Microsoft won’t automatically refund users for Microsoft 365 Outage, but businesses could get bill credits: How to claim before December 31

Microsoft outage refund: Businesses hit by the Microsoft 365 outage may be able to get a credit on their next bill, but they will have to file a claim. Microsoft does not automatically refund customers when its services go down.

The latest outage affected Outlook and other Microsoft 365 services. Leaving users unable to access their email/ facing delayed messages. But business customers may be able to seek compensation under Microsoft's service level agreement (SLA), as per a Windows Latest report.

Microsoft 365 Outage: How Much Could Businesses Get Back

Eligible business customers may get service credits if Microsoft monthly service availability falls below certain levels. Here are the figures reported by LazyAdmin are:

• 25% credit if availability falls below 99.9%.
• 50% credit if availability falls below 99%.
• 100% credit if availability falls below 95%.

These amounts are not guaranteed. Microsoft works out availability using user-minutes, which account for the length of the disruption and the number of users affected.

Businesses should also be aware that the credit applies to the fees for the affected service, not necessarily their entire Microsoft 365 subscription. An outage affecting Exchange Online, for example, does not automatically qualify a customer for a credit covering every service in its plan.

How to Claim a Microsoft 365 Service Credit

Businesses that subscribe directly through Microsoft can file a request in the Microsoft 365 admin centre. They need to go to Help & Support and ask for an SLA service credit review.

The request should include the incident references EX1550543, for Exchange Online, and MO1550821, for the wider Microsoft 365 incident. Customers can also provide details of when the disruption occurred, which services stopped working and how many employees were affected. Screenshots and error messages can support the request.

Those who purchased their subscriptions through a reseller or Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) should contact the provider to ask about compensation.

Microsoft applies approved credits to a future invoice. Customers should not expect a cash refund.

LazyAdmin has reported December 31, 2026, as the claim deadline for this outage. Businesses should check their own agreement with Microsoft to confirm the deadline that applies to them.

Will Personal Outlook Users Receive a Refund

People using free Outlook.com accounts or Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions might not qualify.

Even a November 13 discussion on Microsoft's Q&A forum also raised the question of refunds. However, the responses did not confirm that personal users would receive compensation.