License & Subscription Issues

How to Step Up from Office 365 E3 to Microsoft 365 E3

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is inquiring about how an organization with an existing Enterprise Agreement can upgrade its software plan from Office 365 E3 to Microsoft 365 E3.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Upgrading enterprise subscription licenses through a formal step-up process.
Observed behavior: The goal is to successfully transition current enterprise licenses from the Office 365 E3 tier to the more comprehensive Microsoft 365 E3 tier.

Before you start

Ensure you have Volume Licensing administrator permissions and have your current Enterprise Agreement contract details available before initiating the process.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact Your Enterprise Agreement License Provider

Since an enterprise license step-up depends on your specific contract and pricing, you must process the upgrade through your official Microsoft licensing partner.

A step-up from Office 365 E3 to Microsoft 365 E3 is generally supported for organizations with an Enterprise Agreement. However, because pricing and eligibility conditions vary based on your specific contract terms, it cannot be done via a simple self-service toggle.

Verify administrator permissions

Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center or the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) to confirm that your account holds the necessary volume licensing administrator permissions.

Review your Enterprise Agreement

Check your existing contract documentation to confirm your organization's eligibility for a license step-up.

Contact your service provider

Reach out to your Enterprise Agreement license service provider or your dedicated Microsoft account team to formally request the step-up upgrade and receive pricing details.

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1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package tailored for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a license step-up in Microsoft 365?

A step-up license allows organizations with an Enterprise Agreement to upgrade from a lower-tier subscription, such as Office 365 E3, to a higher-tier subscription like Microsoft 365 E3 without having to pay the full price of the new license upfront.

Do I need special permissions to process the Microsoft 365 E3 upgrade?

Yes, completing a license step-up typically requires your account to have Volume Licensing administrator permissions to authorize the changes to your organization's Enterprise Agreement.

Can any organization perform an Office 365 E3 step-up?

While the step-up path exists, eligibility is strictly dependent on your specific Enterprise Agreement and contract type. You must consult your Microsoft account team or service provider to verify if your current contract qualifies.

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