Microsoft 365 Subscription Upgrade Charges and Plan Changes
Question details
The user wants to understand the billing process and what happens to their remaining subscription time when upgrading or modifying their Microsoft 365 plan.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Changing a Microsoft 365 subscription from monthly to annual billing, or upgrading from a Personal to a Family plan.
- Observed behavior
- Users need clarification on whether they will be charged immediately for the new plan and if they lose their existing subscription time during the transition.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials ready and verify whether your current Microsoft 365 subscription was purchased directly from Microsoft or through a third-party retailer like Apple or Google.
Upgrade or Change Plan via Microsoft Account Dashboard
Switch your Microsoft 365 plan directly through your Microsoft account to automatically convert and extend your remaining subscription time.
When you upgrade your plan (e.g., from Personal to Family), Microsoft will charge you for the new subscription immediately. However, any remaining time on your current subscription is automatically converted and added to your new plan.
For example, if you have 3 months left on a Personal plan and you purchase a 12-month Family plan, your new subscription will be valid for 15 months. This ensures you do not lose the value of the time you already paid for.
Go to office.com/myaccount and sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your active subscription.
Click on the 'Services & subscriptions' tab at the top of the page to view your current active Microsoft 365 plan.
Click 'Manage' next to your current subscription, then select the option to 'Upgrade' or 'Switch plan'. Choose your desired new plan, such as Microsoft 365 Family or an annual billing tier.
Follow the on-screen checkout process to pay for the new subscription. Your remaining time will be credited and added to the new subscription automatically upon successful payment.
Try WPS Office as a Cost-Free Alternative
Tired of dealing with complicated subscription upgrades and recurring billing changes? WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft 365, offering professional tools without the monthly or annual fees.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Download WPS Office Free'.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your device.
- 3. Open Your Files: Double-click any existing Microsoft Office document to open it directly in WPS Office and start editing immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my remaining time if I switch from Microsoft 365 Personal to Family?
No, you do not lose your remaining time. When you upgrade through Microsoft's official process, the remaining days on your Personal subscription are automatically converted and added to your new Family subscription.
Will I be charged immediately when I switch from monthly to annual billing?
Yes, you will be charged for the full new annual subscription term at the time of the change. Any unused time from your current monthly billing cycle will be credited toward your new annual term.
What if I bought my Microsoft 365 subscription through a third party like the App Store?
If your subscription is managed by a third-party provider like Apple or Google, you must process the plan change or upgrade through their specific app store billing settings, as Microsoft cannot manage third-party billings directly.
Can I downgrade from Microsoft 365 Family to Personal?
Yes, but the process works slightly differently. You can purchase a Personal subscription, which will convert your remaining Family time to Personal time, or you can turn off recurring billing for your Family plan and wait for it to expire before buying a Personal plan.
