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How to Switch Microsoft 365 Personal to a Cheaper Plan
Question details
The user is looking for a way to downgrade their Microsoft 365 Personal subscription to a more affordable option, specifically inquiring about a non-existent 'Classic' plan.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Downgrading an active Microsoft 365 Personal subscription to reduce recurring subscription costs.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to switch to a cheaper plan but cannot find a 'Microsoft 365 Classic' option, needing guidance on available alternatives like Microsoft 365 Basic.
Ensure you have the login credentials for the Microsoft account associated with your active Microsoft 365 Personal subscription before attempting to change your billing plan.
Downgrade to Microsoft 365 Basic
Switch your current Personal plan to the Basic plan through the Microsoft account management portal to lower your subscription fees.
Microsoft 365 Personal does not offer a tier named 'Classic'. If you are looking for a more affordable option, 'Microsoft 365 Basic' is the standard lower-priced alternative.
Please note that downgrading to Basic will reduce your cloud storage and remove access to premium desktop apps, but you will still have access to the web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Go to https://account.microsoft.com/services and sign in using the account tied to your Microsoft 365 Personal subscription.
Locate your current Microsoft 365 Personal subscription on the dashboard and click on the 'Manage' option.
Select 'Cancel subscription' or look for the direct option to switch plans. The page will display the features of your current plan and offer different options, such as Microsoft 365 Basic.
Choose the Microsoft 365 Basic plan and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transition.
Looking for a Free Alternative to Microsoft 365?
If you want to eliminate subscription fees entirely while keeping your productivity high, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, free, and lightweight suite that fully supports your existing Microsoft Office documents without the recurring costs.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version for your Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your saved Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without losing any formatting or data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft 365 have a Classic plan?
No, Microsoft 365 Personal does not offer a plan named 'Classic'. The closest lower-priced tier currently available for consumers is Microsoft 365 Basic.
Will I get a refund if I switch to a cheaper Microsoft 365 plan?
Generally, your current plan remains active until the end of its billing cycle. The change to the cheaper plan, such as Microsoft 365 Basic, takes effect at your next renewal, so you will not be charged the new rate until then, meaning no prorated refund is issued.
What happens to my desktop apps if I downgrade to Microsoft 365 Basic?
Microsoft 365 Basic only includes the web and mobile versions of Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You will lose the ability to install and use the premium desktop versions of these applications.
Can I switch back to Microsoft 365 Personal later?
Yes, you can upgrade your subscription back to Microsoft 365 Personal at any time through the Microsoft account services page.
