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How to Change Microsoft 365 Business Premium from Annual to Monthly Billing
Question details
The user wants to switch their Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscription from an annual payment plan to a monthly billing cycle while maintaining the same number of licenses.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing subscription preferences at renewal to change how frequently payments are processed.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to locate the billing frequency options within the admin portal or contact support if the monthly option is unavailable.
Ensure you are signed in with an account that has Global Administrator or Billing Administrator permissions in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Change Billing Frequency via Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Use the built-in billing tools in the admin center to adjust your subscription's billing cycle from annual to monthly.
This is the standard method for modifying your subscription terms. Keep in mind that depending on how you originally purchased your subscription, billing frequency options may vary or be temporarily locked until your renewal date approaches.
Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center using your administrator credentials.
On the left-hand navigation menu, click on 'Billing', and then select 'Your products'.
Find and click on your 'Microsoft 365 Business Premium' subscription to open its details page.
Locate the 'Billing frequency' section. Click 'Edit billing frequency' or 'Change billing cycle', select 'Monthly', and confirm the change.
Contact Microsoft 365 Billing Support
If you cannot change the billing frequency yourself, Microsoft's billing support team can process the adjustment on their end.
Switch to WPS Office to Save on Recurring Subscription Costs
If you are evaluating your software budget and frustrated by strict annual commitments or expensive monthly billing, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that is free to download and use.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the rapid installation process.
- 3. Open Your Microsoft Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents without needing to convert them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the monthly billing option unavailable for my subscription?
The monthly option may be unavailable if you purchased your subscription through a volume licensing agreement, via a third-party Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), or if your current contract explicitly requires an annual commitment. In these cases, you must contact your reseller or Microsoft support.
Will switching to monthly billing increase my overall costs?
Yes, it often can. Microsoft typically offers a discount for annual billing commitments. Switching to a month-to-month billing cycle often results in a higher per-user monthly price.
Does changing the billing frequency reset my license count?
No, updating your billing cycle from annual to monthly only changes when and how you pay. Your current active license count, assigned users, and data remain completely unaffected.
