Subscription Fees

Tired of managing confusing Microsoft 365 subscriptions, recurring billing, and account issues? WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and powerful alternative. It offers excellent format compatibility so you can create and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without paying a monthly fee.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installation file and follow the quick setup wizard on your new laptop.
3. Open Your Files: Open any existing Microsoft Office file directly in WPS Office without worrying about active subscriptions or billing renewals.

Completely free basic version with no recurring subscription fees.Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on almost any laptop.Familiar, tabbed user interface for a seamless transition from Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my new laptop include a lifetime Microsoft Office license or just a subscription?

Most laptops that advertise 'Office included' come with a 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription, though some may include a lifetime license for Office Home & Student. Check your device's packaging or the initial activation prompt to confirm which version you have.

How long does a Microsoft 365 refund take to process?

Once your cancellation and 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.

Can I transfer my existing Microsoft 365 subscription to my new laptop instead?

Yes. Microsoft 365 is tied to your Microsoft account, not the physical device. You can simply sign in to Office on your new laptop with your existing account to continue using your subscription without needing to cancel it.

What happens to my OneDrive files if I cancel Microsoft 365?

If you cancel your subscription, your OneDrive storage limit reverts to the free 5GB tier. If your files exceed this limit, you will still be able to view and download them, but your account will be frozen from uploading new files until you free up space.

Login & Account Issues