microsoft 365 subscription without recurring billing

Question

I'm trying to complete the installation of microsoft 365 on new laptop..... I have code to confirm the subscription, but I cannot complete without opting for recurring billing...... and I don't want recurring billing!

Answer 1

Hi @Nick P,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Thank you for reaching out. I understand you’re installing Microsoft 365 on your new laptop and would like to complete the setup without enabling recurring billing.

Below are the steps to help you proceed:

1/ Redeem your product key (for business subscriptions)

Use Microsoft’s setup portal to activate your subscription:

• Go to setup.microsoft365.com
• Sign in with the work account that will own the subscription (or create one)
• Enter your 25‑character product key and follow the prompts to complete activation and download the installer: Activating Microsoft 365 Apps for Business with a product key.

2/ Install Microsoft 365 apps

After redeeming the code, download and run the installer from the same account. If your key was previously redeemed, you can simply install from your account dashboard without entering the key again.

3/ Turn off recurring billing (in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center)

If you see a suggestion to enable auto‑renew, you can still complete the activation and then switch recurring billing off immediately:

• Go to admin.microsoft.com
• Navigate to Billing > Your products
• Select your subscription
• Under Subscription and payment settings, choose Edit recurring billing
• Set it to Off, then Save

When recurring billing is turned off, your prepaid subscription remains active until the expiry date, with no additional charges.

For reference: Manage recurring billing in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

4/ If the setup flow encourages enabling auto‑renew

If the webpage appears to favor the auto‑renew option, you still have full control:

• Complete the redemption, then turn off recurring billing immediately in the admin center
• If a payment method is required to continue, you may enter it to proceed, then switch recurring billing off afterward (and remove the payment method if you prefer)

When recurring billing is disabled, your subscription will simply run until its end date with no renewal charges.

 

I hope this information helps. Please try the steps and let me know whether they resolve the issue. If the problem persists, we can work together to find a solution.  

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Thank you for your kindness and for contributing to the forum.   

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