License & Subscription Issues

How to Replace Microsoft 365 Subscription with Office 2024

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to replace an active Microsoft 365 subscription with a one-time purchase of Office 2024 and is asking if the change can take effect immediately before the subscription officially expires.

Product: Microsoft 365 / Office 2024
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Transitioning from a recurring subscription model to a standalone, one-time purchase Office license.
Observed behavior: The user needs to manage the expiration date, turn off recurring billing, and install the new software without conflicts between the two licenses.

Before you start

Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy and check your current Microsoft 365 subscription expiration date before making any billing changes.

Solution 1Recommended

Manage Subscription Settings and Install Office 2024

Turn off your Microsoft 365 recurring billing to prevent future charges, then safely install Office 2024.

You do not need to wait for your Microsoft 365 subscription to expire before installing Office 2024. The two can operate concurrently, or you can uninstall the subscription version to avoid confusion. Your Microsoft 365 cloud benefits will remain active until the subscription's end date.

Access Services & Subscriptions

Log in to your Microsoft account on the official website and navigate to the 'Services & subscriptions' page to view your active plans.

Cancel Recurring Billing

Locate your Microsoft 365 subscription, select 'Manage', and click 'Turn off recurring billing' or 'Cancel subscription' so it does not auto-renew.

Install Office 2024

Redeem your Office 2024 product key on your account if you haven't already. Download the Office 2024 installer from your account dashboard and follow the on-screen prompts to install it.

Immediate Activation: The change takes effect immediately in terms of software installation, but your existing Microsoft 365 features (like extra OneDrive storage) will stay active until the original expiry date.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Subscription Hassles

If you are tired of managing expensive Microsoft 365 subscriptions or paying high upfront costs for standalone software, WPS Office is the perfect solution. It is a comprehensive, lightweight, and free office suite that fully supports Microsoft formats.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click 'Download WPS Office Free'.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files with full compatibility.

Completely free to use with no mandatory recurring subscriptions.Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on both older and newer devices.Familiar user interface ensuring a seamless migration from Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my 1TB OneDrive storage when switching to Office 2024?

Yes, Office 2024 does not include the 1TB of cloud storage provided by Microsoft 365. Once your subscription expires, your OneDrive storage will revert to the free 5GB tier. You should back up your files locally beforehand.

Do I need to uninstall Microsoft 365 before installing Office 2024?

While it is possible to have both installed, it is highly recommended to uninstall Microsoft 365 apps before installing Office 2024 to prevent application conflicts and licensing confusion on your device.

Can I get a prorated refund if I cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription early?

Refund eligibility depends on your location and how recently you renewed your subscription. You can check your eligibility by clicking 'Cancel subscription' in your Microsoft account dashboard; if you qualify, a refund option will appear.

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