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License & Subscription Issues

How to Cancel Microsoft 365 and Check E5 Trial Eligibility

Algirdas JasaitisAlgirdas Jasaitis Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to cancel a Microsoft 365 business subscription or turn off recurring billing, and needs to find out if their tenant qualifies for a three-month Microsoft 365 E5 trial.

How to Cancel Microsoft 365 and Check E5 Trial Eligibility
Product
Microsoft 365
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Managing tenant billing settings to stop active Microsoft 365 business subscriptions and navigating the marketplace to claim an E5 trial.
Observed behavior
The user needs the specific navigation paths within the Microsoft 365 admin center to execute subscription cancellations and verify trial availability.
Before you start

Ensure you are signed in to the Microsoft 365 admin center with a Global Administrator or Billing Administrator account, as standard user accounts do not have permission to manage subscriptions.

Solution 1Recommended

Cancel Subscription or Turn Off Recurring Billing

Use the Microsoft 365 admin center to securely cancel your business subscription and prevent future charges.

If you cancel your subscription, you can generally continue using the services until the end of your current subscription term. Turning off recurring billing achieves a similar result by letting the subscription naturally expire without renewing.

1
Access the Admin Center

Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center using your administrator credentials.

2
Navigate to Your Products

In the left-hand navigation menu, click on 'Billing' and then select 'Your products'.

3
Select the Subscription

Locate the specific business subscription you wish to modify and click on it to view its details.

4
Cancel or Disable Billing

Click on 'Cancel subscription' or choose to 'Turn off recurring billing'. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your choice.

Cancel Subscription or Turn Off Recurring Billing
Service Access: Even after cancellation, your data and services usually remain accessible until the current billing cycle officially ends.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office After Canceling Microsoft 365

Looking for a cost-effective solution after canceling your Microsoft 365 subscription? WPS Office offers a completely free, highly compatible alternative that handles all your word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation needs without recurring fees.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version for your operating system.
  2. 2. Install the Suite: Run the lightweight installer and follow the simple setup instructions.
  3. 3. Open Your Files: Instantly open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without formatting loss.
No recurring subscription fees required for core office functionalities.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Familiar user interface that ensures a seamless and easy migration.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my data when I cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription?

After cancellation, your data typically enters a 'disabled' state for 90 days. During this period, administrators can still access and back up the data, but users cannot edit it. It is highly recommended to back up essential files before canceling.

Why can't I see the Billing menu in the Microsoft 365 admin center?

The Billing section is restricted to users who have been assigned specific administrative roles, such as Global Administrator or Billing Administrator. If you do not see this menu, you must contact your organization's IT admin to grant you the necessary permissions.

Will I get a refund if I cancel my subscription early?

Refund policies depend on your specific subscription agreement (e.g., monthly vs. annual commitment). In many cases, turning off recurring billing allows you to use the service until the term ends without a prorated refund. For specific refund inquiries, contact Microsoft billing support.