I paid for 365 in January

Question

I paid Microsoft in January 2026 and have had 365 for years

Answer 1

1

Open Word.

At the top right of Word, log out of Office.

Restart (not shut down) your PC, then log back into Office, is your subscription then recognised correctly.

2

If not, log into your Microsoft account on this link, check the expiry date listed on your subscription, is that listed correctly.

https://account.microsoft.com/services/

If not, go to the Payments and Billing section, is it indicated your payment has been processed correctly.

Answer 2

For issues after paying for Microsoft 365 in January 2026 (for example, still seeing subscription notices, billing confusion, or not getting access to apps), follow these steps:

1. Confirm the subscription status and expiration date
   • Go to the Services and subscriptions page for the Microsoft account used to purchase Microsoft 365 and verify:
     • The subscription is active.
     • The expiration date is in the future.
   • If the expiration date does not look correct, contact Microsoft Support for account-specific help.
2. If apps still show subscription or unlicensed notices
   • If the subscription was renewed or newly purchased, but Office apps still show subscription warnings:
     • If the purchase was via a product key (card/box or email code), make sure the key has been redeemed. A subscription does not start until the product key is entered.
     • To renew or activate with a product key:
       1. Go to https://microsoft365.com/setup and sign in with the same Microsoft account that owns the subscription.
       2. Enter the 25-character product key.
       3. Complete the steps to finish activation/renewal and confirm the new expiration date.
   • If the subscription is already active online but apps still show unlicensed or reduced functionality, sign out of the Office apps and sign back in with the correct Microsoft account, then connect to the internet so the apps can reactivate.
3. Check internet connectivity and sign-in
   • Microsoft 365 desktop apps periodically need to connect to the internet to validate the subscription. If they have not connected for more than 39 days, they can go into reduced functionality mode and show unlicensed or subscription errors.
   • Reconnect to the internet and sign in with the correct Microsoft account to restore full functionality.
4. If billing looks wrong or duplicate charges are suspected
   • Compare the charges shown on the Services and subscriptions page with bank or card statements.
   • For any billing discrepancies, double charges, or refunds, contact Microsoft Support directly, as account and payment details cannot be handled through community tools.
5. If problems persist
   • For Microsoft 365 Family or Personal, use the Contact support options for personalized assistance.
   • If using Microsoft 365 through work or school, contact the organization’s Microsoft 365 admin or IT department.

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References:

• How to renew your Microsoft 365 subscription
• A subscription notice appears when I open a Microsoft 365 application
• What's the difference between a paid Microsoft 365 subscription and the free web apps?
• Microsoft 365