How to Choose Separate Microsoft 365 Licenses for Multiple Email Addresses
Question details
The user wants to set up business email for separate divisions without purchasing expensive, full Microsoft 365 licenses for every single account.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Optimizing software subscription costs by mixing and matching different email-only plans within a single business tenant.
- Observed behavior
- Looking for the best way to compare and purchase Exchange Online standalone plans or Microsoft 365 Business Basic for users who only need email access.
Ensure you have access to your Microsoft 365 admin center using an account with Global Administrator privileges before attempting to purchase or assign new subscriptions.
Select Cost-Effective Email Plans in the Admin Center
Instead of buying full Microsoft 365 licenses for everyone, purchase cheaper email-only plans like Exchange Online or Microsoft 365 Business Basic for specific divisions.
Microsoft allows businesses to mix and match different subscription plans within the same tenant. For users who only require a business email address without the desktop Office applications, Exchange Online or Business Basic are the most cost-effective choices.
Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center using your administrator credentials.
On the left-hand navigation menu, click on 'Billing' and then select 'Purchase services'.
Search for 'Exchange Online (Plan 1)' if the user only needs enterprise email, or 'Microsoft 365 Business Basic' if they also need web versions of Word, Excel, and Teams.
Select the desired plan, specify the number of licenses you need for your separate email addresses, and complete the checkout process within your existing tenant.
Configure Backup Administrator Accounts
When managing multiple subscriptions in a business tenant, it is critical to set up at least two administrator accounts to prevent accidental lockouts.
Looking to save on Office licenses? Try WPS Office
If you are optimizing your business budget by purchasing email-only plans like Exchange Online, you can pair them with WPS Office. WPS Office provides a complete, free, and lightweight productivity suite that allows your team to create and edit documents without needing expensive full Microsoft 365 licenses.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 3. Open and Edit Documents: Launch WPS Office to instantly open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Office files without any formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix different Microsoft 365 licenses in the same tenant?
Yes, Microsoft allows you to mix and match different plans, such as Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Premium, and Exchange Online standalone plans, within a single tenant to suit the specific needs of different users.
Does a global administrator need a paid Microsoft 365 license?
No, a global administrator account does not necessarily require a paid license. If the account is strictly used for administrative tasks in the Microsoft 365 admin center and does not need access to services like a personal mailbox or SharePoint, it can remain unlicensed.
What is the difference between Exchange Online and Microsoft 365 Business Basic?
Exchange Online is a standalone plan that provides only secure enterprise email and calendaring. Microsoft 365 Business Basic includes Exchange email, but also adds Microsoft Teams, OneDrive cloud storage, and web-based versions of Office apps like Word and Excel.
