License & Subscription Issues

How to Upgrade from Microsoft 365 Basic to Personal & Outlook Billing

WPS Editor Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

A user wants to know if upgrading from Microsoft 365 Basic to Personal includes Outlook and how the upgrade pricing is calculated for an existing yearly plan.

How to Upgrade from Microsoft 365 Basic to Personal and Understand Billing

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Upgrading an existing Microsoft 365 subscription mid-term and calculating the price difference.
Observed behavior: The user needs clarity on prorated charges, credits, and included apps before committing to the subscription upgrade.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to the Microsoft account currently linked to your Microsoft 365 Basic subscription and have your payment method ready.

Solution 1Recommended

Upgrade via the Microsoft Account Dashboard

Upgrade your subscription directly through your Microsoft account to automatically calculate prorated discounts.

When you upgrade from Microsoft 365 Basic to Personal, Microsoft typically prorates the cost. This means you will not lose the money paid for the remaining months of your Basic plan. The remaining value is converted and applied to your new Personal subscription.

Additionally, Microsoft 365 Personal fully includes the premium desktop version of Microsoft Outlook, so you will not need a separate Outlook subscription.

Sign In

Go to the Microsoft 365 upgrade page and sign in with the account tied to your Basic plan.

Select Personal Plan

Select 'Microsoft 365 Personal' from the available options and click 'Upgrade' or 'Buy now'.

Review Prorated Pricing

Review the checkout screen carefully; Microsoft will automatically calculate the price difference based on your remaining Basic term.

Complete Purchase

Confirm your payment details and complete the transaction to instantly upgrade your account.

Upgrade via the Microsoft Account Dashboard

Third-Party Billing Clarification: If you purchased Microsoft 365 Basic through a third party like Apple or Google Play, you must manage the upgrade and billing through that specific app store.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Support for Exact Upgrade Credits

If the checkout screen does not show the expected prorated amount, contact support before purchasing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Microsoft 365 Personal include the Outlook desktop app?

Yes, Microsoft 365 Personal includes the premium desktop versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. You do not need to pay for Outlook separately.

Do I pay full price when upgrading from Microsoft 365 Basic to Personal?

Generally, no. If you upgrade directly through Microsoft, they will prorate the upgrade. The unused portion of your Basic subscription will be credited toward the new Personal subscription cost.

What happens if I bought Microsoft 365 Basic on my iPhone or Android?

If your subscription is managed by Apple or Google Play, you must handle the upgrade through your device's subscription settings. The prorating policies will depend on the respective app store's rules.

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