Windows 10: Windows 11 may nag you now when your Microsoft 365 subscription expires

Microsoft continues its push towards making its Windows 11 operating system a driver for subscription-based sales. The company launched a new SCOOBE screen (Second Chance Out of Box Experience) in the latest Windows 11 development builds that is nagging users when their Microsoft 365 subscription expired.

A fullscreen page may be displayed when the Microsoft 365 subscription needs attention writes Microsoft in the release notes of the update. The screen may be displayed when the payment did not go through, according to Microsoft. That is just one example, and others may include nudging users into renewing a subscription if they have paused payments or even cancelled the subscription.

Microsoft writes: "In just a few clicks, you can review and update your payment method and keep your subscription benefits uninterrupted."

The new screen is part of another "experience" that Microsoft baked into its Windows 11 operating system. Users may be aware of the Out of box experience already, which Windows 11 displays on the first start after installation or turning on a PC with Windows 11 for the first time.

This second experience also launches after the operating system is started. It may show different information or calls to action to the user. All have in common that they show up after starting the system in fullscreen and before the actual desktop is displayed. In other words, users have to react to the message before they may even get to the desktop and start using their system.

The new Microsoft 365 subscription screen shows usage information. It lists the amount of data that the user has stored in the cloud and the number of users a family account was shared with. The screen displays highlights next to that, including the number of devices the subscription can be used on and which premium apps may be accessed. Clearly, the message is useful to some, especially if cloud data exceeds the free quota, but it can also be seen as a subtle reminder that others may be impacted, if the subscription is not renewed.

Closing Words


While information like this can be useful to users, for instance when a payment failed without the user realizing it, it has all the traits of a feature that is going to annoy some users also, especially if Micrsoft uses it as a way to lure users who cancelled their subscription back in.

Microsoft does not say how often the screen is displayed to users. Just once? Or regularly, until the subscription is renewed? Only time will tell, but judging from past experiences, it is likely that users will see the nag screens multiple times a year.

Now You: what is your take on this? Good move by Microsoft and a friendly reminder, or an attempt to make the life of ex-subscribers miserable?

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Microsoft 365 shows that the Microsoft 365 Subscription is expired. But its not. Its on a monthly basis. Second, do I have to use 365?

Microsoft 365 shows that the Microsoft 365 Subscription is expired. But its not. Its on a monthly basis. Second, do I have to use 365? I have office pro 2021 and see no difference as between the 365 and 2021. Thanks!!

 

paid for office subscription but still says expired

Hi Ashlyn Kaye



Greetings!



Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.





We understand that you need help with this concern. We will work together to achieve your desired resolution.





For me to better understand the issue, I’d like to ask a few questions:

• What do you mean by " I had 365 but downgraded to just Office"? did you switch to a different version of Office license?
  
• Please specify the version and edition of your active Office license right now, for example. Microsoft 365 Personal or Office 2019
  

To resolve this issue, please try the following steps:



1. Make sure that you're signed in to Office with the correct Microsoft account that you used to purchase the subscription.



2. Check your subscription status by going to account.microsoft.com/services website and signing in with the same account you used to purchase the subscription. From there, you can see if your subscription is active or expired.



3. If your subscription is active, try signing out of Office and then signing back in. This should refresh your subscription status.



We look forward to your reply.



Sincerely



Microsoft Forum Moderator

 

Subscription of Microsoft 365

Your question is outside the scope of this Community.

We don't work for Microsoft.

We are mainly volunteers here.

Due to privacy restrictions we have no access to your private details to be able to assist you here.

Cancel or turn off recurring billing for a Microsoft subscription:

Cancel your Microsoft subscription - Microsoft Support

This article covers the steps to cancel
your Microsoft subscriptions such as free trials, Xbox Live and Microsoft 365.