License & Subscription Issues

How to Verify Genuine Microsoft 365 Price Increase Emails

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to confirm whether email notifications regarding Microsoft 365 subscription price increases and the 2026 discontinuation of Microsoft Publisher are legitimate.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Receiving an unexpected notification email regarding upcoming software pricing changes and product deprecation.
Observed behavior: The user needs to authenticate the email to ensure it is a genuine Microsoft communication and not a phishing attempt before expecting any billing changes.

Before you start

Do not click on any links, download attachments, or provide payment details within the email until you have fully verified the sender's identity.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify the Email Sender and Check the Official Account Dashboard

Confirm the authenticity of the notification by inspecting the email sender's address and logging directly into your Microsoft account to check for official billing updates.

Microsoft regularly sends out notifications regarding policy changes, pricing updates, and product life cycles. The recent notices regarding Microsoft 365 price adjustments and the October 2026 discontinuation of Microsoft Publisher are indeed genuine policy changes.

However, scammers often use these public announcements to create convincing phishing emails. It is crucial to verify the email source manually.

Inspect the sender's email address

Click on or hover over the sender's name to view the actual email address. Genuine Microsoft emails typically end in '@microsoft.com', '@email.microsoft.com', or '@accountprotection.microsoft.com'.

Navigate to the official website manually

Instead of clicking any links provided in the email, open a new browser tab and type 'account.microsoft.com' directly into the address bar.

Review your subscription status

Log in to your account, click on 'Services & subscriptions' from the top menu, and check for any official billing alerts or renewal price updates.

Publisher Discontinuation: Microsoft has officially confirmed that Microsoft Publisher will reach its end of life in October 2026. This specific detail in your email is accurate and aligns with official Microsoft announcements.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Rising Subscription Costs

If you are concerned about Microsoft 365 price increases or the upcoming discontinuation of Microsoft Publisher, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs.

1. Download the WPS Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Open Your Existing Documents: You can immediately open and edit all your previous Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without any formatting issues.

Completely free to use, protecting you from unexpected subscription price increases.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Lightweight software that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.Familiar, intuitive user interface that requires zero learning curve for a seamless transition.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Microsoft Publisher really being discontinued?

Yes, Microsoft has officially announced that Publisher will be discontinued in October 2026. After this date, it will no longer be included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions or receive any security updates.

What should I do if I clicked a suspicious link in a fake Microsoft email?

Immediately change your Microsoft account password, enable two-factor authentication, and contact your bank or credit card provider if you entered any payment information on the linked webpage.

When will the Microsoft 365 price increase take effect on my account?

Price changes typically take effect on your next billing cycle following the mandatory notice period. You can view your specific renewal date and exact charges by logging into the 'Services & subscriptions' page of your Microsoft account dashboard.

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