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What is the best option for me?

helen and george griffin 20 Reputation points
2025-08-08T04:20:39.1966667+00:00

I am uncertain about renewal of Microsoft package as I have limited computer knowledge. If I don't renew my subscription, will I still be able to use email? I understand that email is actually "outlook" so I will need to subscribe to use my email account.

I also have documents (word and excel) that are filed on my laptop. Will I be able to open and print these or will I have to subscribe to Microsoft? I understand that I can't alter these files but may be able to view. Is this correct?

If I have to subscribe, can you offer and advise on a price, please?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For home | Windows
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  1. Sumit D - IA 132.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-08T15:52:43.7033333+00:00

    Hi Helen,

    I'm Sumit, here to help with your query on the Microsoft Q&A forums.

    Apologies for any inconvenience you are experiencing. I am happy to help you today.

    If I don't renew my subscription, will I still be able to use email? I understand that email is actually "outlook" so I will need to subscribe to use my email account.

    Yes, you would. However, the free version offers only 5GB of Storage. 365 basic version offers 20GB I believe.

    I also have documents (word and excel) that are filed on my laptop. Will I be able to open and print these or will I have to subscribe to Microsoft? I understand that I can't alter these files but may be able to view. Is this correct?

    Essentially, no, if you want a smooth experience using Win32 apps, I recommend buying 365 Personal. You might be able to open using Web Apps, but they do not offer smooth experience - they run only in a browser. With 365 personal you get 1 TB of Storage.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/p/microsoft-365-personal/cfq7ttc0k5bf?msockid=0e2e3ea9b68b64411e722886b77965ef

    I hope you find this information useful. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Otherwise, please take a moment to rate the thread. Wishing you good luck!

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  1. Flora-T 2,165 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-08-08T06:45:13.4466667+00:00

    Dear helen and george griffin

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum.

    Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. As your needs are simple and specific, I completely understand that navigating subscriptions and software options can be confusing.

    Based on the 'For home' tag in your post, it seems you might be using a personal account. Could you please confirm?

    • Regarding Outlook and email: You can always access your email for free through a web browser at Outlook web app. You do not need a paid Microsoft 365 subscription to use your email. However, once your Microsoft 365 subscription expires, Outlook desktop app on your computer will eventually go into "read-only" mode.
    • Regarding Word and Excel documents saved on your computer: You can still open or print these documents on your computer and use the free online versions at https://office.com for basic editing. However, to edit them using Word and Excel desktop apps installed on your computer, you would need to renew your Microsoft 365 subscription.  

    Regarding subscription options: If you decide to renew, you may consider Microsoft 365 Personal as the most suitable plan for individual users, offering full access to Outlook, Word, Excel, and other desktop apps. If your needs are limited to email and cloud storage, Microsoft 365 Basic is a more affordable option that still covers essential features. 

    I've provided information based on the assumption that you're using a personal account. If that's not the case, please feel free to let me know in the comments.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".User's imageNote: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. helen and george griffin 20 Reputation points
    2025-08-08T07:03:31.94+00:00

    I did respond by adding a comment. Now completing this section for you. Thank you for your assistance. I will look to purchase 365 Basic for my needs.

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  3. helen and george griffin 20 Reputation points
    2025-08-08T23:19:26.72+00:00

    Thanks for your help Sumit

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