How to cancel a Microsoft subscription

You can cancel most Microsoft subscriptions through your account settings online, and the process takes about five minutes. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have Microsoft 365 (the monthly or yearly subscription), Xbox Game Pass, or a one-time purchase like Microsoft Office. Most cancellations take effect immediately, though you may keep access through the end of your current billing period.

The key is knowing where to look: Microsoft subscriptions are managed through your Microsoft account, not through the app or program itself. If you subscribed through a third party — like Apple, Google, or Amazon — you'll cancel there instead, not on Microsoft's site.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft 365 subscriptions cancel through your account.microsoft.com settings, and you keep access until your current billing period ends.
  • If you subscribed through Apple, Google, Amazon, or another platform, you must cancel through that platform's settings, not Microsoft's website.
  • Cancelling stops future charges immediately, but you won't receive a refund for time already paid unless you cancel within a short window after purchase.
  • Uninstalling the app or program does not cancel your subscription — you must go through the account settings to stop the charge.

Cancelling Microsoft 365 through your Microsoft account

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email and password you use for Microsoft 365. Click "Subscriptions" in the left menu, then find the subscription you want to cancel. Click on it, and you'll see a "Manage subscription" or "Cancel subscription" button depending on your account type.

Click that button and follow the prompts. Microsoft will ask why you're cancelling — this is optional, but the information helps them. You'll see a final confirmation screen showing your current billing period end date. Once you confirm, the cancellation is complete. You'll receive a confirmation email, and your subscription will stop renewing after your current period ends.

If you have multiple subscriptions (for example, Microsoft 365 for yourself and a separate one for a family member), each one appears separately in the Subscriptions menu. Cancel only the one you want to stop.

Cancelling if you subscribed through Apple, Google, or Amazon

If you signed up for Microsoft 365 through the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore, you must cancel through that platform, not through Microsoft's website. Cancelling on Microsoft's site won't stop the charge because the subscription is tied to your Apple, Google, or Amazon account.

On Apple devices: Go to Settings, tap your name, select Subscriptions, find Microsoft 365, and tap Cancel Subscription. On Android: Open Google Play, tap your profile icon, go to Payments and Subscriptions, then Subscriptions, find Microsoft 365, and tap Cancel Subscription. Through Amazon: Go to Your Account, select Login & Security, scroll to Apps and Devices, find Microsoft 365, and select Cancel Subscription.

After you cancel through any of these platforms, Microsoft will stop charging you, but you'll keep access through the end of your current billing period. You won't see the subscription listed in your Microsoft account settings because it's managed elsewhere.

Cancelling Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass subscriptions (both console and PC versions) cancel through your Microsoft account, similar to Microsoft 365. Sign in at account.microsoft.com, click Subscriptions, find Xbox Game Pass, and click Manage Subscription or Cancel Subscription.

If you subscribed to Game Pass through Xbox console, you can also cancel directly from the console: go to Settings, select Account, then Subscriptions, find Game Pass, and select Manage or Cancel. Either method works; the result is the same.

What happens after you cancel

Your subscription stops renewing after your current billing period ends. You keep full access to Microsoft 365 apps, OneDrive storage, and other benefits until that date arrives. After the period ends, you lose access to editing documents in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint online; your OneDrive storage reverts to the free 5 GB limit; and Outlook web mail stops working if you rely on the premium version.

Microsoft does not refund money for time already paid, with one exception: if you cancel within 60 days of your purchase date, you may be refunded. Contact Microsoft Support with your order number to request this. After 60 days, the charge is final.

If you want to pause instead of cancel

Microsoft doesn't offer a formal pause feature, but you can downgrade to a free plan instead of cancelling entirely. If you have Microsoft 365, you can switch to the free version of Microsoft 365 online (word.office.com, excel.office.com, etc.) and keep your files and account. This stops the charge without losing your data or account history.

To downgrade, cancel your paid subscription through the steps above. Your files stay in your OneDrive, and you can access them with the free web versions. You won't have the desktop apps or premium features, but your documents remain yours.

Troubleshooting cancellation problems

If you can't find the Cancel Subscription button, you may be signed into the wrong Microsoft account. Sign out completely, clear your browser cache, and sign back in with the email address you use for the subscription. If the button still doesn't appear, the subscription may already be cancelled or may be managed through a third party (Apple, Google, or Amazon).

If you're charged after cancelling, check your email for the confirmation message — it will show the exact date your access ends. If you're charged after that date, contact Microsoft Support with your confirmation email and the charge date. Provide your order number if you have it. Microsoft's support team can investigate and issue a refund if the charge was an error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a refund when I cancel?

No, unless you cancel within 60 days of purchase. After that window, the charge is final. If you think you may have access to for a refund, contact Microsoft Support with your order number and the purchase date.

Will I lose my files if I cancel Microsoft 365?

No. Your files stay in OneDrive and remain yours. You can access them through the free web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at office.com, though you won't be able to edit them offline or use desktop apps.

What if I subscribed through my work or school?

Work and school subscriptions are managed by your organization, not by you. Contact your IT department or administrator to cancel or modify your subscription.

Can I cancel just one app, like Word, without cancelling the whole subscription?

No. Microsoft 365 is an all-or-nothing subscription. If you cancel, you lose access to all apps. You can't pick and choose which apps to keep.

How long does it take for the cancellation to go through?

Cancellation is immediate. You'll see the confirmation right away, and you'll receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your access continues through the end of your current billing period.