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License & Subscription Issues

What Happens When the Microsoft 365 30-Day Free Trial Ends?

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know the consequences of their Microsoft 365 30-day free trial expiring, specifically regarding whether their account will be deleted or automatically charged.

Product
Microsoft 365
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
The user's 30-day free trial period for Microsoft 365 is approaching its end date, and they need to know what actions to take.
Observed behavior
The user needs clarification on Microsoft's billing policies, data retention for OneDrive, and feature access post-trial.
Before you start

Log into your Microsoft account dashboard to check the exact expiration date of your Microsoft 365 free trial so you can take action before automatic billing begins.

Solution 1Recommended

Manage Your Subscription and Backup Your Files

Take control of your Microsoft 365 account settings before the trial ends to either secure your ongoing access or prevent unwanted charges.

Once your 30-day trial expires, Microsoft will automatically charge the payment method you provided during signup to transition you to a paid subscription. If you choose not to pay, your account will not be deleted, but your premium features will be restricted.

1
Cancel to avoid charges

If you do not want to continue using Microsoft 365, sign in to your Microsoft account, go to the 'Services & subscriptions' section, and turn off recurring billing or cancel the trial before the 30-day mark.

2
Continue your subscription

If you are happy with the service, you do not need to do anything. Your payment method will be billed automatically, and you will retain uninterrupted access to all paid features and storage.

3
Download OneDrive files

If you choose to cancel, your OneDrive storage limit will drop from 1TB back to the free 5GB tier. Download any important files from OneDrive to your local hard drive before the trial ends to prevent losing access to them.

Account Deletion: Your Microsoft account itself will not be deleted when the trial ends. Only your access to premium desktop applications like Word and Excel will become restricted to a view-only mode.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Keep Editing Your Documents for Free

If you decide to cancel your Microsoft 365 trial, you don't have to lose your ability to create and edit documents. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and powerful alternative that lets you keep working without a subscription.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
  2. 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
  3. 3. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and open your Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly to continue editing without losing any formatting.
Completely free to use for standard word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tasks.Fully compatible with all major Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Familiar user interface makes transitioning from Microsoft 365 seamless with zero learning curve.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on almost any computer or mobile device.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still view my documents if my Microsoft 365 trial expires?

Yes, you can still view and print your documents. However, the desktop applications will go into a reduced functionality mode, meaning you will not be able to edit existing files or create new ones.

What happens to my OneDrive storage when the free trial ends?

Your OneDrive storage capacity will revert from the premium 1TB allowance to the standard free 5GB tier. If you have more than 5GB of data stored, you will not be able to upload new files until you free up space, though your existing files will not be immediately deleted.

How do I know the exact date my Microsoft 365 trial will end?

You can check your trial expiration date by signing into your Microsoft account online, navigating to the 'Services & subscriptions' page, and viewing the billing details under your active Microsoft 365 subscription.

Will my Microsoft account be deleted if I cancel the free trial?

No, canceling your Microsoft 365 trial will not delete your Microsoft account. You can continue using your account for Outlook email, Xbox Live, and the free web versions of Office applications.