License & Subscription Issues

How to Change Microsoft 365 Region Without Losing OneDrive Files

WPS Content Manager Oct 12, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to change their Microsoft 365 subscription region and update their payment method after moving to a new country, while ensuring their OneDrive files are not deleted.

Changing Microsoft 365 Subscription Region Without Losing OneDrive Files

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Moving to another country and needing to update the billing region and credit card details for a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Observed behavior: The user is attempting to switch the payment method to a local credit card but needs to change the system region first to avoid billing conflicts and data loss.

Before you start

Verify that all your essential OneDrive files are fully synchronized to the cloud or backed up locally, and check the status of any users you share your subscription with.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Windows Region and Update Payment Method

Update your computer's region settings before adding a new local payment method to your Microsoft account.

Changing the subscription region or renewing with a local payment method does not normally delete files stored in OneDrive. However, billing details require precise region matching between your device, account, and payment method.

Open Windows Settings

Click the Start button on your Windows desktop and select Settings (the gear icon).

Navigate to Region Settings

Go to 'Time & Language' and then select 'Region' from the left-hand menu.

Update the Country or Region

Under the 'Country or region' section, click the dropdown menu and select your new country.

Add the New Payment Method

Contact Microsoft Support: If you cannot change the payment method online after updating the region, contact Microsoft Support directly, as some billing details require manual account verification.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Microsoft 365 region delete my OneDrive files?

No, changing your subscription region or renewing your subscription with a local payment method does not delete the files stored in your OneDrive. Your cloud data remains intact as long as your Microsoft account is active.

Why won't my new credit card work for my Microsoft 365 subscription?

Microsoft 365 subscriptions are often tied to the billing region where they were originally purchased. You must ensure your computer's region settings match the region of your new credit card before updating your billing details.

What happens to the users I share my Microsoft 365 Family subscription with if I change regions?

Changing your billing region might affect the users you share your subscription with, especially if they are located in a different country. It is recommended to review their sharing status before making significant billing region changes.

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