License & Subscription Issues

Microsoft 365 vs MSN Premium: Differences, Transfer, and Sharing Guide

Anum MushtaqAnum Mushtaq Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to understand the differences between Microsoft 365 Family and MSN Premium, and needs to know how to share the family plan and transfer the Office installation to a new computer without repurchasing.

Microsoft 365 and MSN Premium: Differences, Transferring to a New PC, and Sharing
Product
Microsoft 365 and MSN Premium
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Evaluating current Microsoft subscriptions, setting up a new computer, and sharing plan benefits with family members.
Observed behavior
The user is unsure if both subscriptions are necessary and needs instructions on installing Microsoft 365 on a newly purchased device without paying twice.
Before you start

Ensure you have the email address and password for the Microsoft account associated with your active Microsoft 365 Family subscription before attempting to install it on a new device.

Solution 1Recommended

Install and Transfer Microsoft 365 to a New Computer

You do not need to repurchase Microsoft 365 for a new PC. Simply sign in to your Microsoft account and download the installer directly to your new device.

1
Go to the Office website

Open a web browser on your new computer and navigate to the official Office.com website.

2
Sign In to your account

Log in using the Microsoft account credentials associated with your active Microsoft 365 subscription.

3
Initiate the download

Click the 'Install Office' or 'Install apps' button located on the top right of the homepage.

4
Run the installer

Locate the downloaded setup file in your downloads folder, run it, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation on your new device.

Install and Transfer Microsoft 365 to a New Computer
No Repurchase Needed: Your Microsoft 365 subscription covers multiple devices per user, so there is no additional cost to install the applications on a newly purchased computer.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Free Alternative to Microsoft 365?

If managing multiple Microsoft subscriptions feels costly or confusing, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides powerful word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools in one lightweight application, completely free for standard use.

  1. 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
  2. 2. Install the software: Run the setup file and follow the brief installation guide to set up WPS Office on your PC.
  3. 3. Open existing files: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open and edit your existing Microsoft Office files without formatting loss.
Free to use without the need to manage recurring monthly or yearly subscription fees.Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight design that runs smoothly on older hardware and newly purchased computers alike.All-in-one interface allowing you to manage documents, spreadsheets, and PDFs in a single window.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy Microsoft Office again if I buy a new laptop?

No. If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, you do not need to buy it again. Simply log into Office.com on your new laptop with your existing Microsoft account and download the apps at no extra cost.

Can I cancel MSN Premium and still keep my Microsoft 365 Family plan?

Yes. MSN Premium and Microsoft 365 Family are entirely separate subscriptions. Canceling your MSN Premium service will not affect your Microsoft 365 Office applications or your OneDrive cloud storage.

How many people can share a Microsoft 365 Family subscription?

You can share your Microsoft 365 Family plan with up to five other people, allowing for six users in total. Each person gets their own 1 TB of cloud storage and can install the applications on their respective devices.

How do I contact Microsoft Support for subscription issues?

You can visit the official Microsoft Support website (support.microsoft.com) and use the 'Contact Us' feature to open a live chat or request a callback for dedicated assistance with your account and billing.